Healing dog.

Henry Arthur Cole had been visiting hospitalized patients as part of a volunteer program for four years when he was diagnosed with cancer. However, not even lymphoma could stop this 75-pound Golden Retriever who enjoys the visits almost as much as the patients who take part in a pet therapy program.

"I think dogs just want to please and this is something they know that's a good thing and thoroughly enjoy it," said Adrienne Cole, Henry's owner. "Who wouldn't like being told that you're wonderful and getting petted and given treats?"

The program, called POOCH--for Pets Offer Care and Healing--was first developed in the rehabilitation unit at Cedars-Sinai in 1992. Currently it has expanded to include the cardiac unit, the cancer unit, the HIV/Aids unit and the pediatric unit. Many more sections are interested, Cole said, but even with 45 dogs and their owners there's not enough people to visit everyone.

"I'm the one who decides how long to stay in a room and I decide by telling who doesn't want to let Henry go," she said.

One man who was also suffering from lymphoma literally took off his hat to Henry--not so much in tribute, but to compare hair loss, Cole said.

Henry is going to have to stay in chemotherapy now for the rest of his life but that could still be another six or 10 years, she said, and he'll be doing his hospital rounds as long as he has the energy.