In the Akron Children’s Hospital, man’s best friend is often seen walking alongside a wheelchair or bringing a smile to a child’s face. These dogs are specially chosen to help bring comfort, love and joy to each patient.

The Akron Children’s Hospital’s Doggie Brigade, formed entirely of dog and owner volunteers, makes 26 or more hospital visits per year. Thousands of hours of volunteering and positive impact are recorded yearly as well.

Now, the Doggie Brigade is recruiting recruiting new members for the Akron and Mahoning Valley hospital campuses.

To become a member of the Doggie Brigade, dogs must go through a screening test and a vet visit to make sure that the dog is healthy, obedient and gentle enough to interact with children in the hospital setting. Each dog must be well-behaved and well-trained.

Doggie Brigade dogs must also be able to ignore loud noises and respond positively to unexpected touching and large groups of people. Also, dogs must be able to respond to voice commands and not treats.

Applications for new members are being accepted, and workshops will take place will take place Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon, and Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m at the Considine Professional Building Auditorium, 215 W. Bowery Street.

At the workshops, interested owners will be able to ask questions, see how current Doggie Brigade members act and witness a sample screening test.

Akron Children’s accepts applications for new teams in January, and screenings are conducted once a year in March.

Call (330) 543-8424 for an application or for more information.