Norfolk, Va. – Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters will hear the pitter patter of little feet, but from one furry friend with four legs.

The Canine Companions for Independence just matched their Child Life Manager, Shannon Hood, with a Canine Companions Facility dog named Saralee.

The two-year-old golden retriever is quite a dog.

She responds to over 40 advanced commands, she can turn light switches on and off, she can open and close doors and now she will be helping Shannon work with children who are recovering from surgery after traumatic injuries.

Shannon and Saralee just returned to Virginia Beach after completing an intense, two-week course in New York.

They are now settling back into a routine at the hospital.

“Saralee is a very special dog and she is already making a tremendous difference in children’s lives,” says Shannon.

Don’t forget to say hello if you see her around the hospital.