Paralyzed dog cheers children's hospital patients

MIAMI (AP) — Every week, patients at Miami Children's Hospital get a visit from a foot-tall therapist who doesn't make them exercise or ask them how they feel.

Lance, a 5-year-old dachshund, is a therapy dog at the hospital. He has been visiting children since he became paralyzed in his back legs two years ago. His owners bring him to the hospital, where he walks the hallways tethered to a leash, comforting patients who nurses consider appropriate to visit.

He is not allowed to bark during his visits, and he cannot lick the patients or their families.

And because of his paralysis, he can't wag his tail: He lifts his ears when he greets children.

What he can do: He offers hope in a place where it's sometimes in short supply.