Each week, patients at the Support Hospital of Brasilia receive visits from a special breed of therapist: dogs trained to help them recover from disease or injury. (Photo: AP)
In this Nov. 17, 2016 photo, Nivaldo Lopes, a 60-year-old geriatric patient, pets a Schnauzer dog named Paola in his bed at the Support Hospital of Brasilia, Brazil.
The animals must pass extensive health checks and undergo training, as they are brought right into the wards of the hospital.
The project began about five months ago and now counts 60 volunteers who bring their pets to the hospital in Brazil's capital each week.
Designed for people who have advanced-stage cancer, live with chronic disease or are recovering from trauma, the program of canine interactions assists with both mental and physical rehabilitation.
Folks who are more mobile may take an animal to a crafts class, or play with it in the hallways.
Big and small, from German shepherds to Shih Tzus, the dogs get into bed with some patients to snuggle during the 15-minute visits.