JACKSONVILLE, N.C. -- Shirley Melton may be dealing with difficult times as a patient at Onslow Memorial Hospital, but its newest staff member is helping her to heal in a special way.

"You just don't expect to see Hannah at the hospital, and she makes you smile and she makes you laugh," Melton said. "That's one of the best things they ever got here."

Hannah, a 4-year-old golden retriever, is part of the new Welcome Waggers program at the hospital, which is designed to provide unique therapeutic benefits to patients and staff through animal assistance therapy. Three days a week, Hannah assists the inpatient services unit to enhance long and short term memory, provide exercise, reduce anxiety and support the overall healing process.