Med student, dog bring smile to children's faces at hospital

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - A medical student has been taking her dog to an Orlando children's hospital in hopes of bringing some cheer and a smile to patients' faces.

University of Central Florida medical student Christa Zino brings her dog Ion to Nemours Children's Hospital at least once a week.  Zino says she knows her 2-year-old rescued boxer can promote healing in a way no doctor can, because she has experienced the impact firsthand.

As a toddler, Zino spent time in and out of hospitals after developing a painful bile-duct blockage. Zino says she remembers how happy she was when the therapy dog would come to see her. The experience led her to pursue becoming a pediatric surgeon and getting one of her three dogs certified for pet therapy.

WATCH: Christa Zino and her dog visit patients