For the first time in nearly a year, a furry friend got to bring comfort to patients and staff at Huntington Hospital.

Hazel, a 3-year-old golden retriever therapy dog, was a sight for sore eyes for those who haven't seen her roaming the halls with her handler since March.

"Besides just being able to relax us when we've needed it with the stress, it's actually a symbol that we're getting over the hump, that there's a light at the end of the tunnel and Hazel is representing that light a little bit," says Huntington Hospital Director of Pathology and Laboratory Dr. Gary Stone.

Hazel will now be back weekly to provide smiles and snuggles to those at the hospital.