‘People love him.’ Doctor’s golden retriever brings joy to Macon hospital patients at Christmas

Coliseum Medical Centers introduced a new employee to patients on Tuesday.

His name is Kiyyaa, and he’s a 10-year-old golden retriever.

Dr. Yomiyyu Gammada, a hospitalist at Coliseum, brought his dog to work to visit his patients on his rounds.

“He’s always been a therapy dog, as long as he’s been alive. People love him. I’ve always wanted to bring him to work,” Gammada said. “I think it’s always difficult to be in the hospital — more so during Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. That’s why I’m really excited about this.”

Gammada started his round with Kiyyaa by saying, “Let’s make some people smile.”

As they walked down the halls, nurses, doctors and patients commented on how much joy Kiyyaa was bringing to the hospital.

Although the hospital has a dog therapy program, this is the first time a doctor has had his dog certified to visit patients.

Kenneth Kirkpatrick, a patient at Coliseum, said he liked Kiyyaa because he was a calm, older dog. Kirkpatrick has had dogs all his life.

“I just came out of surgery, so it helps take my mind off of my problems,” Kirkpatrick said. “It’s definitely a treat here especially at Christmas time.”

Gammada, who has worked at Coliseum for three years, became a physician because he said he believes in the benefit of showing compassion toward patients and making a connection with them so they feel more comfortable listening to his medical advice.

Bringing a dog to visit patients creates a positive connection and also provides them something to look forward to, Gammada said.

“It’s hard to really look forward to anything in the hospital other than the day of your discharge, so that’s the benefit of a dog,” Gammada said. “You make a connection with that human who’s unfortunately in the hospital, and they’re going to look forward to seeing you and your dog.”

Before Kiyyaa was certified to visit the hospital, Gammada said he always wanted to bring him along.

“After I give him his breakfast, he just looks at me like, ‘You know, I can come with you,’” Gammada said with a laugh. “I just didn’t know how to go about doing this.”

Kiyyaa’s new job would not be possible without the help of Patti Jones, who heads up the animal therapy program, Gammada said.

Jones helped Gammada fill out the paperwork and speed up the process for Kiyyaa to have his first day before Christmas.

Beverly Turner, a patient at Coliseum, said because she has been in the hospital for a week, she has missed her animals a lot and having Kiyyaa visit was a real treat.

“This dog would’ve helped me if it was the fourth of April. He’s good no matter if it’s the holidays or not,” she said.

Gammada plans to bring Kiyyaa on rounds three times a week, and he said the exercise will benefit the dog as well.

Kiyyaa was 12 weeks old when Gammada’s father gave Kiyyaa to him. The dog’s name means “my very own” in Afaan Oromo, Gammada’s native language from Ethiopia.

Gammada hopes other physicians and nurses will decide to certify their dogs and create a common practice for them to bring their pets to work for patients.

“They mostly react very positively. They smile, and they told me it makes their day. That is why I’m motivated to actually do this beyond the holiday,” he said. “I think it means a lot to have their mind… distracted even if it’s for a minute. I think it’s helpful.”