What full-time employee has golden hair, a bushy tail and makes children smile and laugh every day at the Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children?

The answer is Tucker, a golden retriever and a favorite at the hospital. Because personal pets are banned, Tucker is a welcome sight to many patients.

The 3-year-old dog is originally from Australia. As a young pup, he was handpicked by Hawaii Canines for Independence to undergo a full year of training at their facility on Maui. Tucker's calm temperament, eager-to-please attitude and mental sharpness made him the perfect choice to be a therapy dog. After he completed his training, Tucker was generously donated to the Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children.

Tucker's handler, Wendi Hirsch, a clinical psychologist at the hospital, also received training on Maui on how to care for Tucker and to integrate him in her work.

Tucker has been on staff for 2 1/2 years, working Mondays through Fridays, from 8 to 5. Every day, Tucker visits kids with traumatic injuries, cancer, heart conditions and chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

His sweet personality makes every child smile, while his soft fur provides a comforting touch. "He has an amazing ability to bond with many people," Hirsch says. "He looks like a living teddy bear, and has the personality to match."

She adds, "Tucker is the perfect addition to my work here at Kapi'olani, really allowing me to enter the room and help out with our children and families so much easier."

What does Tucker do when he enters a patient's room? He reads the mood of the patient and may sit quietly next to the child or lick the patient's hand. Only when given the command by Hirsch will he jump on their beds. Visits may last a few minutes to an hour.

Tucker is skilled at dealing with very young kids. So not to frighten them, he lays flat on the floor, below their line of vision, until they get used to him.

"He embodies what the hospital tries to create, a place where every aspect of a child's health is attended to, including their emotional well-being, comfort and happiness," Hirsch says. "It's so well-known that a dog can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety and other stress. Tucker does that every day for our keiki."

Every Oct. 19, Tucker celebrates his birthday with the staff and children at the hospital.

Today, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Honolulu Zoo, Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children is celebrating 100 years in Hawai'i. Besides meeting Tucker, there will be activities for kids and entertainment throughout the day, including Leon and Malia, Henry Kapono and Jasmine Trias. Admission is free if you register online at birthday.kapiolanigift.org. If you do not register, tickets can be purchased at the door for $4.

Thanks to Tucker and Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children for taking such wonderful care of Hawai'i's children.

Animal lover Leslie Kawamoto has been with the Advertiser for 19 years, or 133 in dog years. Check out her blog at www.HonoluluAdvertiser.com/Blogs.