Veteran works with therapy dog to bring healing and hope worldwide

A veteran and his golden retriever are on a worldwide mission to spread joy — one smile at a time.

Former Army helicopter pilot Kevin Bubolz travels the world with Ellie, a therapy dog with an infectious grin. Together, they aim to brighten the days wherever they go.

Watch the video above to see the duo sharing joy across the globe!

Kevin first witnessed the comforting power of dogs during his military deployment, when the unit’s chaplain brought in a black Labrador named Zac.

“It was incredible to see how this little black lab could bring people together, get conversations going and just make people smile,” Kevin said.

After returning home, Kevin and his wife, Katie, welcomed Ellie into their family. At the time, Katie was working at a hospital, and Kevin would bring Ellie to visit patients.

Seeing patients’ reactions inspired their Mission to Spread Smiles. Their philosophy is simple: If they could make just one person smile, it was worth it.

What began as local hospital visits quickly expanded to children’s hospitals and military bases across the globe.

”Sometimes this smile makes such an impact,” Kevin said. “It changes perspectives and gives hope.”

Watch the video below to hear from Kevin himself on the remarkable encounters from their journey!

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Army veteran and smiling golden retriever bring joy and healing worldwide

Reporting by Ronnie Li, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect