Uno, a therapy dog at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, climbs onto Emma’s bed and stretches out beside her without touching a single tube or wire, adjusting so carefully as though moving in slow motion. He gently places his head on Emma’s pillow and stares into the child’s hazel eyes.

Emma’s pale face brightens into a smile.

In March, AJC photographer Curtis Compton started working on a photo documentary about Uno the therapy dog. He made several visits to the hospital following Uno as this special pup navigated his duties. Compton also tagged along for a day at summer camp.

The goal was to document the positive influence of Uno and take an intimate look at the day in the life of a therapy dog. What he captured was the warmth and energy Uno brings the moment he steps inside a hospital room, even when a child is critically sick. What he captured is Uno, a dog known as “The Magic Maker.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

Visitors venture inside a kaleidoscope by Atlanta artist William Downs. The artwork is part of a pop-up exhibit at Ponce City Market by Dash Studio that focuses on themes of health, wellness and medicine. (Courtesy of Dash Studio)

Credit: Courtesy of Dash Studio

Featured

CIA Director John Ratcliffe, joined at center by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, testifies as the Senate Intelligence Committee holds its worldwide threats hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Credit: AP