Canine cupids deliver Valentine's treats to California children's hospital

LOS ANGELES -- Patients at both Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA in Westwood and UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica got some love from a band of Valentine-bearing pups Friday.

UCLA's People-Animal Connection, an animal-assisted therapy program, brought custom handmade Valentine's Day cards to sick children and elderly patients.

One of those patients at Mattel Children's Hospital, 17-year-old Robbie Wilson, said this year's Valentine's Day is one of his best.

"Bubbles is a sweetheart and made me feel a lot better this morning," Wilson said.

Wilson is recovering from kidney failure. It's been a hard road for him, but his new furry friend has brightened his mood.

PHOTOS: Canine cupids visit children, elderly patients

Bubbles the black Labrador, along with other canine cupids, were making rounds at the hospital and medical center. Bubbles was accompanied by Tova the dachshund, Tommy the Bichon frise, Tucker the cocker spaniel and Apache the Great Pyrenees.

"When we get to deliver Valentine's and we get to see the kids' faces it means everything to us," said Shelley Cooper, a volunteer with People-Animal Connection.

The pups also visited 8-year-old Jonah Sanders, and he got to consult on Tucker's holiday attire. Jonah's parents said he is recovering from brain surgery to treat severe epileptic seizures.

A recent study found dogs can tell when someone is happy or sad simply by looking at facial expressions. When people are sad, therapy dogs can life a person's mood.

All of the dogs were dressed up in special Valentine's themed costumes, and this is the third year the organization has brought the dogs over as canine cupids.

The cards that were delivered to patients were made and donated by a group of women who are part of the organization Dollies Making a Difference, which provides gifts to patients during the holidays.