BUFFALO, N.Y. — Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center's therapy dog program is the focus of a Super Bowl ad this week.
The program was started back in 2006, and since then has helped provide patients with a dose of happiness.
The program currently has seven dogs, and Sunday's ad will feature the therapy dog "Hawk" and his impact on patients. The regional 60-second ad called "Tails of Hope" should run locally before halftime.
Roswell Park is also releasing a calendar featuring its dog doctors. Those are available at the hospital's gift shop for $10.
"The commercial opens as if viewers are walking through Roswell Park as a therapy dog — they just don’t know it yet," Roswell Park said of the commercial.
Later, the narrator, as Hawk, quips, “They call me a therapy dog, but I think I’m just a lucky boy.”
The spot will show patient visits, families and loved ones, and research labs to showcase all the work that goes into the care for people at Roswell Park.
"Seeing a dog in a hospital and petting or hugging a dog can make such a difference in your day," Nicole Gerber, a Ph.D. and co-creator of Roswell Park's therapy dog program, said in a statement. "The moment you’re around an animal, that not only take your minds off things, it puts you in a relaxed state.
"I’m so thankful our organization recognizes just how beneficial this program is for our patients, their loved ones, and our staff.”
The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will play in Super Bowl LVIII at 6:30 p.m. Sunday in Las Vegas.