Meet Newport Hospital’s new therapy dog

NEWPORT — Newport Hospital and Health Services’ newest staff member has two distinct characteristics, a white coat with brown spots and flecks and a certain preference for beef liver- flavored treats.

Clara is a certified therapy dog and service animal owned and handled by Dr. Taylor Stewart, a full spectrum family medicine doctor and clinic medical director at NHHS. Still only 14 months old, the springer spaniel has been serving NHHS since April and is trained to assist patients in a variety of settings and situations.