MACON, Ga. (WGXA) -- The nurses at Atrium Health Navicent were shown some appreciation for all their hard work on Monday.

Courtney Anderson, a sepsis coordinator at Atrium Health Navicent, says in honor of Nurses Week they brought therapy dogs in from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

"We are trying to give back to our nurses. Nurses spend a lot of time giving love and compassion and so we're returning that favor to our nurses," she says.

Therapy dog handler Judith Keim was there with her own pup, Patti. Keim explained that all of the handlers own their dogs, and the organization is supported by volunteers.

"We're probably out two or three times a week with therapy dogs at schools, nursing homes, assisted living [homes]. Just wherever there's a special need, so this is great, I'm glad they're doing a thank you like this," says Keim.

This was the first time the Alliance of Therapy Dogs had been called in for the nurses at Navicent.

"The animals provide comfort and excitement and joy to the children and to the patients and so we just thought you know what why don't we just celebrate our nurses and give that same kind of therapy to them," says Courtney Anderson.

Anderson said the dogs immediately brought out a big crowd. "I have pet every single one of them! I just couldn't wait to get out here," she said.

Judith Keim says next, they plan to head to Peach County in a few days for a visit there.

"As you can see, they're always popular wherever you go," she says.

On Monday the dogs visited nurses at several Navicent hospitals including Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin, Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, and Atrium Health Navicent Peach.