“I called my boss at home and she said we’d have to wait and check him out, but I said he’d be gone (if we waited),” Gagne said, of her immediate call to activity coordinator Lynn Hibdon. Gagne knew the cute canine would have no trouble finding a home.

Requirements to be a therapy dog are more than skin deep, however. It was going to take more than good looks to get Shiloh in the unit’s door. Being an effective therapy dog is all about personality and an ability to fit in with unit residents. Shiloh passed on all counts.

“He loves everybody,” Gagne said.

Christine Anderson, director of patient care services at SPH, couldn’t agree more.

“That little dog is so great because he likes to go around and visit,” Anderson said. “It really struck me one day when I was talking to the unit manager, Sue Shover. Shiloh walked in and Sue didn’t acknowledge him right away. He hung around until she reached down and petted him. He knew who the boss of the unit was.”

Anderson recalled another night when a search was organized after Shiloh disappeared.

“A resident called out and asked who they were looking for, and Shiloh was in (the resident’s room), snuggled up in bed,” Anderson said, laughing. “It’s like he watches over everyone, but in a protective, not a harsh way.”

Shiloh was taken to the shelter because of his aversion to loud noises, said Sherry Bess, animal control officer at the shelter.

“And he had separation anxiety issues,” Bess said. “He doesn’t like to be alone. So, he is in the best place he could possibly be because he is never alone. He’s quiet, has nice manners and is just a good therapy dog. He’s got it made. It looks like he’s in the height of happiness.”

The value of therapy dogs has been proven by research, according to Anderson.

“Pet therapy is known to have a benefit,” she said. “It helps reduce blood pressure, anxiety and pulse rate. It calms people down.”

Shiloh takes his role seriously.

“He makes the rounds, goes in and out of rooms and sits on the couch with the residents in the morning,” Gagne said. “He makes everyone smile. He’s just darling.”

He’s even had a couple of outings with residents, proving himself an excellent passenger, Gagne reported.

What does Shiloh get in return for all the care he dispenses? For one thing, he gets plenty of attention. He also gets a fair amount of treats.

“We try to keep him in the office while the residents are eating, but if they sneak him things, that’s OK. They have treats that they give him — approved treats.”

Still, there’s a couple things even a good therapy dog like Shiloh could use. Maybe Santa’s helpers will make sure they’re under the tree come Christmas morning.

“He needs a dog bed,” Gagne said. “And some toys would be good, too.”