Therapy dog brings joy to hospital patients

Onyx, a 4-year-old Shiloh shepherd therapy dog, makes weekly visits to the St. Luke’s campus.

UTICA, N.Y. » A 4-year-old Shiloh Shepherd therapy dog visits patients every Wednesday at the St. Luke’s Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS).

Onyx, owned by hospital volunteer Sister Sharon Ann Boyd, takes her job very seriously.

With her large size – 98 pounds – and friendly demeanor, Onyx manifests a powerful presence at the hospital. Employees fuss over her as she prances with confidence through the hallways, always obliging to engage onlookers who are eager to meet her.

“Both dog lovers and those who generally shy away from dogs enjoy Onyx’s company,” Sister Sharon Ann said. “Sometimes Onyx will stop in rooms at random, and other times nurses might recommend that she visit a certain patient.”

When Onyx was 8 weeks old, Boyd adopted her from a breeder in Pennsylvania, knowing that Shiloh Shepherds are bred for calm and gentle temperament.

become a certified therapy dog, Onyx went through a series of 14 tests required by Therapy Dog International in Flanders, N.J., and earned her therapy license last year.

“Onyx exerts well-developed emotional instincts,” said Deacon Paul Lehmann, director of Mission at MVHS. “Some people are fearful of dogs but Onyx is intuitive — if someone is crying, she lies next to them. She senses emotions before humans.”

“Onyx’s role as a therapy dog is special because of the great emotional support she provides,” said Boyd.

Robert Lusiak, a patient who was visited by Onyx, thinks her role is beneficial because it opens up patients’ inhibitions.

“You’re less likely to talk to a medical professional but you’re open to a friendly animal,” Lusiak said. “Dogs are open to people and people are open to dogs.”

PHOTO COURTESY MOHAWK VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM Onyx, a 4-year-old Shiloh Shepherd therapy dog who visits patients every Wednesday at the St. Luke’s Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System.