Columbus dog who helps first responders gets promotion

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- On Friday, a special dog was honored with a paw-fect promotion.

Shiloh, with the Buckeye Paws program at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, was promoted to the rank of captain by the Ohio National Guard.

Ohio Air National Guard Captain Greg Geisler bestowed the title to Shiloh, followed by a salute which Shiloh returned with a very professional handshake.

“Shiloh is a very, very confident, sweet guy. He recognizes things in people that sometimes we as humans don't recognize in others," Mary Justice, Shiloh’s owner and the chief administrative officer for the OSU College of Nursing, said. "And so when he notices that somebody is having a tough day, he goes up to that person and sometimes he leans on them and sometimes he really just stays and gives them some extra time.”

Shiloh received his former title of first lieutenant for his work helping first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our byline is we care for the people that care for the people," Justice said. "And to be recognized like this by our national guard is just a full circle for us. In many ways that shows that you give caring and it comes back to you and it's important."

The Buckeye Paws program was created in March 2020 to promote mental and emotional health for healthcare workers. During the ceremony, Geisler and other national guard members spoke about personal memories with Shiloh.

“I think any time you have the opportunity to interact with a dog is a great day and just brings a smile to everybody's face, and it just kind of relieves the stress and kind of takes things down a notch,” Geisler said.

Shiloh is one of the founding members of Buckeye Paws. They now have about 30 dogs in the program.