Hawaii Fi-Do Service Dogs is donating a facility dog to the State Hospital, which will use the animal in its Animal Assisted Therapy program.

Wahoo, a male golden retriever, has "volunteered" in the program for several months and is ready to become a permanent part of the staff, said Susan Luehrs, executive director or Hawaii Fi-Do.

His duties are to give unconditional love, participate in therapy sessions and provide motivation for patients at the hospital.

"For a person in recovery or in extended care, the mere presence of a friendly, safe, clean dog can be an uplifting experience," Luehrs said.

The dog will be given to the hospital next month and will live with two people who work at the hospital.

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