TYLER, TX (KLTV) -

An East Texas health care center recently got a new member that is having quite the effect on residents.

Briarcliff Health Care Center in Tyler rescued a dog from the SPCA to help with the memory residents. Those are elderly who have dementia or Alzheimer's. Staff members said the dog has drastically improved morale and even has some health benefits for residents.

Jimmy seems to be the most popular resident as Briarcliff. He runs down the main hallway comfortably.

We love him, Judy Jones, a resident, said.

Sabrina Greenhouse, the charge nurse, said, the residents love him. The nursing staff loves him. He's sweet and he brightens up everybody's day around here.

He's got free reign of the memory care facility and gets lots of treats. He has made plenty of friends roaming the halls.

He always knows that I feed him, Brenda McCoy, a resident, explained. If he'll let me know that he's hungry, I usually always have something left over that I can feed him.

He'll invite himself over for lunch and stay awhile, too. He's got his own spot at the nursing station desk. His bed, toys, and food, sit underneath.

He's special, you know, I know he can't take the place of their own dog, but you know, he has that little glow about him. He makes you feel good, Stephanie Walker, an LVN, said.

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