Dignity Health | St. Rose Dominican | Reach | Fall 2018

For Brenda DiVincenzo, the best part about visiting patients with her pet therapy dog, Gavin, is watching him brighten people’s days. “I enjoy sharing Gavin with people and seeing the meaningful difference he makes,” she says. For seven years, Brenda and Gavin have been sharing their time and compassion with St. Rose Dominican patients. Recently, Reach caught up with the caring duo. Side note: Gavin’s dog breed, vizsla, originated in Hungary. So we were a bit surprised by his Scottish accent. Q. Howdid your career get started? 13th annual Pet Blessing and Animal Fair Saturday, Nov. 3, 1 to 3 p.m. San Martín Campus: Healing Garden 8280 W. Warm Springs Road, Las Vegas Treat your pets to a fun day: ●  ● A group pet blessing at 2:30 p.m. ●  ● A variety of pet-related booths with information, demonstrations, and drawings ●  ● Light refreshments Contest prizes will be awarded for: ●  ● Best Dressed ●  ● Best Trick ●  ● Best Pet/Owner Look-Alike Toss us your towels! We’re asking for clean, new, or used towels to donate to local pet shelters. For more information, call 702.492.8509 . St. Rose Dominican Hospitals 102 E. Lake Mead Drive Henderson, NV 89015-5524 From your friends at Dignity Health–St. Rose Dominican Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Merced, CA Permit No. 1186 U Gavin speaks Learn just how he wiggles his way into hearts A. I’m a rescue. Brenda adopted me as a wee pup. At age 4, she saw my potential and enrolledme in pet therapy training. I was a natural, a real rock star, as the kids say. Q. What’s a good day at St. Rose? A. I get to meet a lot of interesting people. They pet me, ask Brenda questions about me, and show us their pet pictures. Did I mention I get back scratches? Q. How do you think Brenda would describe you? A. Aye, good question. Let’s go with oh-so-handsome and calm under pressure. Q. What’s your secret to making people happy? A. Some say it’s my wiggly bahookie —oh, maybe I should explain. I do this thing where my whole backside moves whenever I wag my tail—like Elvis performing “Hound Dog.” But here’s the real trick: I’m genuinely interested in people. They make me happy. Q. How do you enjoy your spare time? A. I like to snuggle—I’m a 65-pound lapdog. And I love hanging out with my brother, Copper. We’re quite a pair! Get more Gavin at StRoseReach.org! See his happy wiggle caught in action—and photos of him and Copper. Photos by Brenda DiVincenzo