Dignity Health | St. Rose Dominican | Reach | Summer 2019

StRoseHospitals.org  7 “We love our pet therapists,” says Jamie Olsen, Director of Volunteer Services for Dignity Health– St. Rose Dominican. “Not only do our patients get a dose of happiness from our furry friends, but our visitors and employees enjoy seeing our wonderful pet therapy dogs, too.” Pet therapy dogs and their humans are trained and certified—and volunteer their time. When they visit the hospital, they usually spend about an hour with anyone who needs comfort or cheer. Here’s how one of those interactions led to life-changing friendships. Dr. Zack meets James Zack the therapy dog visits the hospital regularly with his owner, Cathy Roper. He’s sometimes Comfort pups Pet therapists and their caring humans spread joy and kindness called “Dr. Zack” when he makes his rounds. That’s where he first met James. “We visited a very special 7-year- old boy who had brain cancer,” says Cathy. The two bonded instantly, and for 2½ years, Zack visited James every time he had chemo. “I am blessed to say that we have become like adopted grandparents to James,” Cathy says. But this sweet story doesn’t end there. Paying it forward “James always said that when he got better, he wanted a dog just like Zack, a red golden retriever,” says Amy Schildknecht, James’ mom. In November 2017, the family got a call from the Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Nevada. They had a 6-month-old dog for James—a red golden named Zeke. “James is now 11 and thriving,” says Amy, who says she’s so grateful for the peace and comfort that Zack brought their family during a tough journey. Now, Amy and Zeke are pet therapy volunteers, too. One of Zeke and Amy’s first visits was with a 7-year-old boy. “We walked into the room…and the way he lit up immediately reminded me so much of James,” Amy says. “That little boy took me back to the day we met Zack and how much one therapy dog visit can change your life.” Lean on me. James (at age 7) would often take a nap on Dr. Zack during his treatments for brain cancer. “Zack would instantly bring healing to James…anxiety and fear melting away,” says Amy Schildknecht, James’ mother. Tails wagged, lives changed! Meet more of our pet therapists featured on the cover—like Sassy and Zack, with their human, Cathy Roper, pictured at right. You can read their stories at StRoseHospitals.org/Reach . James (now 11), with his mother, Amy, and dog, Zeke