Service Animal Spotlight: Vegas

Seven-year-old Springer Spaniel Vegas is one of the few, if only, therapy dogs to be upstaged by a parent when she visits Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital, and it is all her father’s fault. When Vegas volunteers at schools and hospital, the person at the other end of her leash is Bill Corwin, MD, the retired chief medical officer at The Miriam Hospital. While many staff members recognize Dr. Corwin, it’s Vegas who truly steals the show with her energetic wagging tail.

After retiring from Lifespan, now Brown University Health, Dr. Corwin decided to bring a new puppy into his life. With a history of owning Springer Spaniels, he found a breeder in Wisconsin with one puppy left from a recent litter. That puppy was Vegas, who soon made the journey from Wisconsin to Boston Logan International Airport, where Dr. Corwin welcomed her.

“We’ve been attached at the hip ever since,” said Dr. Corwin.

Vegas began her service animal training at six months old and quickly earned several certifications, making her well-qualified for her role as a therapy dog. Since then, Dr. Corwin and Vegas have been volunteering at Brown University Health hospitals and local schools. Given Dr. Corwin’s personal experience as a physician and his understanding of the positive impact that therapy animals can have on the demanding work environment, their visits to Rhode Island and The Miriam hospitals focus on supporting healthcare staff.

Dr. Corwin and Vegas do like to visit patients recommended by his Brown University Health friends, as well. At a Rhode Island Hospital visit in mid-August, they made one such visit to a patient in the surgical intensive care unit. Vegas, sensing the patient’s need for comfort, hopped onto the bed, lay down beside him, and offered a few affectionate licks. The patient, delighted by the attention, spent time petting her and enjoying her comforting presence.

When not volunteering, Vegas enjoys barking at squirrels, napping, and joining Dr. Corwin on bird-hunting adventures. Every day, Vegas loves spending all of her time with her parents, who plan every vacation around her. It is only fitting that someone who takes such great care of people when volunteering gets so well taken care of at home.