This year, therapy dog and Kaiser volunteer Dante, earned his 500-hour Commemorative Brick. In addition to his name, Dante’s brick has something else: his paw print. It’s one of a kind.

Dante, a 6-1/2 year-old border/collie and shepherd mix, is the first dog to earn this distinction. At the end of 2006 Dante had logged 639 hours of meeting and greeting patients, always ready with his big kind eyes and warm coat that’s perfect for strolling. Starting work at Kaiser in 2004, Dante makes the rounds from post-op to dialysis and pediatrics to cardiac care. There’s something about a friendly dog that instantly calms people, a canine magic that Dante has brought to hundreds of patients. Dante is a certified therapy dog, trained to work in hospitals, nursing homes and similar settings. His partner/owner is human volunteer, Susie Levin, a former pediatric nurse. Susie also received her 500-hour volunteer brick alongside Dante. They are a team working six to eight hours a week.

For years KP SCL has honored volunteers reaching the 500-hour mark. A ceremony is held ion the spring and each volunteer receives a special commemorative brick etched with his/her name and placed on the Volunteer Walkway located between the new hospital and the medical office building.

If you want to find Dante's brick (Levin) or your brick, click on Where's My Brick?