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'Nash Wednesdays' bring joy to Gaylord Hospital patients this holiday season

Therapy dog “Nash” is the newest hospital employee at Gaylord.

WALLINGFORD, Conn. — Just in time for the holiday season, Nash, an 85-pound black Labrador Retriever, is making his rounds at Gaylord Hospital.

With his handler Amanda McQuaid, a recreation therapist at Gaylord, Nash has been on a mission to spread more joy to patients in December.

“He provides a sense of comfort [to patients], almost like a serotonin boost,” McQuaid said of Nash.

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Nash, who will turn 3 years old on Christmas Eve, is popular with patients like Nicole Pedonti, from Portland. Pedonti is fighting back from the effects of metabolic complications, that have temporarily confined her to a wheelchair.

Each Wednesday, Pedonti looks forward to a visit from Nash.

“He’s like that little extra Christmas gift whenever he comes through,” said Pedonti, who then added, “He instantly elevates everyone’s spirit and mood.”

Nash is a graduate of an intense K9 therapy training program through the "Pet Partners" organization.

He's been working the halls of Gaylord Hospital since September – with no signs of stopping.

“He is definitely the favorite employee here," McQuaid said. "He’s very proud of his work.”

Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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