St. Roch Retablo Patron of Dogs and Dog Lovers. St. Roch was on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land when he came across a town in Northern Italy that was suffering from the plague. He stayed to nurse the victims and eventually contracted the plague himself. He went into the forest so he would not infect anyone. A dog came and licked his wounds clean. He recovered. During the middle ages people placed 'Viva St. Roch' above their doors to ward off the plague. "St. Roch, you must have been very kind to have such a loyal companion. I pray to you, keep my beloved dog safe from all harm in their adventures. May they never know any of man's cruelties." Specific Sizes - Width x Height Pocket - 1 1/2" x 2 3/4" Ornament - 2 1/2" x 4 3/4" Small - 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" Large - 4 1/2" x 10"