DCAH Hosts Dog Wash to Benefit Children’s Hospital

Deer Creek Animal Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Prescription Pet Program are teaming up, once again, for a fundraising Dog Wash July 17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (rain date, July 24) at the animal hospital, 10148 W. Chatfield Ave (Chatfield and Kipling). Proceeds from the event benefit the award-winning Prescription Pet Program, a dog-assisted therapy and visitation program which began in 1984.

Owners can bring their pets to the animal hospital where they will receive a warm water and shampoo bath.  Contributions for the dog wash are:

 

  • Small Dog – $7
  • Medium Dog – $11
  • Large Dog – $13
  • Giant Dog – $15
Veterinarians from Deer Creek will also be on site to answer any general questions owners may have about their dogs.

The 25th annual Dog Wash is just a part of the long-term commitment by Deer Creek Animal Hospital to the Prescription Pet Program.  Since 2000, Deer Creek veterinarians, Markee Kuschel and Laurie Thornton have volunteered their services to provide a rigorous health and behavioral screening of dogs participating in the program to help ensure a safe visit with children being treated at the hospital.

“While we know that the kids at Children’s Hospital are receiving the finest health care available, we also know that there are tremendous benefits that result from the Prescription Pet Program visits,” said Dr. Thornton.  “Smiles and healing are evident when you walk those pets through the hallways of the hospital and we’re delighted that we have an opportunity to provide the health screenings and evaluations for such a positive experience.”

In 1984, the first dog in the program, accompanied by medical staff, made 20 visits to  kids in the oncology unit at The Children’s Hospital   A written prescription from the child’s physician was necessary for a dog visit. This was the origin of the name Prescription Pet program.

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