As pre-veterinary students, we understand how powerful the human-animal bond is. Dogs are being used in hospitals as "therapy dogs" to help raise the spirits of the patients and to help them forget about their fears, at least for a little while. With that idea in mind, Dr. Randy Lange started the Josh and Friends Project in 1997. Dr. Lange is a veterinarian and a graduate of the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine. He knows how scary medical procedures can be, especially for little kids. He wrote a children's storybook entitled I'll Be OK, which stars his Golden Retriever, Josh. Josh is going to the doctor for the first time and he helps children get a better idea of what to expect and let them know that "they'll be OK."
The PVC Josh and Friends Project works with the SCAVMA Josh and Friends project at the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine. The goal of the Josh and Friends Project is to raise money so that we can purchase as many kits as possible. A kit contains the book, I'll Be OK, and a Josh stuffed animal. Josh can be there for the child, even when parents cannot. A portion of the cost of the kit goes to the Children's Miracle Network JoshCo Fund. We will then take the kits and deliver them to the children at the hospital.
If you are an ISU Pre-Vet Club member and would like to get involved, or if you would like to donate, please contact one of our co-chairs.
Please make checks payable to SCAVMA. If you would like to mail a check, please send it to:
PVC Josh Project
1103 Pinon Dr. Apt. 1
Ames, IA 50014
