RUSVM's Josh Project

When I came to RUSVM, I had a background very involved in community service and I had a desire to continue on with my community service involvement.  During my Vet Prep semester I was given a presentation by Dana Cannon and Lauren Groppi about RUSVM's Josh Project.  RUSVM's Josh Project is a branch of the national organization Josh and Friends.  Most veterinary schools take on the Josh Challenge that continues to fulfill the organizations aspirations.

For centuries dogs have been woven into the heart of humankind. From celebrated rescues, to wartime heroism, to canine ventures into space, to countless stories of companionship, the powerful connection between dogs and people has become the stuff of legend. It's no wonder then that increasingly, medical studies are zeroing in on the undisputed healing power dogs can have on hospitalized patients — especially children.

Around the world, cuddly canines known as "therapy dogs" visit hospitals helping to replace a patient's anxiety and fear with wet kisses and unconditional love. Josh, the loving, wag-happy vanilla-colored Golden Retriever based out of Knoxville, Tennessee is one of those amazing canines that daily brings comfort to hundreds of hospitalized children.

As an extension of that mission, The Josh and Friends Project, is emerging to national attention with the ability to impact the lives of even more children.

Using the book, I'll Be O.K. and the cuddly "Josh" plush puppy, The Josh and Friends Project is helping transform anxious hospital stays for children into friendship-filled adventures to wellness. Josh and Friends was formed when two dads, Dr. Randy Lange set out to alleviate stress and provide comfort to children going into the hospital.

Its truly inspiring to be a part of a whole that continues to receive amazing support from all over.

I highly recommend becoming a part of this awesome organization while you are at RUSVM.  As a member of the organization, you have NO DUES (most clubs have dues), you can receive points that benefit your Professional Development Fund (PDF...you will learn about this through your SCAVMA delegates when you come to RUSVM), you receive an official RUSVM Josh Project t-shirt as an active member, and this organization really demands the least amount of time from you and your studies!

RUSVM's Josh Project has diligently been raising money every semester in order to fuel their charitable abilities here on St. Kitts at the Joseph N. France General Hospital's pediatric ward.

Check out all the media coverage RUSVM's Josh Project Chapter has received!  Become friends with the RUSVM Josh Project page and follow the incredible work being done in St. Kitts!

12/16/10 Josh Project Persuades Reich to Dress as Kool Aid Man

6/19/11 Josh Project Donates Kits to St. Kitts Hospital

8/16/11 Josh and Friends Project Fundraiser Introduces Jack Sparrow

3/20/12 The Josh Project - RUSVM Students Impacting the St. Kitts Community

7/27/12 Zorro Brands RUSVM with his Trademark Z for Josh Project Fundraiser

7/27/12 Zorro vs. Don Ramon Video

12/5/12 RUSVM Josh Project Raises Funds to Benefit the JNF General Hospital Pediatric Ward

12/5/12 RUSVM Josh Project Raises Funds to Benefit the JNF General Pedatric Ward

9/20/13 Being the Change I Wish to See in the World

9/11/13 On An Island Being the Change You Wish to See in the World

4/4/14 RUSVM's Josh Project Paints Under the Sea Mural at JNF General Hospital

4/14/14 Josh Project partners up with Digicel for Kite Decorating Day at JNF General's Pediatric Ward

"Under the Sea" mural painting photo album