Sometimes the things that are the best for us are unspoken.
Dogs have an extra-sensory way of knowing when we need love and guidance and encouragement. Just being around man’s best friend gives a sense of calmness and well-being, and this is why the Prescription Pet program at Children’s Hospital Colorado has been successful and growing for the past 31 years.
“Over the next two years our dogs will be interacting in a controlled manner with patients on the autism spectrum,” says one of the original founders, Dr. Sara Mark. “The study is carefully designed to measure psysiologic changes in children when they are in the presence of dogs.”
There was no question how happy dogs made attendees at this year’s Wags and Wine event at Kuni Lexus in Greenwood Village on Tuesday night. Smiles abounded and tails wagged and friends hugged. This event brings awareness of the Prescription Pet program that started with 4 dogs and has grown to 40 teams.
Volunteers are always welcome: check out the program at www.childrenscolorado.org.
Longtime supporters Beth McCarthy, left, (23 years) and Sara Mark (31 years) with Rosie
John and Margaret Mansanti
Vanessa Ernissee, left, and Mary Maikoetter
Elizabeth Kashinski, left, Carolyn McBride, Ellen Simonson and Arlen Heller
Connie Brakken-Smith and Rod Smith
Dr. Peggy Kelley with Jaxon
Patty Moody with Ernie
Event coordinator Lyn Schaffer, center, with her daughters Sara and Claire
Len and Nancy Sahling with Zach
Dogs deserve treats too!
Randy Burns, left, Angie Gonzales, Tanya Mrazek, Courtney Zimmerman, Graham White, Caitlin Brateng
Darby Kelly with Cormac
Sam Ferszt, left, Barry Glass, Becky Coughlin and Lauren Fraser
Jenny Follett and Karma
Smiles from Jenny Follett and Karma
Amy Traver, left, and Jana Hundley
Gerard Langhuoth and Valli Mangan
Jamie Pronto , left, and Jeanmarie Paradise
Boer Zhao, Sihai Jiang with baby Jayden and Polar
Ron and Linda Powers
Charles and Kathryn Pride, left, with James Smith
Scott Cast, left, Robert Karow and Bill Strickland
Ron and Linda Powers sample the great hors d’oeurves provided by Biscuits and Berries
Carol Strickland, left, Diane Cast and Maureen Horgan
Price and Rebecca Stork–they hope to have their dog accepted into the program
Carole Knack
Jeffrey Montoya and Linda Wilson from sponsor Kiehl’s
Patty Moody with Ernie and Betsy Widner with Hudson
Betsy and Bob Widner with Hudson
Carole Knack says hi to Kayla
Judy Baxter and Kayla
Yeti gets some treats
Jen Anderson and Yeti
Shelby gets some love
Irene Zimmer and her folks David and Sheila Rabb, who came in from Winnepeg for this event
Ernie makes himself comfortable
Pam King and Shelby
Ken Proch and Pilar Baca with Gracie
Malinda Kohne, left, Diane Winslow and Rosemary Hanratty
Shawn and Dean Dubach
Michelle Calderbank, left, Caitlin Brateng and Alex Kendall
Kathleen McBride, left, Renata Colitti, Jeanmarie Paradise and Jamie Pronto
Dr. Michael Schaffer, Dianne Black from Kuni Lexus and Lyn Schaffer
Rosie’s been a popular participant
Dr. Peggy Kelley and Jaxon
Bob Widner and Hudson
Hudson is just so cute you can’t not take his picture.
Dogs socialize
Dr. Sara Mark and Suzie Jordan
Nancy Kopp, left, Dr. Sara Mark and Carla Herman
Lynn Jordan and Rev Spike Gilbert
Zach and Kayla get into the action
Dr. Sara Mark and Lyn Schaffer receive bouquets of gratitude
Peggy Fitzgerald, left, Pat Erickson and Patti Proffitt
What a face–Yeti
Bob Cuculich, left, chats with Arlen Heller
Ernie and Karma looking for treats and attention
Dean Dubach won one of the drawing prizes as Sara Schaffer looks on
Biscuits and Berries, Julie Neva of Chewy's Bonetique, Dianne Black and Gregg Stone of Kuni Lexus, Jeffrey Montoya of Kiehl's, Laura Daily from Mile High on the Cheap