Therapy Dog Moose continues to need our help!

Many of you know the Virginia Tech Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center therapy dog, Moose. This amazing dog was bred and raised through the Guiding Eyes for the Blind organization in New York. A mild medical issue prevented him from becoming a guide dog for a sight-impaired partner, but he had other great things in store for his life. Moose was adopted by Dr. Trent Davis, a licensed mental health counselor and Coordinator for Animal-Assisted Therapy at the center, and became a registered therapy dog and key founder of animal-assisted therapy at VT. As a working therapy animal and ambassador of mental wellness, Moose has performed more than 7500 counseling sessions (both individual and group) and 500 outreach events. He also contributes specifically to the health and wellness of veterinary students at VMCVM in weekly sessions. For their exceptional work, Moose and Dr. Trent were honored with  the 2019 Animal Hero Award given by the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.

I am saddened to say that Moose has recently been diagnosed with prostatic carcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the the genitourinary system of dogs (and male humans for that matter).  It is encouraging that it was caught early and that he has started treatment with the talented oncology specialists at VMCVM and NCSU. As you can imagine, such treatments are expensive, and any donation that you could make would be hugely appreciated by this special team. I am coordinating this fund as a personal friend and as Moose's former veterinarian, and will ensure all funds are applied directly towards his care.  We are grateful for all of your support and I hope to join many of you in sending Moose and Trent the best thoughts and wishes for healing!