Blessing of the Therapy Dogs at Scripps Memorial La Jolla

Volunteer therapy dogs and owners log thousands of hours every year at Scripps Memorial La Jolla

A hospital chaplain blessed two dozen therapy dogs for their work providing much-needed therapy for patients and staff at Scripps Memorial Hospital.

The blessing was part of the hospital’s annual Pet Therapy Party held outside the Schaetzel Center Friday.

Twenty-five certified therapy dogs and their handlers visit with patients and through those visits provide comfort and promote healing.

One at a time, the animals waited patiently while Hospital Chaplain Rev. John Whitacre blessed them for their energy and the love and hope they bring to others.

Anytime pet owners get together, there’s a chance the dogs will be wearing some fun costumes and Friday’s event was no exception.

The hospital organized a fashion show using some of the outfits for sale in the hospital gift shop. 

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