The VCU School of Medicine Therapy Dogs Get Help from Snoopy

By Cheryle Rodriguez and Gene Petriello

The Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center will welcome Snoopy from Kings Dominion as a new participant with Dogs on Call, a VCU School of Medicine program that enhances the health and well-being of patients by providing human-animal interaction.

“We are thrilled to have Snoopy join our Dogs on Call program and appreciate Kings Dominion sharing him with us,” said Sandra Barker, Ph.D., director of the School of Medicine’s Center for Human-Animal Interaction.

John Duval, CEO of MCV Hospitals, and Barker will officially welcome the PEANUTS character on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 1 p.m. in the lobby of the Gateway Building, 1200 E. Marshall St.

“The partnership between VCU Medical Center and Kings Dominion demonstrates our goal to be known as a theme park that cares about its community,” said John Taylor, Kings Dominion marketing director. “The world’s most beloved beagle – Snoopy – will bring hundreds of smiles to kids that are facing challenges every day.”

Following the official welcome, Snoopy will join three Dogs on Call teams in visiting pediatric patients, the first of several visits planned each month.

"The patients tell us they love having the therapy dogs come to visit them, and we have seen some remarkable patient improvement following some of these interactions," said Barker.

Parking is provided for media interested in attending.