k9mania
06-12-2009, 06:06 PM
Therapy dogs exchange pooch smooch after 'wedding' at Tampa General Hospital
By Kim Wilmath, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Friday, June 12, 2009
TAMPA — For five years — or 35 years, depending on your species — Chicklet waited.
The demure chihuahua was content with her long-term boyfriend, a Lab named Blake, but she was ready for the next step.
"She was waiting on that ring," joked Chicklet's owner, Pam Dickens.
The two therapy dogs took that step on Thursday morning, walking down an aisle at the Tampa General Hospital child life center surrounded by friends they've made volunteering at the pediatric unit — kids with casts, masks, IV connections and smiles.
"You may now sniff the bride," announced pediatric social worker Rosana Rivera, who holds a notary license and read the therapy dogs' vows.
Oohs, ahhs and tail wags.
"It was pretty surprising," said wedding guest Patrick Shane Kelly, 13, who got a new kidney at TGH this week. "I bet they're like, 'I'll do this for cake.' "
See rest of article at:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article1009302.ece
By Kim Wilmath, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Friday, June 12, 2009
TAMPA — For five years — or 35 years, depending on your species — Chicklet waited.
The demure chihuahua was content with her long-term boyfriend, a Lab named Blake, but she was ready for the next step.
"She was waiting on that ring," joked Chicklet's owner, Pam Dickens.
The two therapy dogs took that step on Thursday morning, walking down an aisle at the Tampa General Hospital child life center surrounded by friends they've made volunteering at the pediatric unit — kids with casts, masks, IV connections and smiles.
"You may now sniff the bride," announced pediatric social worker Rosana Rivera, who holds a notary license and read the therapy dogs' vows.
Oohs, ahhs and tail wags.
"It was pretty surprising," said wedding guest Patrick Shane Kelly, 13, who got a new kidney at TGH this week. "I bet they're like, 'I'll do this for cake.' "
See rest of article at:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article1009302.ece