Scripps honors therapy dogs at holiday party

Four-legged friends and their human companions celebrated the spirit of giving at an annual Pet Therapy Party on Friday.

The event at the Schaetzel Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla was sponsored by the Volunteer Services Department and set out to recognize the work provided by this select group of therapy dogs for the well-being of the patients, as well as the staff.

The holiday party offered an opportunity for the dogs and their handlers to get to know each other and be rewarded for all of their hard work. Throughout the year, 25 certified therapy dogs have provided comfort and companionship by visiting with hospital patients.

During the event, the hospital chaplain Reverend John Whitacre conducted a “Blessing of the Pets” at 12:30 p.m.