LA MESA, Calif. — Sharp Grossmont Hospital held their annual Halloween therapy pet parade on Wednesday with costumed dogs delivering treats to cancer patients. The dogs gathered in front of the hospital before traveling through the hospital’s cancer center with the aim of bringing smiles to chemotherapy patients.
The hospital has held the event each year since 2013, according to the hospital’s marketing and communications senior specialist Denise Mosgrove. She says the patients love seeing the dogs who provide a cheerful break in what can often be challenging days for patients who are battling illness.
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“There’s always lots of smiles when they visit,” Mosgrove said via email.
The therapy dogs came dressed in a variety of super hero costumes including Bat Girl, Wonder Woman, and Superman.
Sharp patient Barbara Bradbury has dressed up with the dogs for the past four years and this year came as a hippie wearing a sign that read "Peace, brother." Mosgrove said she was happy to report that Barbara shared that she is now in remission.
Sharp Grossmont Hospital has the largest therapy pet program in the Sharp HealthCare system, according to Mosgrove.