(PRESS RELEASE) At M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, young patients met the hospital’s newest staff member who will to help them take medicine, relax during anxious moments, encourage them to walk after surgery and offer support and affection during medical procedures.
Rocket, presented by NutriSource is a golden retriever and the first and only full-time facility dog to join the team at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.
Rocket will help support children and families during hospitalizations and clinic visits. Rocket was formally introduced to the hospital during a short program on Dec. 5. The staff position was made possible by community support and a generous gift of $250,000 from NutriSource Pet Foods.
Chase Rasmussen and Tina (Nelson) Rasmussen of Nutrisource Pet Foods, Chris Lemme and Anna Dressel of M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic — something other therapy dogs visiting the hospital are not able to do.
“There is nothing more important than the health and well-being of our children. The bond between pets and kids is extra special,” said KLN Family Brands President Charlie Nelson. “In addition to our mission to provide nutritious and healthy food for our four-legged family members, we are proud to support the great work at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital by funding the Nutrisource Facility Dog Program.”
“We want to extend a huge thank you to KLN Family Brands for their generosity and support to help launch the Nutrisource Facility Dog Program at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital,” said Anna Dressel, Child Life Coordinator – Facility Dog Program at the hospital. “Rocket has only been at the hospital for a total of seven days yet he has already had a huge impact on patients, families and staff.”
Based in Perham, MN, NutriSource produces dry dog and cat food kibble along with semi-moist pet treats. The family owned and operated company was founded in 1964 by Darrell “Tuffy” Nelson and his son, current CEO Kenny Nelson. The company recently completed a $35 million grinding, mixing and storage bin expansion as well as an $18 million investment in a fourth extruder adding 50,000 additional annual tons of capacity. By the end of 2020, a new state-of-the-art $65 million dog and cat treat manufacturing facility will be up and running in Delano, MN as their manufacturing footprint continues to grow.”
klnfamilybrands.com, mhealth.org/childrens