April 20, 2005
"My bear is healthy," declared seven-year-old Abbey Cassell.
Over 2,000 kids from the area took their favorite furry friends to the doctor for a check-up this week.
Thanks to the Well Bear Clinic at UVa Children's Medical Hospital, these animals were inspected thoroughly and given a clean bill of health.
"She got a shot and her blood pressure checked," said Abbey.
"We weighed him. We measured him. We took his blood pressure," said seven-year-old Zach Scheibel.
These animals had everything done to them that a real human would at a check-up, including getting their teeth inspected, their ears checked, and even receiving those dreaded shots.
The whole point is for kids to get used to a check-up so they know what to expect and not get scared.
"Health care providers in the community have commented that kids will come in to their checks-up with their bears, and with their bear's medical records and say, oh yeah, my bear had their ears checked, too,' " said Dr. Susan Anderson.
Although, many children said after the Well Bear Clinic they weren't afraid of the doctor anymore, but some have other reasons not to be scared.
"I'm not afraid of shots anymore because I know I don't have to get them anymore," said Abbey.
Kids Take Teddy Bear To Hospital