Service dogs to receive free eye exams at MSU

Contact: Wendy Townsend, Veterinary Teaching Hospital: (517) 353-5420, towns104@msu.edu; Linda Chadderdon, Veterinary Medicine: (517) 355-5165, chadderd@cvm.msu.edu; Tom Oswald, University Relations: (517) 432-0920, cell (517) 281-7129, oswald@msu.edu

April 28, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital will offer free eye exams to service dogs, those animals who dedicate their lives to everything from assisting disabled persons to protecting national security.

The exams will be offered on May 13 at the hospital, which is located on Wilson Road, across from the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, on the MSU campus.

The deadline to sign up for an appointment is May 1.

“These dogs need and deserve superlative care,” said Wendy Towsend, one of two MSU veterinary ophthalmologists who have volunteered their time for this nationwide event. “Finding even one dog we can help is well worth the effort.”

The other MSU veterinary ophthalmologist taking part in the event is Joshua Bartoe.

Eligible dogs include guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs, and search and rescue dogs who have been certified through a formal training program or organization.

For an appointment, call (517) 353-4523 and ask for Peg Clark.

The event is sponsored by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. For information, visit the Web at www.acvoeyeexam.org.

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