The Josh Project

As future veterinarians, we understand the compassion involved with our profession and the human-animal bond.  Not to our surprise, the human-animal bond is so powerful that it can comfort a child in the hospital and bring a smile to their face during such a stressful time in their life.  Dr. Randy Lange and Doug Leshner realized this potential impact and started The Josh and Friends project in 1997.  Using the book, I'll Be O.K. and the cuddly "Josh" plush puppy, The Josh and Friends Project is helping transform anxious hospital stays for children into friendship-filled adventures to wellness.

The MSU-CVM Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association is proud to participate in raising funds to purchase the Josh kits for as many children as possible to be distributed to hospitals within the state.

The Josh Challenge

The Josh Challenge was created as a fun and exciting way for participating SCAVMA chapters in the North American veterinary colleges to promote friendly competition between their respective schools.

The Josh Challenge is a competition allowing SCAVMA chapters to help children overcome many of the fears they experience when faced with a hospital visit. Participating students can also develop the skills necessary to help them become more involved and successful within their communities after graduation, and, more importantly, they will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of many of the children within those communities.