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Teddy Bear Hospital
Dozens of stuffed animals are now healthier after visiting the Teddy Bear Hospital at Black Hawk College.
Stuffies of all kinds got X-rays and bandages, had their weight and heart rate checked, and went home with prescriptions for “hugs and kisses 2-4 times daily as needed.”
The fourth annual event brought nearly 80 children to the East Campus to get checkups for their favorite stuffed animals and learn about careers in the veterinary industry.
Patients included Clifford the Big Red Dog, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Sonic the Hedgehog, a teddy bear dressed like Spiderman, bunny rabbits, dinosaurs, elephants, flamingos, kittens, mice, snakes, turtles and unicorns.
Stuffed animals and their owners visited six stations led by 26 students from the BHC Veterinary Technology Program. Children also got to scrub in to observe mock stuffie surgery.
View more photos from the Teddy Bear Hospital.
Event partners
The free event was in partnership with the Henry County Humane Society – Kewanee Animal Shelter. Attendees were encouraged to bring items to donate to the shelter.
Louise Harrison, president of the Kewanee Animal Shelter Board, said nearly $400 also was donated to the shelter during the Teddy Bear Hospital.
“We were delighted with people’s generosity and thank them for supporting the college and the shelter,” she said.
BHC Student Ambassadors also helped with the event.
The BHC Veterinary Technology Program is accepting applications for Fall 2026 and will host an open house Friday, Feb. 20 from 1-4 p.m.
