Paying It Forward This Holiday Season

By Bob Loring
Toys for Tots of East Pasco

For the 9th consecutive year, Pasco Veterinary Medical Center is joining forces with Toys for Tots to host a memorable, educational, holiday celebration with students from Cox elementary.

On December 7th, 2009, a bus load of excited fourth and fifth graders will pour into the waiting room of Pasco Veterinary Medical Center. Their visit will begin with an introduction to the hospital staff and the Director of Toys for Tots- Bob Loring. Two marines in dress uniform will talk with the kids about the role marines play in keeping America safe.

After being divided into 5 groups, the children will bustle to their first station.

In the laboratory, the children will see a variety of organisms. The students will get to look at yeast, bacteria, and blood cells under the microscope.

Radiographs of bones and organs await them in the radiography department. The kids will identify bones, hearts, kidneys, and intestines of dogs, cats, and birds.

The budding doctors then move to the surgery suite where they will encounter advanced technology such as ultrasound and laser. They will see a heart beating and watch the power of a cutting laser.

Next, the students will become familiar with how an exam is performed on animals. They will use a stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, and an otoscope before the session is complete.

Of course, the highlight of the tour is always the animals. Eager participants will sit on a horse, pet a snake, and be entertained by Snowflake, a cockatoo.

After lunch and cake, sponsored by Publix Supermarkets, the tour culminates with gifts.

Participating in this event has enabled me to be a role model to younger children. My goal is to influence the kids so they study hard, find their passion, follow their dream, and possible pursue a medical career.

Bob Loring, Zephyrhills