Annual Dog Wash to Benefit Sick JJC Student

Joliet Junior College submitted this story:

Families and their furry friends are invited to the Joliet Junior College Vet Tech Club dog wash and bake sale on Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the B-Building on the Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Road in Joliet. Both human and canine treats will be available at the bake sale.

Washes for small dogs (up to 20 pounds) are $15; medium dogs (21-49 pounds) are $20; and large dogs (50-100 pounds) are $25. Nail trims are $5.

The wash will include a basic shampooing, blow dry, and perfume, according to Meghan Kamba and Andrea Turrisi, JJC facility managers and certified veterinarian technicians (CVTs). There will be no cutting or grooming, and no appointments will be taken – walk-ins only. Three dogs will be washed at a time.

In the six years since JJC’s Vet Tech Club has held the wash, funds have gone toward things such as the Joliet Township Animal Control and bulletproof vests for police dogs. But this year, the dog wash has a special meaning to JJC vet tech students and faculty.

All funds will go toward cancer treatments for Kate Muller, a JJC freshman in the Veterinary Medical Technology program who was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma cancer. Muller was forced to drop out of the program just weeks ago due to her illness, and she will begin chemotherapy this week.

Kamba said Muller was very touched when she heard that the annual fundraiser would be for her this year.

“She’s an excellent student,” Kamba added. “Always the first to help. She’s a bright young woman.”

Muller, who grew up on a small farm in Dwight, Ill., has always been passionate about animals. She plans to graduate JJC’s two-year Veterinary Medical Technology program and becoming a CVT.

Though the Vet Tech Club doesn’t have a monetary goal for the dog wash, in the past, they have raised an average of $500 every year.

"It’s fun seeing everybody with the different animals, all working together when it’s not so book-related,” Turrisi said.

Turrisi and Kamba added that a lot of students are going to be more involved with the dog wash this year because of Muller.

All students volunteering to wash dogs are freshmen. All second year students are in the middle of internships right now, with many out of state.

Those who can’t make it to the dog wash but would still like to help raise money for Muller can do so by sending a check to the First National Bank of Dwight (under the Kate Muller Fund), 122 W. Main St., Dwight, IL 60420.

For more information about the dog wash, call Kamba at 815-280-2765.

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