Children facing surgeries are cheered by dogs who’ve been there, done that [photos]

    Children and dogs who’ve undergone similar head and face surgeries met at the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary school in University City Wednesday for the Best Friends Bash.

    Patients of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and dog patients of Penn Vet celebrated with gifts and treats for all.

    Dog owners told their pets’ stories and instructed giddy children on how to safely distribute bones.

    Domenick and his mixed terrier, Cyrus, a certified therapy dog, carried an origin story photo book. Born without front legs, Cyrus is able to walk with the help of a doggie wheel chair.

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    Rumor, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, kept his nose near the food spread, but gracefully let 3-year-old CHOP patients, Reed and Darienne, tug on his ears.

    The Best Friends Bash is a specialized form of pet therapy that shows children how pets with similar conditions have adjusted.

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