Mixed breed Mattie Evitt, a mixed breed dog who fell from a railway trestle and injured her spine,displays her remarkable recovery.

Celebrity patients top dogs
at charity veterinary event

Mattie today is a fully recovered dog, thanks to the university's rehabilitation services.

Guests were greeted by Webster White, an adorable coton de Tulear who is part of the family of the president of the University of Illinois. Exclusive tours gave guests a look at the hospital's ICU, rehab services, oncology ward, and diagnostic imaging suites, including the only MRI in the state of Illinois that can image horses.

The event marked a homecoming for many of CARE Helpline’s founders: Dr. Julia Brannan, the student who got it started in 1997; Drs Emil and Mary Baukert, Chicago area veterinarians who initiated a similar service in their area; and three former student directors of the CARE Helpline, Dr Rebecca Burgalio, Dr Brianne McLaughlin and Erica Jewell.

Sam, another grateful patient who has been rehabilitated at the university hospital, showed the audience just what he could do.

Mattie Evitt, a mixed breed dog from Decatur, Ill., made local headlines for her remarkable recovery from spinal injuries after she fell from a railroad trestle and lay immobile for more than a day.

Daisy Weber, a 14-year-old Bichon Frise who belongs to the University of Illinois basketball coach, is back on her game with the help of rehabilitation therapy after surgical repair of both knees in the past two years.

Sam Pellum, a border collie, also benefited from rehab at the hospital. Sam shot a few hoops and then wowed the crowed with a card trick he had performed on the Today Show.

Daisy attended to join in the fun and show her mobility after surgery on both her knees.

A slideshow of the event can be viewed at: http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/advancement/photogallery.html