CRI and Blue Dog Designs Announce Winner of Veterinary Student Contest

Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI) and Blue Dog Designs announced that Brittany Weicht is the winner of the 2020 Help ‘Em Out Contest for Veterinary Students sponsored by Blue Dog Designs, makers of the Help ‘Em Up Harness.

Entrants were asked to submit an essay explaining their interest in rehabilitation and what they hoped to accomplish in their career with the winner getting free tuition to CRI’s Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation module.

Brittany, a third-year student at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, said winning the contest was a humbling and exciting experience.

“I have had a special interest in physical rehabilitation since my first day in veterinary school, and now I have the opportunity to study with some of the best rehabilitation therapists in the world,” she said. “I cannot wait to start this journey and put my new skills into practice for the benefit of all my canine patients. I am very thankful to Blue Dog Designs for giving me this great opportunity.”

Started in 2008, Blue Dog Designs created the Help ‘Em Up Harness, the first full-body lifting harness system for dogs that can be worn for extended periods. The Help ‘Em Up Harness is designed to distribute weight over the large surfaces of the chest and hind quarters. Ergonomically designed with soft comfortable padding and waterproof Neoprene, the harness has elevated handles for lifting and stabilizing and comes in five sizes to fit dogs from 8-220 pounds. The patented “Hip Lift” assists owners with aging or injured dogs to live a more active life. Originally developed for dogs whose hip dysplasia or muscle loss had decreased their mobility and physical strength for everyday functions, today the harness is widely used by veterinarians as a mobility device to assist dogs rehabilitating after surgery or recovering from injuries. Walking handles, leashes and now loops provide more ways for owners to help their pets stay active.