The Argus Institute is a unique service within the James L Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University. The mission of Argus is to honor the human-animal bond by providing compassionate support and advocacy for people who care for animals. Currently, the Argus Institute is staffed by two full-time counselors, a program director, a clinical associate director, and an administrative support member.
Our counselors are integrated into the health care team, fostering a partnership between the pet’s family and the veterinary team. We achieve this by:
- Offering support to people facing challenges surrounding their pet’s healthcare
- Providing updates during surgery and high-risk procedures
- Assisting during crises
- Facilitating quality-of-life and end-of-life discussions
- Guiding parent-child discussions
- Providing support during and after euthanasia
- Offering grief support
These services are provided at no charge to clients and have been available since 1984. It is no coincidence that Dr. Stephen Withrow, the founding director of the Flint Animal Cancer Center, is also one of the founders of the Argus Institute. Reflecting on the early days, Dr. Withrow shared:
“In 1984, we were beginning to build the oncology service… we had people bringing their pets here from all over the country, and they were very emotional. In the ’80s, it was all about science, all about delivering patient care. Nobody thought about the human-emotional side of it. Helping our clients cope and deal with these emotions was outside the scope of our professional education… I contacted the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at CSU to ask for help. I had no idea what would come of it.”
Now surpassing 40 years of service, the Argus Institute has grown alongside the Flint Animal Cancer Center and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. In the early ’80s, Argus support was offered only two mornings a week, with just a few weekly client interactions. Today, clients of all services within the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, as well as the Equine and Livestock hospitals, have access to and benefit from Argus support.
The Flint Animal Cancer Center’s oncology group highly values the services provided by Argus, accounting for 35% of our interactions with pet families. The emotional and communication support for clients caring for an ill animal is invaluable. When our beloved pets are sick and need medical care, we often feel out of control and unsure of how to manage our emotions while making good decisions for our pets. This is where the oncology clinicians bring in an Argus counselor to support their clients, allowing them to focus on the patient, knowing their client is in good hands. Oncology clients have sent our team grateful notes of appreciation:
“I think of you often and will be forever grateful for the love you put into your work. The hospital, the world, and its people and pets are blessed, in no small part, because you have touched them.”
“I can’t say enough how valuable your service is to people like us who are in the midst of crisis for finding the right path. You brought us peace in the most difficult time. We are so very grateful for your calm voice and helpful perspective.”
It is an honor to be part of the team at the Flint Animal Cancer Center. We are proud to work with leading veterinary oncology professionals. The Argus team prides itself on providing compassionate care and support for pet owners who bring their pets to the Flint Animal Cancer Center and seek care from our top-notch medical team. There is nothing more professionally gratifying than knowing you made a difference during someone’s time of need.
Learn more about Argus and their work by clicking here.
Maria Gore holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Central Florida and is the Director of Operations and Program Services with the Argus Institute.