Owie BowWowie™ founder Gina Woods, while hospitalized she shared a room with a young girl recovering from brain surgery.  A nurse gave the girl a plush dog, but it was damaged, which upset the girl, who tossed the dog away. Gina picked up the dog, took some gauze and wrapped its head, and told the little girl that it had an “owie” just like hers.   The child beamed.

In moment of compassion and creativity, the Owie BowWowie and Friends Foundation was born.  Its mission is to bring comfort to children.  The foundation raises funds that are used to give hospitalized children Owie BowWowie Companion Kits, which have a 12-inch, hospital approved, therapeutically designed Owie BowWowie plush dog; a soothing mini-blanket, a custom storybook, and a reusable carrying bag.

The foundation believes that every child needs an Owie at some time in their life because every child will get an owie – from the common cold to scrapes and cuts from falling down, to losing a tooth, to situations that make their hearts hurt.  Meet Lil’ Owie, a 7” plush version of the larger Owie, can help with even the smallest hurt. Lil’ Owie also has its own carrying bag.

Owie BowWowie encourages healthy children everywhere to get involved in providing comfort through its ‘Kids-Fur-Kids” program.  Once a member, kids will receive a monthly newsletter with ideas for fun and PAWSitive to make a difference in their community.  The foundation hopes to send 1 million PAWSitive messages to hospitalized children and is encouraging children everywhere to participate.  Kids can simply download the picture of Owie from the website, color it, write a message on the picture and mail it to the foundation.
Barco’s Nightingales Foundation is honored to support Owie BowWowie and pleased that they have joined our Community of Compassion . For more information please visit Owie BowWowie at www.iloveowie.org.