Bear, Dino, Golden and at least 100 other stuffed animals were successfully treated at Kootenai Health on Saturday.

The favorite companions got weighed, measured, had their blood pressure taken and their hearts listened to. Most them had to go through surgery, or at least get a cast for a broken arm or tail.

The “doctors,” who were the animals’ owners, learned about anesthesia, X-ray machines and MRI machines. They also learned about germs and the importance of washing their hands and got their fingerprints taken by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s office.

“This is actually a national idea,” said Adriane Golob, an RN at Kootenai Health who was essential in planning the Teddy Bear Clinic. “There’s research that teddy bear clinics are safe and effective ways for kids to learn about the hospital. Kids learn with all their senses, so the process of playing helps them learn too.”

Kootenai Health reached out to the community with the Teddy Bear Clinic, hoping to do away with some kids’ fears of doctors and hospitals.

A few nurses and a lot of nursing students from North Idaho College, Washington State University and Lewis-Clark State College helped the young “doctors” give their stuffed animals check-ups.

Kootenai Health’s pediatric anesthesiologist was even there, helping the kids put their animals to sleep with a gas mask before surgery.

“Kids process everything,” said Nettie Jensen, Kootenai Health’s child life specialist. “Now, if they have to come to the hospital, they’ve met some people before and the place is a little more familiar.”

Brad and Jenna Leggat brought their two kids, Van, 5, and Phebe, 2, to the Teddy Bear Clinic to treat Bear and Dino.

“Van has expressed he wants to be a doctor,” Brad said. “He said we had to be here at 10 a.m. We’re just following orders from him.”

Julie and Jeff Ferrill brought their two kids to the Teddy Bear Clinic because their 7-year-old son, James, has to get an MRI in a few weeks and they wanted him to be more comfortable and confident going in.

“He can be afraid of masks,” Julie said. “He might feel better if he got to wear one.”

James and his sister, Amelia, 5, took Bear Scarf and Golden to the hospital. Both the stuffed bears got a full check-up and Golden got a bandage for his injured arm.

Due to Kootenai Health’s efforts and the young “doctors” of Kootenai County, many stuffed bears, rabbits, dinosaurs, whales, frogs, dogs and monkeys are all healthy and ready for more adventures.