Dr. Sara Mark

Dr. Mark named a '7 Everyday Hero' in March 2013 for her long time involvement with Children's Hospital Colorado.

Dr. Mark has been selected as the 2012 Alumni Fellow for the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. 'Fellows are chosen to return as distinguished guests and as mentors, friends and counselors. They are honored in recognition of the ultimate measure of a university - not curricula, facilities or programs, but the quality of its alumni.'

Dr. Mark received the 2012 Chairs' Award from the Children's Hospital Colorado Association of Volunteers Board of Directors.

Dr. Mark earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1983 from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she received the American Animal Hospital Association Outstanding Senior Student Award for Excellence in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. She earned her Bachelor of Science in 1977, with a dual major in Life Science & Physical Science and a minor in Chemistry. She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi social sorority. She was elected President of the Denver Area Alumnae Association of Alpha Delta Pi in April 2013. She has served on the Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Alumni Association Board of Directors for seven year term.

Since moving to Denver after graduation, Dr. Mark's passion for Animal Assisted Activities & Therapy found a home at Children's Hospital Colorado, where she developed the protocol for the internationally-renowned Prescription Pet Program. Dr. Sara consults with many organizations across the country regarding their pet therapy programs, and has been named Volunteer of the Year for Children's Hospital Colorado. She also received the American Hospital Association's Hospital Award for Volunteer Excellence on behalf of Children's Colorado, and has been included in the book about the 100 year anniversary of the Hospital. She continues to volunteer for the Hospital in several capacities.

You can read her story 'Darlene' in the original volume of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers' Soul. It details the special work she and her once-in-a-lifetime-dog, Pokey, did at Children's Hospital Colorado.

Dr. Sara shares life with her husband Stu, and their Norwich Terrier, Annie, in Centennial. Sadly, they lost both Stella, a Jack Russell Terrier, and Stanley, an Australian Terrier, within 16 days of each other March 2017. Sara hopes to add a kitty back into their household soon - just don't tell Stu!

You can email her at [email protected]aol.com