The History of the Argus Institute     

• 1984 - Dr. Stephen Withrow, veterinary surgical oncologist, realized that his clients needed more than medical treatment for their animals and consulted with Colorado State University’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies to create a client support service called “Changes.”
• 1987 - Implementation of human-animal bond and grief education into the Colorado State University veterinary curriculum.
• 1989 - Consulting office built in the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University.
• 1994 - Release of The Human-Animal Bond and Grief by Laurel Lagoni, Carolyn Butler, and Suzanne Hetts, one of the earliest resources for veterinarians on the human-animal bond and supporting clients through pet loss and grief.
• 1998 - We were renamed the Argus Institute to broaden our service perspective.
• 2001 - Publication of Guidelines for Bond-Centered Practice with recommendations for building client relationships, assisting clients with animal behavior issues, and supporting clients with pet loss.
• 2002 - Grand opening of new Argus office space, classrooms, and specialized examination and observation rooms in the Animal Cancer Center addition to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
• 2004 - Inception of the Colorado State University Pet Hospice Program for the Ft. Collins community.
• 2005 - First communication laboratory offered to junior veterinary students.
• 2006 - Implementation of the Firehouse Pilot Project at the Capitol Hill Practice in Denver, Colorado.
• 2007 - First offering of the FRANK: Veterinarian-Client Communication Workshops at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
• 2009 – 25th anniversary of the Argus Institute.