Contact: Karen Templeton
STARKVILLE, Miss.--All next week, Mississippi State's College of Veterinary Medicine will celebrate the unique relationship between animals and humans.
During the 2013 Nestlé Purina Human-Animal Bond Lecture Series, the university and the state's only veterinary college will feature presenters examining different aspects of the human-animal bond. Taking place Monday-Friday [Oct. 28-Nov.1] at the Wise Center, the annual event is free and open to all.
"The relationship humans and animals share is dynamic and, over the years, it has been shown that the bond is beneficial to the well-being of both," said Dr. Kent Hoblet, CVM dean.
"Here at the college, we have a real opportunity to maximize the potentials of this relationship and often get a close-up look at what makes it so special," he said, adding, "We want the public to share in that, and we invite everyone to attend these events."
Seminar topics will range from the treatment of dogs with cancer to living among wolf packs in the Arctic Circle. To begin at noon each day, the program's schedule and topics include:
--Monday [Oct. 28]. Dr. Kari Lunsford, assistant professor at the college,
"Comparative Biomedical Research: Benefiting Pets and Their People, Too," a presentation on cancer research to help canine patients that also may make a difference in human cancer research.
--Tuesday [the 29th]. Michael and Cathy Stewart of the Wildrose Kennels near Oxford,
"Training the Wildrose Way," a demonstration by the Stewarts and their world-famous English Labrador retrievers of training techniques that enhance relationships between dogs and owners. For more, visit www.uk. labs.com.
--Wednesday [the 30th]. Jon Fleenor and Margaret Purcell of Katie Farms, "Operating the Small Family Farm," a discussion of how the human-animal bond exists in many forms on their farming operation near Coker, Ala. For more, visit www.visitkatiefarms.com.
--Thursday [the 31st]. Helen Thayer, National Geographic explorer and bestselling author, "Three Among the Wolves," a sharing of her adventures while living with Artic wolves. For more, visit www.helenthayer.com.
Thayer also will make a presentation to school children on Friday [Nov. 1], at 9 a.m., that will be streamed online via www.cvm.msstate.edu.
Both the Stewarts and Thayer will have books for sale and signing. Katie Farms' organic preserves and other products also may be purchased.
Additionally, the college is co-sponsoring a display by MSU artist-in-residence Kathryn Hunter, owner of Blackbird Letterpress in Lafayette, La. Her wildlife-inspired work is being featured through Nov. 1 at MSU's Cullis Wade Depot.
And, Nov. 1 from 2-4 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble at MSU bookstore, Dr. Kathryn Primm, a veterinary college alumna and owner of Applebrook Animal Hospital in Ooltewah, Tenn., will sign copies of her book "Tennessee Tails: Pets and Their People."
"These wonderful events would not be possible without the financial support of Nestlé Purina," said Keith Gaskin, CVM senior development director. "They have partnered with us on several projects over the years, which have had positive impacts on the lives of our students."
For more information, contact Karen Templeton, CVM director of outreach, at 662-325-1100 or ktempleton@cvm.msstate.edu.