The 23rd annual Pet Day and Open House was a great success, thanks to the excellent organization of the co-chairs, Kate Anthony, Haley Stark, Melissa Flora and Leslie Nies, and the first- and second-year classes. The weather cooperated with a cool morning for the Nestlé Purina Fun Run participants and their canine partners. The sun came out later to take the chill away from other activities such as the dunk tank and dog wash. The day was filled with fun activities and educational demonstrations and displays. More than 70 booths and activities were available including teddy bear surgery, pony rides, petting zoo, dog agility demonstrations and tours of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Faculty and staff contributed by giving seminars and demonstrations such as “Physical Therapy Live!” by Dr. Wendy Baltzer; “Human, Canine and Avian Influenza” by Dr. Manoj Pastey; “Information on Veterinary College Admissions” by Patrick Kamins; and Dutch Hutch Rabbit 4-H display by Jill Pfaff.
Other popular displays and demonstrations included Koenig’s Llamas wilderness packing demonstration, sport dogs of Border Collie International, and the Oregon Herpetological Society (reptiles). Several veterinary clinics participated and veterinarians were available to answer pet health and nutrition questions. For a complete list of participants and to see photo highlights visit the Pet Day website link http://oregonstate.edu/vetmed/pet-day. You can also take the public input survey and comment on your favorite Pet Day activity.
Special thanks go to the major sponsors of Pet Day: Banfield, The Pet Hospital; Hill’s Pet Nutrition; and Nestlé Purina PetCare Co. Other sponsors were: Bayer Animal Health, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association and OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Funds raised at Pet Day are used for student programs.
Thanks to everyone who attended or helped with Pet Day! Mark your calendars for April 30, 2011!