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October events mark human-animal bond
MISSISSIPPI STATE – The bonds between animals and people will be the topic of an upcoming lecture series at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
The second annual Human-Animal Bond Lecture Series will take place Oct. 19-23. It will celebrate the unique interdependence between people and animals -- companion, production, lab animal and wildlife. The series is sponsored by Nestle Purina PetCare Co.
The highlight of the week will take place Oct. 20 when MSU hosts bestselling author Temple Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University. The nationally known speaker has been featured on Oprah and frequently addresses parents and teachers about her life with autism. Professionally, she has helped develop animal welfare guidelines for handling and transporting livestock.
Before her keynote address, “How Animals Think and Feel” at 7 p.m. in the CVM auditorium, Grandin will speak on “Autism Spectrum Disorder” at 9 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, conduct a lunchtime lecture at 11 a.m. at the CVM large auditorium, and hold two book signings at 2 p.m. and 5:40 p.m., both in the CVM lobby.
Additional one-hour activities that will take place at noon each day include:
- Oct. 19 -- “How to get the most out of your veterinary visit,” by Mark Russak at the Starkville Sportsplex;
- Oct. 21 -- “Equine-assisted activities…more than just horsin’ around,” by Mary Riley in the CVM freshman classroom;
- Oct. 22 -- “Wildlife’s contribution to human quality of life,” by Jeanne Jones in the CVM freshman classroom;
- Oct. 23 -- “Behavioral genomics: Science-based approach to animal well-being,” by Bill Muir in the CVM Tait Butler classroom.
MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine will be conducting a children’s art contest in conjunction with the week. The Wise Center, home of MSU’s veterinary college, will host an exhibit of artwork by Jeanne Jones, professor of wildlife and fisheries, and metal art of Stephanie Dwyer will be on display. Fund-raising activities will take place with the proceeds going to the Safe Haven program for pets, a shelter program for pets of domestic violence victims.
For more information on the week’s activities, go to http://www.cvm.msstate.edu/hab_lecture_series/.
Contact: Melissa Montgomery, (662) 325-5170 and Jennifer Burgess, (662) 325-3712
