TRIVIA RESULTS

Congratulations to Winston Weigand from Washington State University for being The Vet Gazette 58:4 Trivia Winner!

The finger prints of which animal are so close to humans that they could taint a crime scene?

The koala!

SAVMA GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Submitted by Vivian Lee, Cornell University

Retrospective Conference Travel Grant

Attending the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM) Conference 2023 was one of the most impactful events that has shaped my career thus far. As an aspiring aquatic veterinarian, I have spent 6+ years dedicating myself to setting up a successful career path and partaking in as many opportunities possible. However, the COVID-19 pandemic affected many of the programs I participated in such as AQUAVET, externships, and especially, conferences. The 2023 IAAAM Conference was the first in-person conference held since COVID-19 and my first in-person IAAAM conference presentation. This conference hosts the most important people in this field and “founders” of marine mammal medicine, many of whom I made connections with at this event. In addition, I was able to network with prospective employers for internship and residency programs as well as meet interns/residents to discuss their experiences. By presenting my research, I shared knowledge with the community and discussed future research collaborations with other organizations. Attending the many research presentations and a “Marine Mammal Anesthesia” workshop taught by the founders of the specialty made for an unforgettable learning experience that I will certainly apply to my future career. Overall, attending this conference provided invaluable networking and learning opportunities but most importantly, it helped me confirm that this is the specialty I want to pursue and a community that I would like to remain a part of. Reminiscing on this experience continues to motivate and inspire me to pursue this career during difficult times. Thank you to SAVMA’s Education and Professional Development Committee for providing me with the Retrospective Conference Travel Grant so that I could partake in this memorable event!

PHOTOGRAPHY

Submitted by Karly Jans, Iowa State University

The Human Animal Bond

Submitted by Meghan Lawlor, University of Missouri

“The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors  essential to the health and wellbeing of both. This includes, among other things, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, animals, and the environment.” (AVMA)

No textbook definition, such as the one above, truly encapsulates the vastness and significance of such a phenomenon. Even following the semester-long psychology course I took as an undergraduate from a renowned human-animal behavior researcher, I didn’t walk away with a true understanding until years later.

The COVID-19 pandemic, soon after, brought an incredible amount of isolation, loss, suffering, and so much more to our world; however, it also brought the ultimate power of animal companions to light, as many would no longer be able to see loved ones for years on-end.

There comes the power of the human-animal bond. 

Through volunteer service at a local assisted living facility, I have come to recognize just how critical the residents’ pets have been to preserve both their physical and mental health. In a world of ever-changing circumstances, their pets have served as their one constant, providing joy and unconditional love when they needed it most. Residents often explain just how their pets seem to know exactly when they feel ill, upset, angry, or lonely – “I just wish my sweet cat could talk back to me when I chat with her every morning,” a resident once exclaimed. “He is just such great company for me,” many admit with every visit. Their pets have stuck closely by their side through illness, injury, recovery, and grief by loving their owners unconditionally and expecting nothing in return — I believe this is what makes the human-animal bond so strong. Many residents value their animals just as much, if not more, than their own family members, serving as the ultimate example of just how unbreakable the human-animal bond can grow to be even with ever-changing circumstances and time.

FOOT IN MOUTH DISEASE

Submitted by Skylar Moiseeva, Virginia-Maryland CVM