Teddy Bear Surgery, Frisbee Dogs To Highlight Vet School Open House Saturday

COLLEGE STATION, April 4, 2006 - Parents who have a child who loves animals or ever wondered what a veterinarian does - and everyone else - are invited to attend Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences 13th Annual Open House on Saturday, April 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This free event is designed to educate the public about the roles of veterinarians in society.

"The open house is a great way for the public to see our facilities and see what we do everyday," says Staci Carter, executive director of the event and a 3rd year veterinary medicine student. "We completely open up the veterinary school and hospitals so the public can walk around and learn more about the veterinary profession."

The college will be offering a variety of activities for people of all ages and interests. Some of the activities planned are self-guided tours of the small and large animal hospitals, a petting zoo, pictures with Reveille, Teddy Bear Surgery, Snake Encounters, world champion Frisbee dogs, a dairy cow milking demonstration and many other interesting and exciting events.

"Our most popular event is Teddy Bear Surgery where children from all ages are given the opportunity to simulate real surgery by bandaging or suturing a loved-on teddy," says Carter. "We set up everything just like we would for a regular surgery and it's a lot of fun for everybody."

Educating the public about animal care and safety is another goal of the open house. Many organizations will be present to provide information to the public, says Carter. Animal interest groups from around the state such as Woodstock Animal Foundation, the Brazos Valley Animal Shelter, wildlife rehabilitation groups and search and rescue organizations will be available to answer questions. There will also be several exhibits geared to promote responsible animal care in areas such as heartworm disease, dentistry, dermatology and geriatric care.

About 8,000 people attended last year's open house and Carter expects possibly 10,000 people this year. "I'm surprised at how far the interest extends from our local community," she says. "We receive e-mails from all over the state from people who are excited to come to this event."

"If you love animals and love to have fun, this is the event for you," adds Carter. "We like to think of it as a little gift we give to our local community and state." For more information visit www.cvm.tamu.edu/openhouse or call (979) 845-5051.

Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc - (979) 862-2675
Cell - (979) 739-5718