(March 5, 2012 Stillwater, OK) – On Saturday, March 3, 2012, Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences opened its doors for its Annual Open House from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Stillwater campus. Nearly 700 visitors from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Texas took advantage of this behind the scenes look at veterinary medicine and Oklahoma’s only veterinary college.

Veterinary practitioners, clients, future veterinary students and the public took self-guided tours through McElroy Hall and the Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Visitors were able to learn about veterinary medicine, the different career paths a veterinary degree can lead to, the varied services available at the hospital for the public’s pets and animals. Highlights included a cat show, photos with the OSU mascot Bullet, Teddy Bear Surgery where children can help repair a torn stuffed animal, a dog show and live and silent auctions to help fund medical and surgical care for local wildlife.

A display on heartworm was among the Parasitology information available for visitors to help them keep their pets disease free.

Dr. Tom Thedford, OSU Emeritus faculty member, was on hand with one of his llamas to talk about small ruminants and camelids.

A young visitor assists during Teddy Bear Surgery where veterinary students help youngsters repair torn stuffed animals. Participants get to keep their new stuffed friend!

Third year veterinary students Aaron Mackley, student chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (left) and Ben Estes, student chapter of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (right) were available to show off one of three ambulatory trucks owned and operated by OSU’s veterinary center and answer questions about the 24 hour emergency services offered at the veterinary hospital.

Visitors strolled through the Duane R. Peterson Anatomy Learning Center viewing anatomy samples from many species.

One of five contestants in the cat show, Cristen Thomas, Class of 2013, holds her cat Skyy. Skyy received a prize for having the “nicest eyes” and being the “best kisser.” The cat show was organized by Juli Constantine, Class of 2013.

Owner Abby Johnston, Class of 2015, with her cat, Sookie, who won for having the longest hair.

Kathleen Scott, Class of 2014, holds her cat, Wheeliam, who won for being the loudest cat and the first one to arrive for the competition.

Apple, owned by Kristina Szentirmay, Class of 2014, won for being the most “talkative.” Here volunteer faculty judges (left to right), Drs. Dee Dutton, Jean d’Offay and Brad Njaa, get a closer look at Apple.

Rachel Neese, Class of 2014, holds her cat, Moose, who won for being the largest cat.

Children enjoyed free face painting compliments of the Christian Veterinary Fellowship.

Dr. Michael Lorenz, professor and former-dean, served as auctioneer for the ZEW Club’s live auction. Live and silent auctions raised $5,063 to help fund medical and surgical care of local wildlife. Thank you to all those who donated and those who purchased items at both auctions!

A total of 14 dogs, all different sizes, colors and breeds, competed for best trick and the cutest dog. Best trick went to Luka (above left) a Border collie mix owned by Alexis Torre, Class of 2013. The cutest dog went to Dash, owned by Sarah Ward, also Class of 2013. Runners up for best trick were Blanca owned by Francesca Alexander, Class of 2014, and for cutest Dylan owned by Stephanie Moren, Class of 2013. Winners were selected by audience applause levels. Dog show organizers were Kelly Vogel (2013), Kirstin Keany (2014), Liz Wilson (2014), Kathleen Scott (2014), and Kelsey Harris (2014).

For video coverage of Open House 2012 by Orange Nation News, visit http://vimeo.com/37971692.
The Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is the only veterinary college in Oklahoma and one of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States and is fully accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The center’s Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital is open to the public and provides routine and specialized care for small and large animals. It also offers 24-hour emergency care and is certified by the American Animal Hospital Association. For more information, visit www.cvhs.okstate.edu or call (405) 744-7000.

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