(Stillwater, Okla., February 7, 2013) – On January 31, 2013, children and adults gathered  in McElroy Hall at the Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences to meet Rossi and her owner, author Judy Savage.  Savage was personalizing signed copies of her book, "Rossi the Approval Poodle", which focuses on five rules for living a happier and healthier life. 

Pictured left to right: Dr. Lara Sypniewski, OSU Community Practice Veterinarian, First Cowgirl Ann Hargis, Dr. Jean Sander, OSU Veterinary Center Dean, and Judy Savage, author and owner of Rossi.

A standard poodle, Rossi is a certified pet therapy dog with the Human Animal Link of Oklahoma Foundation that earned her nick name ‘the Approval Poodle’ by “approving” of good behavior.  Savage and Rossi volunteer in hospitals, schools and libraries.

The event was hosted by the veterinary center and members of its Canine Practitioners Club.  Guests enjoyed bottled water and dog bone shaped cookies while waiting to meet Rossi and Judy.  Each person received a backpack of goodies along with one autographed copy of the book per family.

Pictured with Rossi, the Approval Poodle (left to right) are Canine Practitioner Club Members Merel Rodenburg (’16), Jennifer Livesay (’14), Brandon Bassett (’15), Alissa Cable (’16), Liz Wilson (’14), Sarah Ripperger (’14), and Sarah Ward (’13).

“Inviting Judy and Rossi to the veterinary center was a perfect fit,” says Dr. Lara Sypniewski, clinician at OSU’s Community Practice and Canine Practitioner Club advisor.  “It’s important for the general public to see the important role veterinarians play in keeping their pets and working dogs like Rossi healthy.  Judy was very generous with her time and Rossi was exceptionally patient after visiting two other OSU campus groups earlier in the day.  We were very excited to welcome them to Oklahoma's only veterinary college.”

Contact: Derinda Blakeney, APR | OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences | 405-744-6740 | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant university.  OSU's Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is the only veterinary college in Oklahoma.  One of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States, it 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.  OSU is preparing students for a brighter future and building a brighter world for all.  OSU improves the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation, and the world through integrated, high quality teaching, research and outreach.  For more information, visit www.cvhs.okstate.edu or call (405) 744-7000.

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