Colorado State University Veterinary Medical Center Open House Slated for April 7, 8
Animal lovers and future veterinarians can get a glimpse of the internal operations of one of the world’s premier veterinary teaching hospitals on Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8, during the annual Veterinary Medical Center’s open house. The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, is at the James L. Voss Veterinary Medical Center at 300 W. Drake Road in Fort Collins.
The open house features an array of events and experiences for children and adults. Children can perform mock surgery on a stuffed animal, and faculty, students, staff and professionals will share their knowledge about animals. Activities at the open house also include tours of the hospital, a booth of veterinary students who will respond to questions about attending veterinary school, a petting zoo where children can visit animals such as rabbits, lizards and young goats, and a program about the world of birds – from the smallest bird in the world, the bee hummingbird that weighs less than a nickel – to birds with more than 25,000 feathers.
Two teams of dogs also will compete in a flyball demonstration. Flyball is a relay race between teams comprised of four dogs who race to complete hurdles while chasing balls that they must release during the competition.
All events are free and open to the public and held on the medical center grounds.
"The Veterinary Medical Center Open House is an entertaining and exciting way for the university to involve the community in the veterinary medical profession," said Terra Dawes, a student at the veterinary school and one of the event coordinators. "We want to encourage anyone who is interested in animals or in the field of veterinary medicine to come tour our facilities and enjoy the activities provided by our veterinary students."
In addition to tours of the Veterinary Medical Center, tours of the Rocky Mountain Raptor Center are available between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 8. The center, located directly behind the teaching hospital, is dedicated to providing medical care, rehabilitation and release for injured birds of prey.
Below is a schedule of lectures and demonstrations.
Fri., April 7:
10 a.m. – The Colicky Horse: A Look Inside; Dr. Diana Hassel, clinical sciences department at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
11 a.m. – Canine Agility Demonstration presented by Get Over It Agility of Fort Collins.
Noon – Colorado Raptors: Majesty of the Mountains; Carin Avila, education coordinator, the Raptor Center. This event will include a demonstration with live raptors.
1 p.m. – Introduction to Birds; Andy Hall, Northern Colorado Bird Center.
2 p.m. – So, You Want to be a Veterinarian? Preparing for a Veterinary Career; Dr. Sherry Stewart, assistant dean, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Sat., April 8:
10 a.m. – Colorado Raptors: Majesty of the Mountains; Carin Avila, education coordinator, the Raptor Center. This event will include a demonstration with live raptors.
11 a.m. – Flyball Demonstration; presented by Colorado RUFF Flyball Club of Denver.
Noon – Acupuncture for Animals: Sorting Myth from Reality; Dr. Narda Robinson and Dr. Tim Holt, clinical sciences department, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
1 p.m. – Pet Bird Behavior and Training; Andy Hall of the Northern Colorado Bird Center.
2 p.m. – Stopping Those Annoying Pet Behaviors Before They Start; Dr. Rebecca Ruch-Gallie, community practice, clinical sciences department, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
For more information, contact the dean’s office at (970) 491-7053 or visit the Web at http://csuvets.colostate.edu/openhouse.htm.
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