E-Insight

April 2005

Open House Brings Veterinary Community to World of Veterinary Medicine

Future veterinarians and animal lovers alike got a behind-the-scenes look at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital April 1-2 during the hospital’s annual open house. Children pretended to be veterinarians using hands-on displays and demonstrations, and faculty, staff and professionals from around the world shared their knowledge about animals in a series of informational talks.

Activities at the open house included tours of the hospital, a petting zoo where children visited animals such as rabbits, lizards and young goats, a booth for children to perform mock surgeries on stuffed animals, and a "stump the vet booth" where veterinarians were available for questions and exhibits by student organizations. Demonstrations were given by the Fort Collins Police K-9 Unit, Superfly Allstars, Canine Search Specialists, and the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program which presented teaching birds from their birds of prey program.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for families to spend the day learning and experiencing live animals," said Julita Ramirez, a student at the veterinary school and one of the event coordinators. "People who love animals and those interested in going into the field of veterinary medicine had a chance to view the facilities at Colorado State, learn more about animals and learn more about the field of veterinary medicine."

In addition to tours of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, visitors also could tour the Rocky Mountain Raptor Center. The center, located directly behind the teaching hospital, is dedicated to providing medical care, rehabilitation and release for injured birds of prey. 

Special thanks to all those who made the weekend a tremendous success, with particular recognition going to PVM Class of 2008 students Sara Almon and Ashley Fields who co-chaired the Open House Committee and worked tirelessly to put together a great line-up of events and activities.