E-Insight

June 2005

In Memory of Jesse Marie, the Demo Dog

For nine years, Jesse Marie, a golden retriever mix, willingly assisted in the education of hundreds of first-year veterinary students, standing patiently while undergoing limb palpations, neurological exams, ophthalmologic exams and more. On April 7, Jesse Marie passed away. Following is a tribute to Jesse Marie from her owner Dr. Sandra Pitcaithley, coordinator of the anatomy labs for the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

“She happily traveled to CSU to help teach students. Turning from Prospect onto Center, she clearly knew where she was going and her excitement level started to rise. Upon entering the Cubes, she had to stop in each Cube and visit with any student present. Food always magically appeared from backpacks, pockets or lunch bags. Then it was on to greet her friends in FASTPrint, the Anatomy Office and the Dean’s Office. Jesse knew no strangers. She greeted everyone with a wag of her tail and often the offer of her paw to hold.

“For nine years she willingly assisted in the education of countless students. In VM 616, she participated in limb palpation and identification. She stood patiently while students practiced cardiac and thoracic auscultation. On test days she had stickers super-glued to various anatomical features on her body. Of course following that she was palpated (or petted or loved) for the next three hours. For VM 619, she participated in cranial nerve examinations, complete neurological exams, ophthalmologic exams and even practical final neuro exams.

“Her picture appeared in several “Year in Review” presentations by the students. An artistic veterinary student requested to sketch her portrait. Whenever high school science students were visiting the building for career information days, if Jesse was around she was called upon to demonstrate some aspect of veterinary medicine. Jesse visited the Pre-Vet Dorm for a discussion on responsible pet ownership. During the summers, high school students from around the United States took part in the weeklong Summer Vet camp hosted by CSU. Jesse participated in how to do a physical exam and limb bandaging. Jesse often received thank-you notes from the high school students. All of this was never really work – it was simply a time when Jesse was the center of attention receiving praise and pats from her many friends.

“Jesse was forced into retirement around 2003. Not because her spirit was unwilling, but because her body was failing. It was too hard to get in and out of the car. It was too hard to manage the stairs. It was too uncomfortable to be palpated for hours. Approaching her 14th year, Jesse Marie died quietly and peacefully on April 7, 2005.”