CVM Helps Research Dogs Find Happy Homes

By Lauren Gregg, News Services

Joanne Davis adopted Jacqueline, a 6-year old Beagle, from the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Animal lovers across campus can now breathe a sigh of relief that nine dogs used for research at the College of Veterinary Medicine are being adopted into permanent and loving homes.

Last week, an e-mail circulated on the Web stating that the dogs would be euthanized at the end of the week if no one adopted them. This prompted an outpouring of calls and concern from animal welfare advocates from around the country. There was no reason for the uproar, however, because the dogs were never in immediate danger, says Dr. Dianne Dunning, assistant dean of college relations.

"The college has an established adoption program that has been in place since the school opened," Dunning says. "In most cases, the animals are adopted by people within the college who have worked closely with the animals and already know them."

Four of the nine dogs have already found permanent homes with college employees like Joanne Davis. Davis, a junior biology major who works as a lab assistant, adopted Jacqueline, a 6-year old Beagle.

"I saw Jacqueline's photo on the e-mail that was sent around, and I knew I had to meet her," Davis says. "When I saw her in person it was love at first sight."

Davis will be taking home a healthy and happy dog that has received excellent care while at the college. "The staff in these labs take pride in their work and are extremely attached to the animals. They spend a lot of time playing with them and take wonderful care of the animals during their stay here," Dunning says.

Dunning says that if no one in the college can adopt the animals, then they go to people in the community who have expressed an interest in adopting or to an animal rescue group. The college has already received an overwhelming response from individuals interested in adopting the remaining dogs, and college officials are in the process of matching the animals to prospective owners.

"We are very thorough in choosing adopters for these animals and want to make sure that they go to a good home," Dunning says.

Dunning emphasizes that the college only adopts out animals that will make good pets and it's not just dogs that are put up for adoption – cats, ferrets, birds and other animals are also available.

"We are very proud of our research program and our adoption program," Dunning says. "The welfare of animals is a part of our oath as veterinarians, and it's also an important part of the culture of the college. We go to great lengths to ensure their care and welfare."

Related Link

• College of Veterinary Medicine