University Of Florida Veterinary Students Attend Space Coast KC Of Palm Bay

On November 7th a group of Veterinary students from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine attended the Space Coast Kennel Club of Palm Bay Dog Show held in Ocala, Florida. For most, this was their first introduction to conformation shows and an opportunity meet and greet members of our fancy. The students spent time learning about breeds that interested them from breeders and exhibitors and were given a quick lesson in how a dog show works. The abundance of happy, healthy, well-bred dogs was an eye-opener and several of the students expressed an interest in becoming involved in the sport of purebred dogs as veterinarians and participants.

Here are some comments from the students:

Melonie Zuercher, Class of 2022  - “I learned that the relationship between a veterinarian and breeder is really about being open to having a conversation – through active listening and mutual respect, both the breeder and veterinarian have an opportunity to learn from each other and form a relationship based on trust.”

Griffyn Krause, Class of 2024  - “I really enjoyed the day experiencing a dog show for the first time! I gained a new appreciation for breeders, handlers, and the dogs they raise. I’m excited to learn more and work with them in the future!”

Tenley Porcher, Class of 2024 – “I loved my experience at the AKC Dog Show. My uncle, a UFCVM 1991 graduate, breeds Staffordshire Bull Terriers and has been showing them since before I was born and I love that aspect of veterinary medicine! I have been interested in getting a Dalmatian in the future, but would always hear about the health problems associated with the breed. It was such a pleasure to meet with Dalmatian breeders who take pride in what they do and make sure to breed healthy Dalmatians with great temperaments!”

Natalie Santos, Class of 2024 – “I had an amazing first-time experience at the Ocala Dog Shows! I enjoyed being able to have one-on-one conversations with different breeders, exhibitors, veterinarians, show chairman and AKC representative. It was incredible seeing how passionate they are about the different breeds that walked around the show grounds, and I was able to learn about the importance of the veterinary-breeder relationship.”

Tasha Desiderio, Class of 2024 – “I truly enjoyed my experience at my first-ever AKC dog show! Everyone was so welcoming, and I learned so much about how breeding programs and dog shows operate. It was great to see all the support offered for the members, the volunteers, and the dogs!”

From all accounts, the future of  Veterinary medicine is in good hands!  Best of  luck to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine students!

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=217724

Posted by Jane Alston-Myers on Dec 6 2021. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.