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College of Veterinary Medicine Advance Newsletter

Writing Books to Help Veterinary Students

After Jill Strickler’s beloved blond cocker spaniel, “Jessie,” passed away in 2009, Jill wanted to repay the kindness they received at WSU. So she decided to start a student scholar-ship. But as a writer, Jill knew she could do even more. So she decided to write a series of books to honor Jessie and everyone who cared for her at the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. » More ...

I’m a Cancer Survivor Scarf

A gesture that is seemingly small can have a great impact. That’s how Phyllis Finley of Kenmore, Washington, felt when her dog “Red,” a golden retriever–chow mix, walked out of the oncologist’s office in Seattle wearing an “I’m a Cancer Survivor” scarf on the one year anniversary of her diagnosis. » More ...

A Dog May One Day Walk Again Thanks to the Good Samaritan Fund

Juno at a campground
On a Sunday morning in October 2012, Tara Johnson and her husband heard their dog "Juno," a 4-year-old Husky, whimpering several yards from their house. They ran to find her lying on the ground not moving. Although they couldn't see any bite marks through her fur, they did see saliva on her neck. "That would be typical of a wolf attack," said Johnson. "We'd had several wolf sightings near our house a few months before she was injured." » More ...

Giving Back Just a Little Makes a Big Difference

As a non-traditional student with a wife and three kids to support, Billy Hansen ('14 DVM) has a lot on his plate. Because of the skyrocketing costs of a veterinary education, Billy, like so many of his classmates, relies almost entirely on student loans to pay for school. So when he received the $750 Dr. Aaron and Laura Gibbons Family Giving Back Scholarship it meant a lot. "It was a small amount compared to my student loans, but it made the burden of the semester lighter," said Hansen. "I didn't have to worry so much about finances and that helped me concentrate on school and my studies." » More ...

Donor Gifts Help Purchase a Needed Ophthalmology Table

Dr. Allession giving an eye exam to the dog on the table.
Small gifts can add up to make a big difference. In 2009, Dr. Terri Alessio, WSU veterinary ophthalmology specialist, received a new height-adjustable examination table that has helped hundreds of her patients that she can now easily bring to eye level. "It really helps for patient comfort," said Dr. Alessio. "We can adjust the table to where the animal feels most comfortable." » More ...

A Gift to Last

Katherine Rempe in a laboratory
Every year for 6 years, Pat Youngman ('43 BS in Bacteriology and Public Health) did something that has helped hundreds of WSU students. She provided enough support for the now School of Molecular Biosciences to purchase one Leica microscope each year. "The microscopes made all the things we read in text books or hear in lecture become real," said Katherine Rempe ('10 Microbiology), who is currently a Ph.D student in molecular genetics and microbiology at Duke University. "We could see how bacteria move and behave differently." » More ...

After Cancer Treatement Therapy Dog Has Two More Wonderful Years

"Mia," a bassador (Basset/Labrador mix) and therapy dog, was diagnosed with lymphoma in February 2012, just five months before her 10th birthday. She received several rounds of chemotherapy at the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital and is currently in remission. In July, Mia with her canine family members celebrated her birthday by feasting on meat and cream cheese cupcakes. » More ...

We Can Provide Even More Physical Rehabilitation Services Thanks to Generous Donors

When most people think of veterinary care, balance balls and underwater treadmills don’t often come to mind. But physical rehabilitation is one of the key services we offer to our patients to help them feel better faster. » More ...

WSU Oncology Resident Awarded Research Fund Will Pilot Study between WSU and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle

While working in a private clinic in Melbourne, Australia, Canadian-born veterinarian Dr. Kevin Choy of Vancouver, British Columbia, saw a lot of elderly patients and he noticed something. Although veterinary medicine was capable of managing many chronic illnesses, cancer was not one of them. » More ...