News Release
For Immediate Release — September 3, 2009
UT Veterinary College Offers Pet Memorial Day
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In an effort to help pet owners celebrate the lives of their pets, both living and dead, Veterinary Social Work (VSW) at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine is offering Pet Memorial Day, Sunday, September 13, 2009. The service, which is free and open to the public, allows people to reflect on the impact pets have on their lives.
Dr. Elizabeth Strand, VSW director, says the opportunity to gather with others who have also experienced the loss of an animal can be therapeutic. “Realizing you are not alone in your grief and joy over beloved animal companions helps to promote human connection and human healing when it matters most,” says Strand. The experience also provides an opportunity to recognize the significance of the human-animal bond.
Participants are invited to take part in a special memorial art project which will be displayed at the veterinary college. Attendees are welcome to bring stories, poems, and pictures to share in remembrance of their pets. VSW will also collect new and gently used pet items to donate to the animals at Young-Williams Animal Center.
The event will be held at the Plant Biotech building on the UT agricultural campus from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Refreshments will be available.
For more information, call 865-755-8839 or visit www.vet.utk.edu/socialwork.
One of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine educates students in the art and science of veterinary medicine and related biomedical sciences, promotes scientific research and enhances human and animal well-being.
In addition to the programs of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the UT Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT AgResearch system of ten research and education centers and UT Extension offices in every county in the state.
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Contact:
Sandra Harbison, Media Relations, College of Veterinary Medicine
865-974-7377, sharbiso@utk.edu