Wednesday, July 27, 2016

CVM, Nestlé Purina, and MSU Police Department Join Forces



For years, Nestlé Purina and MSU-CVM have partnered to improve the lives of people and pets. Mississippi State University’s K-9 unit is proud to partner with and benefit from Nestle’ Purina’s support. Purina ensures health and success for MSU’s K-9 unit by supplying food and funding to help fuel the work days of service dogs.

The K-9 officers offer unique skills that expand the capabilities of traditional officers. Named “Bessi,” “Miguel,” and “Bach,” the dogs can conduct searches, track people or items, and detect bombs. They aid the department in regular sweeps of campus athletic facilities and other locations as needed. Having the K-9 unit allows the department to utilize their tracking and searching capabilities at any given time and offers increased levels of safety on campus. They also do demonstrations and visit local schools and nearby jurisdictions. Previously, MSU made use of dogs affiliated with the Mississippi Highway Patrol or other law enforcement agencies.

MSU Chief of Police, Chief Vance Rice, who oversees the K-9 unit says, "Because of the support that the MSU- Police Department receives from Nestlé Purina, we have been able to increase our K-9 unit from two to three.  The food provided to our K-9 unit gives them the strength they need to make it through rigorous work days.” 

"These dogs have a second thing that they are trained to do, and that's handler protection," Rice said. While the dogs are selected, in part, for their friendly nature, Rice said they are trained to become aggressive on command and are prepared to protect police officers if needed.” Corporal Patrick Jenkins, Corporal Nic Coe, and Officer Josh Ellis are assigned specialized police vehicles designed with the dogs' safety, comfort, and practicality in mind.

Corporal Jenkins said while they have scheduled weekly training sessions, they practice daily to perfect obedience and commands. When it's time to go home after a shift, the dogs go home with their handlers, who in addition to treating them as a policing partner, treat them as pets.

MSU-CVM students have also started the Vets for Vets program. Many former service dogs with degenerative joint tissue can benefit from regular physical therapy but the cost is fairly expensive. With private support to the program, MSU-CVM offers treatment and rehabilitation to dogs who have bravely served as part of our military or police force.

Dogs enrolled in the program are evaluated and then they begin the rehabilitation regimen. CVM students observe the process as part of their academic training and some help with the treatments, including laser therapy and work with the aquatic treadmill, and endless pool.

Vets for Vets operates completely by the support of donations. If you would like to make a gift to fund rehabilitation packages for military and police dogs, contact the CVM development team at 662-325-5893 or 662-325-5170.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

CVM Donor "Tree of Life" Honors Loved Ones

If you visit the CVM Animal Health Center, you may notice the giving tree on the wall near the pharmacy. The Class of 2011 designed and donated the donor tree to the College as part of their legacy and to show their appreciation and support while encouraging others to contribute to CVM programs.  The tree has leaves which can be engraved with the names of pets or people who the donor wishes to honor or memorialize. Gifts greater than $125.00 will be recognized with a leaf.  To be included on the tree, gifts must be designated to at least one of eleven particular funds that the Class of 2011 selected. The funds you can choose to support include the CARE Fund, CVM
Advancement Fund, CVM Student Externship Fund, Equine enrichment Fund, Food Animal Development Fund, Homeward Bound, Humane Ethics and Animal Welfare Support Fund, Lulu Cancer Radiation Unit, Marcia Lane Endowed Chair in Humane Ethics, Safe Haven, and the Bully Fund. The donor can select the wording for their leaf on this unique tree of life. By adding an engraved leaf to the tree for other clients and visitors to see, you create a lasting, visual expression of love and respect for your friend, family member or animal companion.