Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Holidays can be a deadly time for pets

Dr. Mark Russak
Special to The Clarion-Ledger

There's nothing better than gathering with friends and family for the holidays eating, drinking and putting up beautiful decorations. And there is nothing more dismal than spending that fun time sitting in a veterinary hospital with a sick pet. In preparation for holiday festivities, be sure to keep pets in mind because some holiday traditions can pose a danger to furry and feathered friends.

Consider the following:

Keep decorations pet friendly: Consider decorating the tree with ornaments relatively less enticing to pets such as... Read More

Monday, December 1, 2008

MSU-CVM Envoys 2008-2009.

Front row: Brian Holt, Noe Ramirez, Abbey Gregory, Leslie Koenig
Back row: Brannon Jones, Abby White, Grant Ramsey, April King, Teri Vaughn, Laura Loftin
Not pictured: Ryan Centini, Cody Swilley

MSU-CVM Envoys are a select group of freshman and sophomore students who assist the college of Veterinary Medicine in the recruitment of new students to Mississippi State University and the College of Veterinary Medicine. MSU-CVM Envoys will assist with the MSU-CVM tours and MSU-CVM-sponsored activities. Additionally, MSU-CVM Envoys will assist during admissions procedures for incoming classes.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

SCAVMA Run/Walk for Rabies 2008


SCAVMA would like to thank all of those who participated in the 5K Run for Rabies on November 15th sponsored by Purina and Merial. We raised just over $2000! Half of it will go to the Josh Project and half will go to the Alliance for World Rabies Control. We had 101 people register (51 from the vet school and 50 from main campus/community). This was a very successful race and we look forward to seeing you all next year for an even BIGGER race!

Thank You!
Liz Ezelle, Jessica Platz, Madison Hayward

Friday, November 14, 2008

MSU-CVM 5K Run/Walk for Rabies

The Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA)is hosting it's second annual 5K Run/Walk for Rabies! This race is open to the public so please spread the word! Come and receive a free t-shirt, running bag, nalgeine, dog bowl, and leash free with your registration fee ($15 to pre-register and $20 to register the day of the race). A free bag of dog food will be given as first place prizes for the runners and walkers.

Date: November 15th, 2008
Location: North Farm
Time: Registration begins at 7:15 AM, Runners will begin at 8:00 AM, Walkers
at 8:15 AM

Click here for registration form: (pdf)

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Employee of the Month

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Adam Pochocki, Laboratory Manager for PPM who has been chosen as CVM "Employee of the Month" for November 2008.

Monday, November 3, 2008

2008 Alumni Fellow Speaks at CVM

Dr. Gary K. Allen, our 2008 Alumni Fellow, spoke to CVM students, faculty and staff on Friday about his professional career. Dr. Allen, a native of Biloxi, MS, is a 1981 graduate of MSU-CVM. He also holds a BS in agriculture from MSU. After graduating in the inaugural CVM class, he completed a PhD in microbiology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He completed postdoctoral training at Texas A&M University in immunology and biochemistry ant at the University of Missouri School of Medicine in medical informatics.

He is currently the Vice President for Information Technology at the University Missouri. In this role he oversees the information technology infrastructure for the four University of Missouri campuses.

Dr. Allen is an Associate Professor of Veterinary Pathology at UM-Columbia's College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a diplomate (Specialty of Virology) of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists and has served as a member of the ACVM Board of Governors.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Halloween hoopla can bedevil your 4-legged friends

Dr. Mark Russak
Special to The Clarion-Ledger

Every October, households around the country prepare for a surge of miniature witches, goblins, and spooks begging for Halloween treats. This tradition has always been a favorite for youngsters. However, family pets may not find it as much fun. Halloween can be a frightening and potentially dangerous time for them. Pets may be less disturbed by this haunting holiday if their owners follow these suggestions:

read more....

Friday, October 24, 2008

Thursday, October 23, 2008

CVM Wins Homecoming Banner Display Contest

CVM won first place in the annual MSU homecoming banner display contest. Accounting assistant, Joan Carpenter (CVM Homecoming Queen) and Bully were the center piece of the display. Veterinary Technician, Carrie Roebuck designed and painted the banner. Ellen Russak, very generously donated the use of her car. Tara Puckett coordinated the event and pieced together the display just in time for the judges and bully to arrive. Tara wishes to give a special thanks to all who were involved. CVM will be represented in the homecoming parade at 4:30pm today by the same participants.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Feline Leukemia common cause of cancer in cats

Dr. Mark Russak • Special to The Clarion-Ledger

The most common cause of cancer in cats is Feline Leukemia, or FeLV, a widespread, incurable virus that suppresses the immune system. Although some cats are able to eliminate the virus on their own and develop immunity, many others continue to be infectious or die as a result of the cancer or other infections that take advantage of their suppressed immune systems. read more...

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Tortoise Visit

Class of 2010 students Katie Leech Ebers and Ashley Detwiler occupy a male tortoise while a female tortoise is being weighed in by Dr. Frank Austin. The female tortoise was admitted to have her beak trimmed. She broke her beak while biting on a piece of gravel causing a triangular deficit that overgrew.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Noted TV veterinarian to appear at Human-Animal Bond week

By: Patti Drapala
Agricultural Communications

Veterinarian and ABC-TV “Good Morning America” contributor Dr. Marty Becker will bring his popular brand of wit and animal wisdom to Mississippi State University as keynote speaker for the College of Veterinary Medicine’s first ever NestlĂ©-Purina Human-Animal Bond Lecture Series Oct. 20-24."We are thrilled to have Dr. Becker as our keynote speaker,” said Dr. Jennifer Burgess, chair of the lecture series. “We have put together a week-long event that has appeal for anyone who has pets or whose life is touched by animals on farms, at zoos or in the wild.”

Becker is a graduate of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. During his career as a veterinarian, author and educator, Becker has been a proponent of the special relationship between pets and people, which he describes as “The Bond.” His work on “Good Morning America” and his best-selling books such as “Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul” earned Becker a national reputation as the “best-loved family doctor for pets.”

read more...
(Download schedule)

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Students have opportunities with new veterinary technology major

By Patti Drapala

MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Young people who desire a career in animal health but do not want to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree now have an alternative at Mississippi State University.

MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine will begin a four-year undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in veterinary technology in the fall of 2009. The college is establishing the degree to address a national shortage of veterinary technologists and help veterinarians provide the highest standard of health care to animals and society. (read more...)

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Wellness screening important to your pet's health

Clarion Ledger

by Dr. Mark Russak

Heartworm blood test? Urinalysis? Total blood panel? If you're like most pet owners, you have at one time or another wondered what all these tests mean and, more to the point, are they really necessary?

The short answer is yes, but it is always good to ask.

Veterinarians use lab tests to monitor your pet's health, diagnose a disease or condition, and/or measure the effects of a medication or treatment plan. In some cases, pets must be tested before they can receive necessary treatments. For example, the American Heartworm Society recommends testing pets for heartworms before starting preventive heartworm medications and annually thereafter.

read more...

Friday, October 3, 2008

October Employee of the Month

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Eddie Rogers, from our CVM Pegasus Dining Service who has been chosen as CVM "Employee of the Month" for October 2008.

Friday, September 26, 2008

All College Day 2008

Slide show of awards ceremony and games.

Monday, September 22, 2008

CVM Golf Scramble

One of the many groups that enjoyed the weather and participated in the CVM golf scramble Saturday. (Pictured from left to right) Diana Eubanks, Kimberly Woodruff Crocker, Jarod Woodruff, Sly Leitch and Suma Raju. The winning team was, Luc Valone, Colin Campbell, Matt Jones and Brad Swarthout. Congratulations!

Friday, September 19, 2008

World champ quarter horse treated at MSU

By Bonnie Coblentz
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A yearling quarter horse that was treated less than a year ago at Mississippi State University went on to become a world champion in August.

Veterinarians at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine treated 20-month-old Touch My Imagination, or Ty, for a severe respiratory problem. He was named the world champion yearling quarter horse stallion Aug. 26 at the Bayer Select World Show in Amarillo, Texas. His owner is Connie Lee of Weatherford, Texas, formerly of Barton, Miss.

“He’s a world champion now, ...

read more...

Thursday, September 18, 2008

MSU veterinarian offers pet owners new hope

Overcoming cancer…

By Amelia Killcreas Schloemer
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Pet owners who discover their small animals have cancer have more hope than they would have had just a decade ago.

Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has been part of a nationwide explosion in the study of oncology in dogs and cats. Veterinarians, who in years past could provide only a shoulder to cry on, now have many treatment options to offer pet owners.

“Treating cancer requires a holistic approach: to do it right, you need lots of facilities and lots of people,” said Dr. Andrew Mackin, CVM Ward Chair in Small Animal Medicine.

read more...

Friday, September 12, 2008

"Cruzn" Tedi

Student, Amy White, with Tedi showing off her 2 wheels and makeshift Mississippi license plate "Cruzn". Tedi, a regular visitor to the Vet school, uses her cart to get around instead of her hind legs. She may be a paraplegic but she is one of the happiest and cutest dogs you ever want to meet.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Vet care, exercise part of being a responsible pet owner

Clarion Ledger by

Dr. Mark Russak

We all know what it takes to be a responsible pet owner, right? Food, water, shelter and plenty of love would head most peoples' lists. But wait, there's more: Vaccinations and preventive care, identity tags and microchips, treatment for chronic conditions, behavior training, exercise, grooming and on and on.

Taking good care of your pet is a lot like taking good care of yourself. To maintain good health and a high quality of life, you need to know the smart moves and commit to doing them every day. Responsible Dog Ownership Month, celebrated throughout September, is an opportunity to celebrate your pet and check your care routines against your veterinarian's recommendations.

read more...

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Bushby wins ASPCA Henry Bergh Award

Congratulations to Dr. Phil Bushby for being selected to receive this years Henry Bergh Award. Every year, the ASPCA recognizes those who have worked on behalf of animal welfare as well as animal heroes that have demonstrated extraordinary efforts during the past year. Dr. Bushby was selected for being an intergral member in exposing veterinary students to shelters across Mississippi and educating them about the problem of pet overpopulation and ways they could play a role in the solution. Dr. Bushby has also traveled abroad speaking on spay/neuter issues, which, according to Ed Sayers, ASPCA president and ceo, ..."has been an extraordinary benefit for animal welfare on the international level". (Information provided by Dr. Ron McLaughlin)

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Temporary Shelter for Animal Evacuees

Veterinary Technician Emily Childers and Dr. Philip Bushby discuss the condition of a canine patient from a gulf coast clinic with an animal rescue volunteer. Bushby and Childers were in Jackson at the fairgrounds where a temporary housing shelter for animals was set up for evacuees of Hurricane Gustav. The dog was diagnosed with a luxated hip. (photo provided by Dr. Sharon Grace)

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Mobile Unit First Emergency Response

Sunday night, Drs. Carla Huston, Stanley Robertson and Phillip Bushby load mobile vet clinic with supplies in preparation to help support Mississippi pet friendly shelters and state veterinarians. The mobile clinic will be on standby in Jackson, MS in case it is needed for emergency response to victims of hurricane Gustav. This will be the Mobile Vet Clinic’s first use for emergency response.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Krista Gazzola and Friends featured in "The People's University"

Second-year veterinary student Krista Gazzola's compassion for stray animals has given more than 600 homeless dogs and cats an opportunity to escape an otherwise grim fate by placing them in homes far from the Mississippi State University campus.

Along with fellow College of Veterinary Medicine classmates Megan Caulfield of Westchester, N.Y., and Amy White of Wilmington, N.C., ...

Read More...

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Research Day

A list of the student winners:

Graduate students selected for oral presentations:

Ashley Harmon Mentor: Chambers
Ashley Harris Mentor: Varela-Stokes
Syamesh Kumar Mentor: Burgess
Dusan Kunec Mentor: Burgess

The winner of the $1000 travel award was Syamesh Kumar.

Veterinary student winners:

First Claire Fellman Mentor: Mackin
Second Courtney Bruner Mentors: Lunsford and Mackin
Third Leslie Koenig Mentor: Memili

Keynote speaker for Research Day, Dr. Richard Witter (right), talks with Dr. Erdogan Memili during a break. Dr. Witter developed the first vaccine for Marek's disease, which is a virus infection of chickens that leads to development of lymphoma.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Lisa Chrestman featured in "The People"s University"

Lisa Chrestman helps sick puppies and kittens at Mississippi State's College of Veterinary Medicine, working as an equivalent to a registered nurse at a hospital. She's also full-time mother and trainer to English Bulldog, TaTonka, the university's current incarnation of mascot Bully. An employee of MSU for 15 years, Chrestman's love for animals...
Read More..

Thursday, August 14, 2008

North Alabama cats own MSU veterinary graduate

Stephanie Gandy-Moody and her cat, Isabelle, demonstrate that trust works wonders when handling feline patients.

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications

MADISON, Ala. -- A dog has a master, a cat has a staff, and the felines in north Alabama have a veterinarian at their command who understands their management style. Stephanie Gandy-Moody, a 2007 graduate of Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, recently opened The Cat Hospital of Madison, Ala., a medical facility that caters to cats and the people they own.

read more...

Monday, August 11, 2008

Class of 2012 Enters CVM Family

Thursday Coating Ceremony

Friday COPE course

Monday, MVMA interim executive secretary, Nancy Christiansen, presents the class of 2012 with their own personalized cowbells.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Employee of the Month August


Please join us in congratulating Ms. Becky Harrison, CVM Technician in PPM who has been chosen as CVM "Employee of the Month" for August 2008

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Check pets for ticks to avoid diseases

Dr. Mark Russak • special to The Clarion-Ledger • August 5, 2008

Ticks are nasty little insects that vary in size from pinhead- to lentil-sized and are generally dark brown in color. They are skin parasites that feed on the blood of their hosts, but unlike mosquitoes, ticks don't just bite and then go away, they bury their heads under the skin and attach themselves for many hours until they are bloated with blood and then they drop off.

Your veterinarian has a complete line of flea and tick control products that work very well for dogs and cats. I do not recommend over-the-counter products as they can be dangerous if not used correctly (especially in cats), messy and don't work as well as the products veterinarians dispense.

Read More...

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

New PAC system

CVM radiologist Dr. Erin Brinkman examines clinical radiography from a high resolution viewing station, using the new PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System)

Thursday, July 17, 2008

MSU loses stallion with top pedigree


Mississippi State University stallion Minister Slew, a grandson of 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, was euthanized on July 11 after fracturing a leg during a sudden thunderstorm. Donated to the university in 2002, Minister Slew was alone in his paddock when he apparently spooked or took a misstep during the storm.

read more...

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Hiking with dogs can be smelly situation


Clarion Ledger by
Dr. Mark Russak

Summer is here, and for a treat you take your dog out for a hike in the woods.

He or she is ecstatic and races off, nose to the ground. Soon you hear the dog crashing through the undergrowth on his way back, but even before you see him, you can smell him! He comes back with his head and shoulders coated with a disgusting, sticky substance that would turn off a vulture. And, to top it off, it's obvious he is mightily pleased with himself since he has a big, lolling grin on his face. What's happening here and how should you react?

Read More...

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Employee of the Month


Please join us in congratulating Ms. Brenda Cherry, CVM Purchasing Superviosr who has been chosen as CVM "Employee of the Month" for 2008.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

High School Students Tour MVRDL

Fred Muhammad showing high school students how microscope slides are prepared at the Misssissippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Lab in Pearl, MS. Students touring the facility were part of an agriculture discovery camp. Dr. Cassandra Vaughn a 1988 graduate from CVM started the summer camp career program for high school students around the country to give them hands on experience in veterinary fields.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Magnolias' Bloom at CVM


Fragrant magnolia flowers are still in bloom at CVM. These trees have been here since the Wise Center was first built. The "Magnolia Grove" is dedicated to the charter class of the college of veterinary medicine. Each of the 22 trees was dedicated to a member of the graduating class of 1981. A plaque was placed on the northwest corner of the building, showing the layout of the grove.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

June Employee of the Month


Congratulations to Jerry Wolf, Library Associate for being chosen as CVM "Employee of the Month" for June.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

New Positions

NEW FACULTY AND STAFF AT CVM

Name, Title, Beginning Date of Employment

Raymond Cooper, Building Maintenance Repairer II, 6/2/08
Marion Tumberlinson, Carpenter II, 5/19/08
Monica Gadson, Intermittent Worker, 6/2/08
Whitney Thornton, Intermittent Worker, 5/14/08

Open Positions
Research Associate, Basic Sciences (2)
Histotechnologist
Histotechnologist, Aquatic Lab, Stoneville, MS

Friday, May 30, 2008

Veterinary Practice News (MSU/CVM spotlight)

Mississippi State Students Perform Surgeries at Local Shelters

By Leila Lotfi

Most veterinary students work in the teaching hospital during the fourth year of school. But, students at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine begin nine-month rotations during junior year. In senior year, 12-month rotations follow.

“Our students spend the first two years in the classroom and are full-time in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in their third year,” says Phil Bushby, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, who has served at the college for 30 years.

“We try to create the perfect balance across species and disciplines,” Dr. Bushby says. “We offer more clinical activity and more choices than other schools.”

read more

Open Positions


Research Associate, Basic Sciences
Histotechnologist
Clinical Instructor, Surgery & Anatomy
Research Associate, Basic Sciences
Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Veterinary Anesthesiology
Resident, Theriogenology/Production Medicine
Intern, Lg Animal Medicine, Surgery & Theriogenology
Intern, Radiology – Diagnostic Imaging
Resident, Equine – Large Animal
Assistant/Associate Professor, Aquaculture Epidemiology
Assistant/Associate Professor, Environmental Toxicology
Professor/Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
Assistant/Associate Professor, Environmental Toxicology
Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Veterinary Clinical Pathology
Assistant/Associate Professor, Food Animal/Production Medicine/Theriogenology Section
Histotechnologist, Aquatic Lab, Stoneville, MS
Clinical Instructor (2 positions), Food Animal Production

Monday, May 19, 2008

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

1st Annual PPM night at Dudy Noble

Group photo of PPM faculty, staff and students enjoying the Memphis game Tuesday night at Dudy Noble field. The party of 36 at the right field stand of Russel Carr, Scott Boone and Hart Bailey, enjoyed good food ("boudan, burgers, hotdawgs and chicken") and a victory over Memphis. (information and photo provided by Hart Bailey)

Monday, May 12, 2008

2008 Summer Research Experience

Group photo of the summer research experience students and their mentors. The summer research experience program gives veterinary students experience in biomedical and animal health research and prepares them to be leaders in the veterinary profession. This years program has 20 students: 17 from MSU-CVM, and 3 from Tuskegee CVM. The program is funded by NIH (12 students), Merck-Merial (4 students), the Morris Animal Foundation (2 students), and MSU-CVM grants (2 students). Students this year are Claire Fellman, Alexis Bardzinski, Kasey Hall, Shayla Belton (Tuskegee), Brook Bobo, Jason Gray, Kimberly Lednum, Chasie Johnson, Virginia Munson, Mary Aboko-Cole (Tuskegee), Karen Barger, Nadine Kirk, Talisha Moore, Jamesia Showers (Tuskegee), Courtney Bruner, Jennifer Sims, Jenna Loar, Kristin Farmer, Leslie Koenig and Susie Baker.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

May Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Brian King, IT Constultant, CVM ITS, for being selected May Employee of the Month!!


Thursday, May 1, 2008

2008 CVM Graduation

Slide Show
Video of the 2008 CVM graduation ceremony is available for purchase, please contact the TV Center at 325-1332.

New Faces and Open Positions

NEW FACULTY AND STAFF AT CVM
Name - New Employee Title - Beginning Date of Employment
Haley Hodges - Intermittent Worker - 4/28/08


Open Positions
Histotechnologist-Aquatic Lab, Stoneville, MS
Histotechnologist-PPM
Research Associate-Basic Sciences
Laboratory Technologist-MVRDL

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

West Nile little threat to cats and dogs, but watch for these signs

Dr. Mark Russak • Special to The Clarion-Ledger • April 15, 2008

With West Nile virus spreading across the United States, many pet owners are worried about their pets getting infected. So far, most West Nile virus infections have been identified in wild birds and horses.

Although the virus can infect dogs and cats, the risk of illness is extremely low.

Read More


Thursday, April 10, 2008

Pruett assumes new role


MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The new interim associate dean of Research and Graduate Studies at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine said he plans to continue the successful programs of his predecessor.

Click to enlarge Stephen Pruett, head of the CVM Basic Sciences Department since July, assumed his new responsibilities Feb. 25. He succeeds Jerald Ainsworth, who retired after 28 years of service.

read more

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Cedar Hill Visit



Vet students visited cedar hill cat sanctuary. For more information on Cedar Hill please visit their website at www.cedrhill.org

(Photos by Tom Thompson)

Friday, April 4, 2008

Open House 2008

Starkville Christian Acadamy first graders from left to right Jane Wang, Lilly Winton, Elise Hood, hold hands with their chaperone, Xueyan Shan, as they walk past a dolphin skeleton. They were among hundreds of school children touring CVM during the first day of the two-day event.

(Photo by Tom Thompson)

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

April Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Verla Pepper, April employee of the month.

New Faces and Open Positions

Name, Title, Beginning Date of Employment

Emily West, Client Accounts Assistant, 4/1/08
Henry Outlaw, Building Maintenance Repairer II, 4/1/08
Casse Carpenter, Intermittent Worker, 3/31/08


Open Positions

Histotechnologist-Aquatic Lab, Stoneville, MS
Intern-Small Animal Shelter Medicine
Histotechnologist-PPM
Research Associate-Basic Sciences



CVM News is published weekly for the College of Veterinary Medicine. All news items should be sent to Mrs. Kim Higgason via Mail stop #9825 or P.O. Box 6100, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State, MS 39762-6100; higgason@cvm.msstate.edu; or call 662-325-1326.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Picnic with Pups


The students, interns/residents, and clinicians enjoyed the new dog park area at Moncrief Park in Starkville Friday evening. The event was sponsored by Nestle Purina

Thursday, March 13, 2008

MSU veterinarian helped push animal welfare effort


By Bonnie Coblentz

MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Scientists have known for decades that animals are good stand-ins for humans in research, and one Mississippi State University veterinarian was on the front lines of the fight to protect the welfare of laboratory animals.

Dr. John Harkness retired in 2005 from his position as laboratory animal veterinarian at MSU. He began his career in the early 1970s, just seven years after federal legislation mandated the kind of care laboratory animals must receive. “As animals became more and more incorporated into biomedical research...

read more

Monday, March 3, 2008

March Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Patricia Newman, March employee of the month.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Shelby Hadaway Gives Gift


8 yr old Shelby Hadaway, daughter of Missy Hadaway of West Point, and a rehab patient named Maggie are playing with toys that were donated to the Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Blankets and pet toys were purchased by Shelby from money that she earned specifically for this purpose. (Photo by Tom Thompson)