The 3rd Annual Human-Animal Bond Initiative Conference
The Science Behind Our Relationship With Animals
Cuddle a Critter, Call Me in the Morning...
October 10 & 11 2003
Kellogg Center
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Sponsored by:
The Human-Animal Bond Initiative
College of Nursing, MSU
The Animal Welfare and Behavior Group
Department of Animal Science, MSU
The Department of Social Work, MSU
This conference was made possible by the gracious donation of time and expertise of our speakers and the hard work of our volunteers. Dr. Becker's talk was sponsored by a generous donation from
PAWSitive InterAction.
Keynote Speakers
Below is information about the 2003 HABI
Conference keynote speakers, as well as links to documents related to their presentations. Sally O Walshaw
Finding Your Perfect Feline: Temperament Testing in Cats
Sally O Walshaw, VMD, MA is a veterinarian who
has persisted and succeeded in reaching her goal of promoting the human-animal bond in human and animal health, research and academic settings,
and in the community. Dr. Walshaw was a high school teacher before earning her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania. A tireless advocate in animal welfare and human-animal bond
issues, Dr. Walshaw is the recipient of one of veterinary medicines' highest honors, the Bustad Award. She is also one of the first veterinarians to support the study and understanding of the
relationship between humans and animals in all settings, including animal shelters, zoos, and laboratory animal research. A founding member of the Human-Animal Bond Initiative while at
Michigan State University, Dr. Walshaw is currently Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island, Canada.Marty Becker
The Healing Power of Pets: It's Not Just Anecdotal Anymore
Marty Becker, DVM is a veterinarian, author, educator and media personality. Dr. Marty Becker has
been called the "best loved family doctor for pets" in the world. The author of the 1999 best seller,
Chicken Soup for the Cat and Dog Lover's Soul, Dr. Becker is introducing his new book, The Healing Power of Pets: Harnessing the Amazing Ability of Pets to Keep People Happy and Healthy. He is
the veterinary contributor to ABC TV's Good Morning America and also appears on many other television and radio programs. He writes a highly regarded newspaper column "The Bond," that is
syndicated in over 350 newspapers by Knight Ridder Tribune Services. Dr. Becker has lectured at the Smithsonian Institution, veterinary colleges across the United States and in many countries
around the world. A leader in changing the way people interact with and take responsibility for their pets, Dr. Becker will challenge us to relook at our relationships with our animal companions.
Featured Speakers
Below is information regarding the featured speakers from the 2003 HABI Conference, as well as links to information about their research.
Linda Spence
Pets and Chronically Ill Children
Linda J. Spence, PhD, RN is an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing at Michigan State University. Dr. Spence is also a Pediatric Psychologist and Clinical Nurse Specialist. Her clinical
practice and research are focused on facilitating the best possible outcomes for chronically ill children and their families. She is currently engaged in research that integrates her lifelong interest
in animals in examining the role of pets in families with chronically ill children.
Camie Heleski
Attitudes Toward Food Animal Welfare
Camie Heleski, MS was raised on a horse farm and was extensively involved in 4-H programs during her youth. She earned her MS in Animal Science from Michigan State University in 1991, and began
teaching in the Horse Management program at MSU. She is currently completing the requirements for a PhD in Animal Behavior and Welfare at MSU under the direction of Dr. Adroaldo Zanella. Her
interests in this area are diverse, ranging from her dissertation topic on "Attitudes toward Farm Animal Welfare" to horse welfare issues.
Annique Lavergne
Bereavement After the Death of a Companion Animal
Annique G. Lavergne, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist in Quebec, Canada. She specializes in
human-animal bond issues and bereavement after the loss of a companion animal. Dr. Lavergne received her PhD from Laval University in Quebec. Her research has allowed her to better understand
the determinants that impact the grief reaction following the loss of a companion animal. Short Talks
Below are links to files related to the short talks given by a variety of individuals at
the the 2003 HABI Conference.
Posters
Below are links to files regarding the posters presented at the 2003 HABI Conference.
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