Bustad Lecture with Dr. Kerri Rodriguez

“How and why do we benefit from dogs? Emerging science on the human-dog relationship”

Friday, March 21, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Animal Disease Biothech Facility (ADBF)
WSU Pullman

Dr. Kerri Rodriguez is an assistant professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona. As the director of the HAB (Human-Animal Bond) lab, her research explores the role and impacts of the human-animal bond for both human and animal well-being across a variety of settings, populations, and contexts.

This talk will give an overview of the latest scientific research on the human-dog relationship, focusing on how positive interactions with dogs influence human health and wellbeing. We will explore studies that investigate the effects of dogs on brain function, stress hormones, emotional wellbeing, and social functioning. Through examples from research on both pet dogs and therapy dogs, the presentation will highlight key findings on how and why we may benefit from our remarkable relationships with dogs.

Contact: Katy Heaton, CVME@vetmed.wsu.edu

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Over three days, the symposium will feature keynote speakers, nationally recognized journalists, industry panels, and interactive student experiences.

By Brett Atwood, WSU Murrow College of Communication