Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph plans to help celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2012 by producing a collection of poems, stories, essays and remembrances about how companion animals enrich lives. The collection also would honor veterinary professionals who sustain and are part of man's life-long relationships with animals. The college is asking veterinarians, veterinary staff members, pet owners, children and other pet enthusiasts to make a submission by Oct. 15. Submissions can be up to three pages or 750 words. Topics include: • Companionship: What does the relationship between people and animals mean? What are the benefits of companion animals? What do they bring to your life? • Passages: Stages of life from youth to old age, death and grieving. How have you been affected by acquiring a new companion animal? How has your life been touched by a pet’s illness or death? • Scenes From the Veterinary Clinic: From the client, veterinary professional or animal perspective. • Imagination Itself: How animals inspire imagination. • Becoming a Veterinarian: Why be one? What is the transition like? • For Children: Stories and poems on the theme for readers ages 8 to 12. Selections will be made by a panel of writers and veterinary educators. The book, which has the working title “Animal Companions, Animal Doctors, Animal People,” would be distributed annually to graduating veterinary students in Ontario. For submission details, visit www.OVC.uoguelph.ca/150/vetlitbook. Successful entrants will be notified by e-mail and announced on the website in early 2011. The book is expected to be sold beginning in May 2012.
