Thousands Flock To Vet School

Visitors from across the state learned about Tufts' high-tech animal treatment centers and toured the University's multi-million dollar veterinary facilities.

No. Grafton, Mass. [09.30.02] --- For animal lovers and aspiring veterinarians alike, Tufts' annual Veterinary School Open House is a unique opportunity to get an insider's view of New England's only school of veterinary medicine. Thousands of visitors from around the region arrived on the North Grafton campus to learn about the University's high-tech treatment centers and tour Tufts' multi-million dollar facilities.

"[The Open House] gives people a chance to see the animals and to have them visualize that there is a group of people who have devoted their lives to the care of animals," Jeff Galsterer - a fourth year student at Tufts - told the Milford Daily News.

Founded in 1978, the Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine treats more than 25,000 animals every year and has trained more than 1,500 veterinarians at its high-tech facilities.

Greeting families as they arrived on campus, associate dean Joe McManus said the event gives neighbors, visitors and young children who may someday become veterinarians a chance to learn about Tufts' facilities from the people who work there every day.

Lynn Sloan's young daughter was one of many "aspiring young veterinarians" who took in the sights on Saturday.

"This is our new annual tradition," Sloan told the Daily News as her daughter happily ate a snow cone. "We have a messy wanna-be vet right here."

Hands-on programs allowed children like Sloan's daughter to get their first taste of veterinary medicine.

"To teach children how some of the hospital's animal medicine equipment operates, school staffers held a 'teddy bear clinic' where youngsters could get their favorite stuffed animal bandaged or have its blood pressure taken," reported the newspaper.

There were also demonstrations with K-9 dogs, advanced ultra-sound equipment for animals and a birds-of-prey exhibit.

For Walter Giraitas and his daughter Alicyn, who have many pets at home, the event was both fun and educational.

"It's great for the kids and it gives them a taste of rural life," Giraitas told the Daily News.