The College of Veterinary Medicine and the Human-Animal Bond Showcased During Purdue Homecoming Festivities

Friday, October 6, 2023

Victor sits for a treat from Adrian as they wait for the start of the parade decked out in capes and glow in the dark necklaces — Adrian Dixon, of the DVM Class of 2026, with his Canine Educator, Victor, as they get ready to walk in the parade.

Two signature Purdue Homecoming events put the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in the spotlight last weekend, in part because of the magnetic attraction of canines and felines! Friday night, September 29, on the eve of the Purdue Homecoming football game, Canine Educators stole the show as Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s entry in the Homecoming Parade. The nighttime parade started at 8:00 p.m. at the Memorial Mall and traveled along Mitch Daniels Boulevard (formerly State Street) before turning north on Martin Jischke Drive and concluding at the area around the Tarkington Residence Hall.

A total of 24 Canine Educators and their student handlers, along with other student and staff supporters, garnered lots of attention as they walked the parade route led by two students holding up the Canine Educators banner. To help provide good visibility, the dogs and their student handlers were decked out in luminescent collars and decorative lights. Additionally, in keeping with the parade’s superhero theme, many in the group wore costume masks. The students also handed out treats and promotional items including tennis balls, stickers, and kid-size t-shirts. The Canine Educators parade entry was a hit with the host of Purdue students, alumni, and community members who turned out to see the festive evening event that also included decorated golf cart floats, the Purdue All-American Marching Band, Purdue Golduster Dance Team, and Purdue Police and Fire Department units.

The PVM group gather for a group photo decked out in superhero masks and capes for the Homecoming parade — Canine Educators accompanied by a throng of students, staff, and some family members, gathered at Memorial Mall to participate in the evening Homecoming Parade.

Canine Educators and students march along the parade route on the Purdue West Lafayette campus — With their banner leading the way, Canine Educators and their student handlers stole the show in the annual Homecoming Parade Friday night, September 29.

A young Boilermaker fan decked out in black and gold beads and a Purdue cheer dress takes a moment to pet Baby Kitty as the cat sits in a blue folding lawn chair — Dr. Lori Corriveau’s cat, Baby Kitty, attracted admirers of all ages.

Then on Saturday, community members and Purdue alumni enjoyed strolling along “Boilermaker Boulevard” to visit a host of tents containing displays and exhibits organized by Purdue colleges and units, which stretched from the Purdue Gateway arch at the entrance to Stadium Mall down to the Engineering Fountain and then on to Memorial Mall. Prominent among the booths was the Purdue Veterinary Medicine tent that featured a team of students from the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital Small Animal Primary Care Service. The students were led by Dr. Lori Corriveau, primary care clinician, and accompanied by two furry companions – a black Labrador named Gimli and Dr. Corriveau’s cat, Baby Kitty. Another hit at the tent was the “Tick Toss” – a game in which participants could toss a tick figurine against a dog illustration on a board covered with Velcro patches. Those who got the tick to stick on the dog won a prize. In addition, giveaways and information available at the booth provided passersby with a good introduction to the veterinary medical services available at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Corriveau and the students also fielded many questions about pet care and admission to veterinary school.

Arrangements for the booth were coordinated by Kelly Dold, marketing and communications coordinator for the Veterinary Hospital and the ADDL. A big thank you to Dr. Corriveau and her students for volunteering at the booth and to Alumni Relations and Special Events Director Susan Xioufaridou and Public Affairs Director Kevin Doerr who handled booth set-up and tear down, as well as assisting at the booth during the event. Also thank you to Dr. Corriveau’s son and daughter who attended to every need and whim of prince Baby Kitty at the tent. As a result of everyone’s collective efforts, and the popularity of Baby Kitty and Gimli, the booth provided great college engagement with the hundreds of Purdue alumni and area residents who attended the pre-game celebration.