Bark! Fest to Feature Deep Dive into Canine and Veterinary History with Renowned Authors

Animal lovers, historians, and pet owners are invited to a unique literary event, Bark! Fest, where two distinguished authors will unravel the rich tapestries of small dog history and the evolution of veterinary medicine. Scheduled for September 25, this online festival promises an insightful exploration into the multifaceted relationship between humans and animals, guided by the expertise of Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith and Dr. Philipp Schott DVM.

Event Overview and Purpose

Bark! Fest, conceptualized as a premier book festival for individuals passionate about the animal kingdom, provides a platform for authors to share their latest research and narratives. This particular installment, co-hosted by esteemed animal welfare advocate Dr. Zazie Todd and professional animal trainer Kristi Benson, aims to illuminate historical perspectives that have shaped our understanding and treatment of companion animals. The digital format, accessible via Zoom, ensures a broad international reach, connecting audiences from diverse time zones including 1 pm Pacific, 4 pm Eastern, and 9 pm UK time. The event emphasizes not only the intellectual engagement with the authors but also encourages direct support through the purchase of their featured works, which are available through various retail channels, including online stores and local libraries.

Featured Authors and Their Groundbreaking Works

The upcoming Bark! Fest is set to highlight two compelling books that promise to captivate and educate. Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith will present her forthcoming book, Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs, an engaging narrative exploring the centuries-long journey of our diminutive canine companions. Complementing this, Dr. Philipp Schott DVM will share insights from his latest publication, Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts, offering a panoramic view of veterinary practices across epochs and continents.

Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith and the Enduring Legacy of Small Dogs

Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith, a dedicated animal historian with a PhD focused on the cultural history of lapdogs in the eighteenth century, brings a wealth of academic rigor and storytelling flair to her subject. Her book, Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs, slated for release in October 2026, delves into the fascinating evolution of small dogs, challenging preconceived notions and celebrating their profound impact on human society.

The narrative of Yap! transcends simple breed histories, instead weaving an intricate tapestry of how these petite canines transitioned from working animals to cherished companions. From the medieval European convents, where nuns defied ecclesiastical disapproval to keep small dogs as loyal confidantes, to the regal courts graced by King Charles’s Spaniels and Queen Victoria’s Pekingese, Howard-Smith meticulously chronicles their journey. The book also traces their modern presence, from celebrity accessories like Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua to the ubiquitous "pet influencers" of 21st-century social media.

Howard-Smith’s research highlights the dual roles small dogs have played throughout history. Initially valued for practical purposes such as vermin control—a role still performed by various terrier breeds—they simultaneously served as symbols of status, warmth, and unadulterated joy. The book explores how breeds like French Bulldogs, Toy Poodles, Dachshunds, Pomeranians, Pugs, and Shih Tzus have not only adapted to human environments but have actively shaped human culture and emotional landscapes. Her academic background, including scholarly essays on dogs in Georgian and Victorian Britain, porcelain pugs, and London’s first celebrity veterinarian, underpins the depth and authenticity of Yap!. The book is presented as a heartfelt ode to these "yapping little dogs," acknowledging their significant contribution to shaping the modern canine-human bond.

Dr. Philipp Schott DVM and the Curious Journey of Veterinary Arts

Dr. Philipp Schott DVM, a seasoned veterinarian and acclaimed author, offers a complementary historical perspective with his book, Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts. Dr. Schott, who retired from active veterinary practice in 2025 after a distinguished career in Winnipeg, Canada, brings a practitioner’s insight to the historical evolution of animal care. Born in Germany and raised in Saskatoon, his journey through veterinary medicine has been both academic and deeply practical, culminating in a successful literary career that includes his bestselling The Accidental Veterinarian, translated into five languages, and six subsequent books across various genres.

Heal the Beasts embarks on a fascinating journey, introducing readers to 22 diverse animal healers and veterinarians from different eras and global locations. The book skillfully navigates the often bizarre, frequently humorous, and consistently surprising methods employed to treat a vast array of creatures, from common domestic animals like dogs and horses to exotic species like gorillas, and even mythical beings such as dragons. At its core, Schott’s work examines the "cyclical" rather than linear evolution of the human-animal bond, illustrating how our empathy and scientific understanding have ebbed and flowed through history.

The book introduces figures far removed from the familiar image of James Herriot, such as Palakapya, an ancient Indian healer who tended to fighting elephants nearly three millennia ago. It also highlights more recent pioneers like Dr. Louis Camuti, credited with establishing the first feline house call practice in mid-20th century Manhattan, catering to the pampered cats of celebrities. Schott’s narrative is a testament to the enduring human impulse to care for animals, regardless of the scientific tools available. His exploration appeals to those with a passion for animals, medical history, or simply a curiosity for unique historical anecdotes. The book promises to be both entertaining and enlightening, reinforcing the empathetic relationship that has always existed between humanity and the animal kingdom. Dr. Schott, who resides in Winnipeg with his family and a "crazy and sweet" cat, continues to contribute significantly to the understanding and appreciation of animal life through his writing.

Thematic Connections: Unpacking the Human-Animal Bond

While seemingly disparate, the histories of small dogs and veterinary medicine are intricately linked by the overarching theme of the human-animal bond. Both books, in their unique ways, explore how this relationship has evolved from utility-based interactions to profound emotional connections. Dr. Howard-Smith’s work on small dogs highlights the selection and breeding driven by human companionship needs, transforming animals from purely functional beings into cherished family members and status symbols. Similarly, Dr. Schott’s chronicle of veterinary arts demonstrates humanity’s persistent efforts to alleviate animal suffering and preserve their health, reflecting an increasingly empathetic and scientific approach to animal welfare.

The insights from both authors underscore that the journey of understanding and caring for animals is not a linear progression but a complex interplay of cultural, social, and scientific advancements. The increasing academization of animal studies, exemplified by Dr. Howard-Smith’s PhD and publications, reflects a broader societal interest in exploring these historical dynamics. Similarly, the professionalization of veterinary medicine, as traced by Dr. Schott, signifies a societal commitment to animal well-being that has grown exponentially in recent centuries.

Historical Context and Broader Implications

The subject matter presented at Bark! Fest resonates deeply with contemporary discussions surrounding pet ownership, animal welfare, and the burgeoning field of anthrozoology—the study of human-animal interaction. Globally, pet ownership has surged, with millions of households now including companion animals. In the United States alone, over 66% of households own a pet, representing a significant cultural and economic phenomenon. The pet industry, valued at hundreds of billions of dollars annually, underscores the immense investment, both financial and emotional, that humans place in their animal companions.

Understanding the historical trajectories presented by Dr. Howard-Smith and Dr. Schott offers critical context to these modern trends. For instance, the historical role of small dogs as lap companions and status symbols provides a lens through which to view contemporary trends such as designer breeds and pet fashion. The evolution of veterinary medicine, from ancient folk remedies to advanced surgical techniques and pharmaceuticals, highlights the continuous striving for improved animal health and the ethical considerations that accompany such progress.

The event, therefore, is not merely a celebration of literature but a scholarly and accessible forum for appreciating the depth of human-animal co-evolution. It prompts reflection on questions such as: How have our definitions of "pet" and "animal welfare" changed? What can historical practices teach us about current ethical dilemmas in animal care? And how does understanding the past inform our responsibilities towards animals in the future?

Event Logistics and Participation

To participate in this enriching event, attendees are encouraged to register for their spot via the provided Zoom webinar link. The digital nature of Bark! Fest ensures accessibility for a global audience, making it a truly international literary gathering. Organizers Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson emphasize the importance of supporting the authors directly by purchasing their books. Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs and Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts are available at major bookstores, online retailers like Amazon and Bookshop.org, and through local libraries. Links provided in the announcement are affiliate links, meaning a small commission may be earned on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to the buyer, further supporting the hosts and the literary ecosystem.

Conclusion: Fostering Knowledge and Connection

Bark! Fest represents a vital opportunity for individuals to deepen their understanding of the intricate histories that bind humans and animals. By bringing together experts like Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith and Dr. Philipp Schott DVM, the festival not only enriches intellectual discourse but also strengthens the community of animal lovers and scholars. As we look towards September 25, the anticipation builds for an event that promises to be both informative and profoundly moving, reminding us of the enduring, evolving, and often surprising relationship we share with the creatures who walk alongside us. The narratives of small dogs and the dedicated individuals who have healed them throughout history are not just stories of the past, but vital lessons for our present and future interactions with the animal world.