Bark! Fest to Explore Deep History of Human-Animal Bond Through Small Dogs and Veterinary Medicine

Animal enthusiasts and history buffs are invited to a unique literary event, Bark! Fest, on September 25, which promises to delve into the intricate and often surprising shared history between humans and animals. The virtual book festival will feature two distinguished authors, Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith and Dr. Philipp Schott DVM, as they present their latest works exploring the evolution of small dogs and the curious history of veterinary medicine. Scheduled for 1 pm Pacific Time (4 pm Eastern / 9 pm UK time), this online gathering offers a scholarly yet engaging exploration of our enduring relationship with creatures great and small.

Co-hosted by Dr. Zazie Todd, an acclaimed animal behavior expert and author, and Kristi Benson, a respected professional in the animal training field, Bark! Fest aims to provide a platform for insightful discussions on topics central to animal welfare and human-animal studies. The event serves as a vital conduit for disseminating knowledge from leading voices in the field, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the animals that have shaped human societies for millennia. The selection of Dr. Howard-Smith and Dr. Schott highlights the festival’s commitment to presenting diverse yet complementary perspectives on the human-animal bond, bridging cultural history with the advancements of scientific care.

Unearthing the Past: Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs by Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith

Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith, an esteemed animal historian, will introduce attendees to her forthcoming book, Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs. This work offers an entertaining and tender account of humanity’s diminutive canine companions, tracing their journey from ancient working dogs to cherished lapdogs and modern-day social media sensations. The book, enriched with engaging stories and charming illustrations, illuminates the multifaceted roles small dogs have played across various civilizations and eras.

The history of dogs as valued members of human societies spans tens of thousands of years, with archaeological evidence pointing to canine domestication dating back at least 15,000 to 30,000 years. While larger breeds were historically integral for hunting, guarding, and herding, smaller dogs carved out a distinct niche, often linked more closely to companionship and status. Dr. Howard-Smith’s research reveals how these petite canines transcended purely utilitarian functions, becoming symbols of affection, luxury, and even rebellion.

Yap! takes readers on a chronological journey, beginning in medieval Europe, where small dogs frequently served as secret companions to nuns, defying monastic rules and highlighting the deep human need for animal solace even amidst strict religious doctrines. These hidden friendships underscore an early, profound emotional connection that often went unacknowledged in formal historical records.

Moving through the centuries, the book explores the prominence of breeds like King Charles’s Spaniels in royal courts, emblematic of aristocratic life and leisure. These dogs were not merely pets but living accessories, reflecting the owner’s wealth and social standing. The Victorian era saw the rise of specific breeds like Queen Victoria’s beloved Pekingese, further solidifying the status of companion animals in the domestic sphere. This period marked a significant shift towards selective breeding for aesthetic qualities and companionship rather than solely for working capabilities, laying the groundwork for many of the toy breeds we recognize today.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Dr. Howard-Smith examines how small dogs have become cultural icons, from Paris Hilton’s iconic Chihuahua, Tinkerbell, to the ubiquitous "pet influencers" of modern social media. This contemporary phenomenon reflects a societal shift where pets are increasingly viewed as family members, often endowed with human-like qualities and afforded significant attention and resources. The book celebrates a diverse array of small breeds, including the tenacious Terriers, elegant Toy Poodles, distinctive Dachshunds, fluffy Pomeranians, charming Pugs, and flowing-haired Shih Tzus, each contributing to the rich tapestry of human-canine cohabitation.

Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith’s academic background, including a PhD on the cultural history of lapdogs in the eighteenth century, positions her uniquely to explore this subject. Her scholarly work has touched upon diverse topics such as London’s first celebrity veterinarian, the cultural significance of porcelain pugs, and the daily lives of dogs in Georgian England. Her ability to synthesize rigorous academic research with accessible storytelling makes Yap! an anticipated contribution to animal history. The book is slated for release in October 2026, and its presentation at Bark! Fest provides an exclusive preview of its fascinating insights into the enduring legacy of small dogs.

A Medical Odyssey: Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts by Dr. Philipp Schott DVM

Complementing the historical narrative of canine companionship, Dr. Philipp Schott DVM will present his book, Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts. This compelling work chronicles the evolution of veterinary medicine through a collection of bizarre, funny, surprising, and heartwarming anecdotes, highlighting the dedication of animal healers across continents and eras. Dr. Schott’s narrative underscores how the practice of veterinary medicine has mirrored and influenced the human-animal bond, often in cyclical rather than linear fashion.

The history of veterinary medicine is as old as animal domestication itself, driven by the practical necessity of maintaining healthy livestock for agriculture, transport, and warfare. Dr. Schott’s book embarks on a journey through time, introducing readers to 22 different animal healers who exemplify this complex evolution. One notable figure is Palakapya, an ancient Indian healer who specialized in treating fighting elephants nearly 3,000 years ago. This early focus on large, economically significant animals underscores the utilitarian origins of animal care, where the health of animals directly impacted human survival and societal structure.

As civilizations advanced, so too did the understanding and practice of animal healing. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans developed rudimentary veterinary practices, often intertwining them with human medicine and religious beliefs. During the medieval period, animal care was largely relegated to farriers, who specialized in horses, and folk remedies passed down through generations. Formal scientific inquiry into animal diseases remained limited for centuries.

The Enlightenment marked a pivotal turning point with the establishment of the first dedicated veterinary schools, such as the one founded in Lyon, France, in 1761. This period saw the gradual professionalization of veterinary medicine, moving away from anecdotal treatments towards a more systematic, scientific approach based on anatomy, physiology, and pathology. The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed revolutionary advancements, including the development of vaccines, antibiotics, and sophisticated surgical techniques, transforming veterinary care from a largely reactive practice to a proactive science.

Dr. Schott’s narrative brings to life lesser-known pioneers alongside figures like the beloved British veterinarian James Herriot, whose semi-autobiographical books popularized the profession and showcased the deep emotional connections between vets, farmers, and their animals. The book also features fascinating characters such as Dr. Louis Camuti, who established the first feline house call practice in mid-20th century Manhattan, catering to the celebrity pets of the era. Camuti’s story exemplifies the shift from primarily treating farm animals to focusing on companion animals, reflecting the changing societal role of pets from working animals to integral family members. This transition necessitated a new approach to care, emphasizing personalized attention and specialized knowledge of feline and canine health.

Dr. Philipp Schott DVM, a German-born Canadian veterinarian, brings decades of practical experience to his historical explorations. Having retired from active veterinary practice in 2025 after a long career in small animal clinics, his insights are grounded in firsthand understanding of the human-animal bond. His bestselling debut, The Accidental Veterinarian, translated into five languages, established his talent for engaging storytelling. Since then, he has published six more books across various genres, solidifying his reputation as an author capable of blending humor, history, and scientific insight. Heal the Beasts is poised to captivate anyone with an interest in animals, medical history, or simply the quirky, often surprising, narratives that define human ingenuity and empathy.

The Synergy of Bark! Fest: A Holistic Perspective on the Human-Animal Connection

The curatorial choice to feature Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs and Heal the Beasts together at Bark! Fest is particularly insightful. These two books, while focusing on distinct aspects of animal history, converge on a central theme: the profound and evolving human-animal bond. Dr. Howard-Smith’s work highlights the cultural and social integration of animals, particularly small dogs, into human lives, illustrating how their presence has shaped our homes, our status, and our emotional landscapes. Dr. Schott’s book, conversely, examines the scientific and compassionate efforts to maintain animal health, demonstrating how our capacity for empathy and our advancements in medical knowledge have transformed the lives of animals and, by extension, our own.

Together, these narratives offer a comprehensive understanding of how humans have interacted with, valued, and cared for animals across different historical contexts. They underscore that the seemingly modern phenomenon of pet ownership and sophisticated veterinary care has deep roots, evolving from practical necessity to genuine affection and ethical responsibility. The historical context provided by both authors allows attendees to appreciate the present state of animal welfare and pet care as a culmination of millennia of shared existence.

The event not only educates but also encourages critical reflection on contemporary issues such as responsible pet ownership, ethical breeding practices, and the increasing professionalization of animal care. The insights shared by Dr. Howard-Smith and Dr. Schott will likely spark discussions on how historical trends continue to influence current attitudes towards animals, from the popularity of certain breeds to the expectations placed upon veterinary professionals.

Event Logistics and Supporting the Authors

Bark! Fest will take place virtually on September 25 at 1 pm Pacific (4 pm Eastern / 9 pm UK time). Prospective attendees are encouraged to secure their spot by registering via the provided Zoom webinar link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1117871093775/WN_Mh05kguPSEWy5NG6anEYVg.

The organizers emphasize the importance of supporting the featured authors by purchasing their books. Both Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs and Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts are available wherever books are sold. For convenient purchasing, links are provided to Dr. Zazie Todd’s Amazon store (https://www.amazon.com/shop/animalbookclub/list/1AOFRUDRWF9B7?ref_=aipsflist) and Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/lists/bark-fest-2026). Additionally, patrons are encouraged to check their local libraries for availability, fostering community engagement and access to these valuable historical narratives. It is noted that this page contains affiliate links, meaning a commission may be earned on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to the buyer. This disclosure extends to links to Amazon and Bookshop, where Zazie Todd may earn a commission from purchases made through these affiliate links.

Bark! Fest stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and historical inquiry in deepening our understanding of the animal kingdom and our place within it. By bringing together the captivating histories of small dogs and the evolution of veterinary care, the event offers a rich, informative, and ultimately heartwarming perspective on the inseparable bond between humans and the beasts they cherish. Attendees will leave with not only a wealth of historical facts but also a renewed appreciation for the complex, beautiful, and often surprising journey of co-existence that defines our world.