Bark! Fest to Feature Deep Dive into Canine and Veterinary Histories

Bark! Fest, a prominent virtual literary event dedicated to animal lovers, is set to host an illuminating session on September 25, 2026, at 1 pm Pacific Time (4 pm Eastern / 9 pm UK time). The festival will bring together two distinguished authors, Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith and Dr. Philipp Schott DVM, for a comprehensive exploration into the rich tapestry of small dog history and the fascinating evolution of veterinary medicine. Co-hosted by renowned animal behavior expert Dr. Zazie Todd and professional dog trainer Kristi Benson, this online webinar promises to offer attendees a unique blend of scholarly insight and engaging storytelling. The event underscores the growing public interest in the human-animal bond and the historical contexts that have shaped our relationships with companion animals.

The Enduring Appeal of Bark! Fest and Virtual Literary Gatherings

Bark! Fest has established itself as a significant platform for connecting readers with authors who delve into various aspects of the animal world. In an increasingly digital age, virtual literary festivals like Bark! Fest have become instrumental in transcending geographical barriers, allowing a global audience to participate in discussions with leading experts and authors. This accessibility not only democratizes knowledge but also fosters a broader community of like-minded individuals passionate about animal welfare, history, and science. The September 25 session exemplifies this mission by presenting two distinct yet complementary historical narratives that enrich our understanding of pets.

The decision to host such events virtually has seen a notable increase, particularly following global shifts in event planning. This format allows for flexible scheduling across multiple time zones, making it convenient for participants from North America, Europe, and beyond. For attendees eager to secure their participation, registration is available via a dedicated Zoom webinar link. The organizers emphasize that supporting the featured authors through book purchases is encouraged, with titles available through major retailers, including Dr. Todd’s Amazon store and Bookshop.org, as well as local libraries. It is important to note that these links may be affiliate links, through which the host may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the buyer, a common practice in digital content curation.

Spotlight on Small Dogs: Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith’s Yap!

One of the featured works is Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith’s forthcoming book, Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs, slated for release in October 2026. This pre-publication discussion offers attendees an exclusive preview of a work that promises to be both captivating and informative. Dr. Howard-Smith, an acclaimed animal historian, delves into the tender and often surprising history of our diminutive canine companions. Far from being mere accessories, small dogs have played multifaceted roles in human societies for millennia, evolving from working animals to cherished household members.

Yap! chronicles this journey through engaging narratives and charming illustrations, focusing on specific historical pooches that have left their paw prints on human culture. From the clandestine companions of medieval European nuns, who defied ecclesiastical disapproval to harbor small dogs, to the regal spaniels of King Charles, Queen Victoria’s beloved Pekingese, and the contemporary celebrity Chihuahuas and pet influencers of social media, Dr. Howard-Smith traces a lineage that profoundly shaped the modern perception and role of dogs in our homes.

The book celebrates the enduring relationship between humans and petite canines, highlighting their evolution from utilitarian roles—such as the lean, mean terriers that kept homes vermin-free—to the pampered French Bulldogs, Toy Poodles, Dachshunds, Pomeranians, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Spaniels of today. Dr. Howard-Smith’s research, rooted in her PhD on the cultural history of lapdogs in the eighteenth century, extends to academic essays on dogs in Georgian and Victorian Britain, exploring subjects like London’s first celebrity veterinarian and porcelain pugs. Her ability to translate rigorous scholarly work into accessible and engaging prose is expected to be a highlight of her presentation. Attendees can anticipate a heartfelt ode to these "yapping little dogs" that have, in their own unique ways, shaped human lives as much as humans have shaped theirs, providing companionship and joy across generations.

The Evolution of Animal Healing: Dr. Philipp Schott DVM’s Heal the Beasts

Complementing the historical exploration of small dogs, Dr. Philipp Schott DVM will present insights from his book, Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts. Dr. Schott, a retired small animal veterinarian and prolific author, offers a journey through the often bizarre, humorous, surprising, and heartwarming anecdotes that define the history of veterinary medicine. His work is not merely a chronological account but a narrative woven through the stories of 22 different animal healers and veterinarians from diverse eras and continents.

Heal the Beasts spans nearly three millennia, from the ancient Indian elephant healer Palakapya, who tended to fighting elephants, to Dr. Louis Camuti, who established the first feline house call practice for celebrity cats in mid-twentieth-century Manhattan. While figures like James Herriot are widely recognized, Dr. Schott introduces readers to a pantheon of lesser-known yet equally significant contributors to the veterinary arts. His exploration reveals that the human-animal bond, as reflected in veterinary care, has followed a "cyclical rather than linear" path, demonstrating a continuous, albeit evolving, empathy between humans and animals.

Dr. Schott’s background as a practicing veterinarian until 2025, coupled with his German origins and upbringing in Canada, provides him with a unique perspective. His bestselling debut, The Accidental Veterinarian, translated into five languages, and his subsequent six books across various genres, attest to his storytelling prowess. He and his wife, Lorraine, share their home with their two adult children and a cat, embodying the very human-animal bond he so eloquently explores. His presentation is expected to appeal to those with a passion for animals, the history of medical sciences, or simply an appreciation for quirky historical narratives. The audience will gain a deeper understanding of the innovative, sometimes eccentric, methods employed to treat all manner of creatures throughout history, from domestic pets to exotic animals and even mythical dragons.

Broader Context: The Human-Animal Bond and Its Historical Dimensions

The combined focus of Yap! and Heal the Beasts at Bark! Fest underscores a significant and enduring theme: the profound and complex relationship between humans and animals. This bond is not a modern construct but one deeply embedded in human history, evolving alongside civilizations. Dr. Howard-Smith’s work illustrates how specific breeds, like small dogs, moved from utilitarian roles to integral parts of human emotional and social lives, reflecting changing societal values and affections. The domestication of dogs, estimated to have occurred tens of thousands of years ago, laid the groundwork for these specialized roles, with small dogs often serving as companions, status symbols, and even therapeutic presences long before modern psychology recognized such benefits.

Similarly, Dr. Schott’s exploration of veterinary history highlights humanity’s continuous effort to care for animals, initially out of necessity for livestock and working animals, but gradually extending to beloved companions. The evolution of veterinary medicine from rudimentary practices rooted in folk remedies and superstition to a sophisticated scientific discipline reflects a growing recognition of animal sentience and welfare. The "cyclical" nature Dr. Schott describes suggests periods where animal care was highly valued, followed by declines, before resurgence, influenced by economic, social, and cultural factors. For instance, the professionalization of veterinary medicine in the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe coincided with advancements in human medicine and a broader Enlightenment-era interest in scientific inquiry.

Implications and Impact

The Bark! Fest event, featuring these two distinguished authors, carries several significant implications for attendees and the broader community interested in animal studies:

• Enhanced Understanding of Companion Animals: By providing historical context, the presentations will likely deepen attendees’ appreciation for their pets, fostering a more informed and empathetic human-animal bond. Understanding the origins of breeds and the history of their care can inform contemporary debates on breeding practices, animal welfare, and ethical treatment.
• Promotion of Animal History as a Field: The event showcases animal history as a vibrant and academically rigorous field. Dr. Howard-Smith’s work, bridging academic research with popular readership, demonstrates the growing interest in interdisciplinary studies that examine the roles animals have played in human culture, society, and economy.
• Highlighting the Value of Veterinary Science: Dr. Schott’s book demystifies the origins of veterinary medicine, celebrating the pioneers and innovators who advanced animal health. This can inspire future generations to consider careers in veterinary science and animal welfare, emphasizing the long tradition of dedication to animal well-being.
• Accessibility and Global Reach of Virtual Events: Bark! Fest’s virtual format is a testament to the power of digital platforms in fostering global intellectual exchange. It allows individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations to access high-quality content and engage with experts, thereby democratizing learning and community building.
• Support for Authors and Independent Publishing Ecosystem: By encouraging direct book purchases, the event directly supports authors and the publishing industry, including independent bookstores through platforms like Bookshop.org. This economic support is crucial for sustaining the creation of valuable non-fiction works.

Anticipated Discussions and Expert Perspectives

Co-hosts Dr. Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson are expected to facilitate a dynamic discussion, drawing out key themes and encouraging audience interaction. Dr. Todd, a renowned expert in companion animal behavior and welfare, is uniquely positioned to bridge historical accounts with contemporary understanding of animal psychology and needs. It is anticipated that she will highlight how historical practices and perceptions have influenced modern approaches to pet care and training. Kristi Benson, a certified professional dog trainer, will likely offer practical insights and connect historical anecdotes to current dog behavior and training methodologies.

During the event, Dr. Howard-Smith is expected to elaborate on specific case studies from Yap!, perhaps delving into the societal impact of particular small breeds or the cultural significance of the "lapdog" phenomenon across different eras. She might discuss how economic factors, aristocratic trends, and even religious doctrines influenced the breeding and keeping of small dogs.

Dr. Schott, in turn, is likely to share some of the more "bizarre, funny, surprising" anecdotes from Heal the Beasts, bringing to life the characters and challenges faced by early animal healers. He might also offer his perspective as a retired practitioner on how far veterinary medicine has come, and perhaps reflect on the cyclical nature of human empathy towards animals in a modern context, considering recent advancements and ongoing challenges in animal welfare.

Conclusion

The upcoming Bark! Fest session on September 25, 2026, featuring Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith and Dr. Philipp Schott DVM, represents a significant opportunity for animal enthusiasts, historians, and general readers to engage with profound narratives about our animal companions. Through Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs and Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts, attendees will gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the historical journey of dogs and the evolution of our efforts to care for them. The event, meticulously organized and hosted, reinforces the enduring fascination with the human-animal bond and the vital role of historical inquiry in illuminating our present and future relationships with the animal kingdom. Interested individuals are encouraged to save their spot for this enriching virtual experience.