Bark! Fest to Host Acclaimed Authors Exploring the Enduring Histories of Small Dogs and Veterinary Medicine

Animal lovers worldwide are invited to a unique literary event, Bark! Fest, featuring two distinguished authors, Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith and Dr. Philipp Schott DVM. This upcoming webinar will delve into the rich and often surprising histories of our canine companions and the evolution of veterinary care. Scheduled for September 25 at 1 pm Pacific Time (4 pm Eastern / 9 pm UK time), the event promises an insightful journey through millennia of human-animal interaction, hosted by renowned animal experts Dr. Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson.

The virtual gathering offers a rare opportunity to connect with leading voices in animal history and medicine, exploring how our relationships with pets have shaped societies and scientific advancements. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the bonds that tie humans to animals, from ancient times to the modern era, through engaging narratives and scholarly perspectives.

Unearthing the Past: A Look at the Presenters and Their Work

Bark! Fest is curated to bring cutting-edge research and captivating stories to a broad audience of animal enthusiasts. Co-hosted by Dr. Zazie Todd, a celebrated author and animal welfare expert known for her books Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy and Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, and Kristi Benson, a highly respected professional dog trainer and writer, the event stands as a testament to their commitment to accessible animal education. Their combined expertise ensures a lively and informative discussion, facilitating a dialogue that bridges academic insights with practical understanding for pet owners and animal advocates alike. The event underscores a growing trend in public engagement with the historical and scientific dimensions of animal life, moving beyond simple pet care to a comprehensive appreciation of animals’ roles in human culture.

Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith and the World of Small Dogs

One of the evening’s highlights will be Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith, an acclaimed animal historian, who will introduce her forthcoming book, Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs. While the book is slated for release in October 2026, Bark! Fest offers an exclusive early glimpse into its captivating content. Dr. Howard-Smith’s work provides an entertaining yet deeply researched history of our diminutive canine companions, told through tender, engaging stories and charming illustrations.

Her narrative traces the profound impact of small dogs on human lives across diverse cultures and historical periods. From their roles as working animals, adept at keeping homes free of vermin, to their celebrated status as cherished companions, small dogs have occupied a unique niche in human society. Dr. Howard-Smith’s research highlights how these petite canines have not merely adapted to human environments but have actively shaped them, influencing social customs, art, and even political landscapes.

Yap! delves into the fascinating lineage of various small breeds, including the spirited terriers, elegant lapdogs, and specific breeds such as King Charles Spaniels, Pekingese, Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Toy Poodles, Dachshunds, Pomeranians, Pugs, and Shih Tzus. Each chapter, described as "lapdog-sized," focuses on a famous historical pooch, offering a window into different eras. For instance, the book explores the clandestine companionship between medieval nuns and their hidden small dogs, a practice that often defied the strictures of male church leaders. It moves through the royal courts, featuring King Charles’s beloved Spaniels and Queen Victoria’s cherished Pekingese, illustrating how these animals became symbols of status and affection among the elite. The narrative extends into contemporary culture with figures like Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua, a symbol of modern celebrity pet ownership, and even touches upon the phenomenon of pet influencers on twenty-first-century social media, demonstrating the enduring and evolving role of small dogs in public life.

Dr. Howard-Smith’s academic background lends significant weight to her popular historical accounts. She holds a PhD on the cultural history of lapdogs in the eighteenth century, a period when the companionship of small dogs became particularly prominent among European aristocracy and burgeoning middle classes. Her scholarly work includes a number of academic essays on dogs in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain, exploring diverse topics such as London’s first celebrity veterinarian, the artistic representation of porcelain pugs, and the daily lives of dogs in Georgian England. Through Yap!, Dr. Howard-Smith bridges the gap between rigorous academic research and accessible popular history, offering a heartfelt ode to the "yapping little dogs" that have, in their own unique way, shaped our lives as much as we have shaped theirs. Her work underscores how these small companions have provided blueprints for the modern canine, evolving from working partners to beloved couch companions, and offering steadfast companionship when humans have most needed it.

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

Complementing the historical exploration of canine companions, Dr. Philipp Schott DVM will present his book, Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts. Dr. Schott, a Canadian veterinarian who will retire from active practice in 2025, brings decades of professional experience and a gift for storytelling to his historical examination of animal healing. His book chronicles the history of veterinary medicine through an abundance of bizarre, funny, surprising, and heartwarming anecdotes, revealing a history that is anything but linear.

Heal the Beasts shares the stories of 22 different animal healers and veterinarians from across eras and continents, meticulously examining the often-unexpected and sometimes hilarious methods employed to treat all manner of creatures. The scope of his historical inquiry is vast, ranging from treatments for common domestic animals like dogs and horses to exotic species such as gorillas, and even mythical creatures like dragons in ancient lore, reflecting the imaginative and practical dimensions of animal care throughout history. At its core, Dr. Schott’s work illuminates the cyclical evolution of the human-animal bond, demonstrating how our understanding and treatment of animals have progressed, regressed, and transformed over time.

While many might be familiar with the comforting narratives of figures like James Herriot, Dr. Schott introduces a pantheon of lesser-known but equally fascinating veterinary pioneers. Among them is Palakapya, an ancient Indian healer who, almost 3,000 years ago, specialized in treating fighting elephants. Palakapya’s inclusion highlights the sophisticated understanding of animal physiology and behavior that existed in ancient civilizations, particularly in cultures where animals played critical roles in warfare, labor, and ceremonial practices. His methods, though far removed from modern veterinary science, represent foundational efforts to understand and alleviate animal suffering.

Another compelling figure is Dr. Louis Camuti, who established the first feline house call practice in mid-twentieth-century Manhattan. Dr. Camuti’s practice catered to the cats of celebrities, reflecting the growing trend of pet humanization and the increasing integration of companion animals into the fabric of urban family life. His story offers a snapshot of a pivotal moment in the history of pet care, where veterinary services began to adapt to the specialized needs and elevated status of domestic pets, particularly in affluent Western societies.

Dr. Schott’s journey from Germany to Canada, his veterinary studies in Saskatoon, and his long career in a small animal clinic in Winnipeg, culminating in his upcoming retirement, provide a unique perspective. His bestselling first book, The Accidental Veterinarian, translated into five languages, established him as a significant literary voice in the veterinary community. He has since published six more books across various genres, solidifying his reputation as an engaging writer capable of blending humor, historical detail, and scientific insight. He and his wife Lorraine, alongside their two young adult children and a cat described as "simultaneously crazy and sweet," embody the very human-animal bond his work so eloquently explores. Whether attendees possess a passion for animals, the history of medical sciences, or simply an appreciation for quirky historical narratives, Heal the Beasts promises to entertain and delight with its light-hearted yet profound exploration of the empathetic relationship between humanity and the animal kingdom.

Implications and Broader Context of Bark! Fest

The Bark! Fest event featuring Dr. Howard-Smith and Dr. Schott carries significant implications for how we perceive and interact with animals today. By exploring the deep historical roots of human-animal relationships and veterinary science, the discussion is expected to shed light on several critical areas:

• Understanding Contemporary Pet Ownership: The historical context provided by both authors can help explain current trends in pet ownership, animal welfare movements, and the increasing anthropomorphization of pets. Understanding why small dogs became companions or how veterinary practices evolved offers a lens through which to analyze our present-day practices and responsibilities towards animals.
• Advancements in Animal Welfare: The chronology of veterinary medicine, from ancient treatments to modern practices, highlights the scientific progress that has dramatically improved animal health and well-being. This historical perspective can inspire continued innovation and commitment to animal welfare.
• Cultural and Societal Reflections: The roles animals have played throughout history – as working animals, status symbols, or cherished family members – reflect broader societal values, economic conditions, and cultural beliefs. The event encourages attendees to consider how animals mirror human civilization.
• Interdisciplinary Engagement: Bark! Fest exemplifies the growing interdisciplinary nature of animal studies, bringing together history, veterinary science, sociology, and animal behavior. Such events foster a holistic understanding of animals that transcends singular academic disciplines.
• Promoting Literacy and Research: By showcasing authors who translate complex academic research into engaging narratives, Bark! Fest plays a vital role in promoting literacy and public engagement with scholarly work. It demonstrates that history and science can be both informative and entertaining.

Attendees can anticipate insights into how societal shifts, scientific discoveries, and individual human-animal bonds have collectively shaped the animal world we inhabit today. The event serves not only as a celebration of literature but also as a platform for critical reflection on our past, present, and future interactions with the diverse creatures sharing our planet.

Event Logistics and Call to Action

This insightful webinar is co-hosted by Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson, both dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of animal behavior and welfare. The event is scheduled for September 25 at 1 pm Pacific (4 pm Eastern / 9 pm UK time). Interested individuals are encouraged to secure their spot by registering for the Zoom webinar via the provided link.

To support the invaluable work of these authors, attendees are invited to purchase their books. Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs by Stephanie Howard-Smith (due October 2026) and Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts by Philipp Schott DVM are available wherever books are sold. This includes major online retailers such as Amazon and Bookshop, and are also likely available through local libraries.

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By participating in Bark! Fest, attendees will not only enrich their understanding of animal history and veterinary science but also contribute to a vibrant community dedicated to appreciating and advocating for animals in all their forms. This event promises to be a memorable occasion for anyone who has ever wondered about the enduring legacy of our animal companions and the dedicated individuals who have cared for them throughout history.