Bark! Fest, the esteemed book festival dedicated to animal lovers, is set to feature two prominent authors, Stephanie Howard-Smith, PhD, and Philipp Schott, DVM, in an illuminating virtual event. Scheduled for September 25 at 1 pm Pacific Time (4 pm Eastern Time / 9 pm UK Time), this webinar promises a deep dive into two distinct yet interconnected facets of the human-animal bond: the captivating history of small dogs and the curious evolution of veterinary medicine. Co-hosted by Zazie Todd, PhD, and Kristi Benson, the event offers a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to engage with scholarly insights presented in an accessible and engaging format. Exploring the Canine Tapestry: Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith, a distinguished animal historian, will present her forthcoming book, Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs. This work offers an entertaining and tender historical account of our diminutive canine companions, tracing their journey from ancient working animals to cherished modern-day lapdogs and social media sensations. Howard-Smith’s narrative, enriched with engaging stories and charming illustrations, illuminates the profound impact these small breeds have had on human society over millennia. For tens of thousands of years, dogs have been integral to human civilization, fulfilling roles as protectors, herders, hunters, and rescuers. However, small terriers and lapdogs have carved out a unique niche, enriching human lives through companionship and specialized tasks. Dr. Howard-Smith’s research reveals that the practice of breeding and keeping small dogs dates back to ancient times, driven by both practical utility and the sheer joy they bring. The book delves into a series of "lapdog-sized chapters," each spotlighting a famous historical pooch that shaped the trajectory of small canine companionship. The historical journey presented in Yap! is rich and varied. It transports readers to the convents of medieval Europe, where nuns defiantly harbored small dogs as faithful friends despite ecclesiastical disapproval. It chronicles the aristocratic affections for breeds like King Charles’s Spaniels in the British monarchy and Queen Victoria’s beloved Pekingese, showcasing how these dogs became symbols of status and comfort. In more contemporary times, the book examines the phenomenon of celebrity pets, from Paris Hilton’s iconic Chihuahua to the burgeoning world of pet influencers dominating twenty-first-century social media platforms. These examples illustrate the continuous adaptation of small dogs to human cultural shifts and their evolving roles within society. Dr. Howard-Smith’s narrative celebrates the diverse lineage of petite companions that have shared our homes for centuries. From the agile terriers, historically indispensable for vermin control, to the beloved French Bulldogs, Toy Poodles, Dachshunds, Pomeranians, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Spaniels, Yap! presents a heartfelt ode to these breeds. It meticulously details how these "yapping" companions have not only shaped our lives but how their very existence has been shaped by human selective breeding and cultural preferences. The book posits that these small dogs have provided the blueprint for the modern canine, transitioning from working animals to cherished couch companions and offering unwavering companionship when it has been most needed. Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith’s academic background lends significant weight to her popular historical narratives. Holding a PhD on the cultural history of lapdogs in the eighteenth century, her scholarly work includes numerous academic essays on dogs in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain. Her research has previously explored fascinating subjects such as London’s first celebrity veterinarian, the historical significance of porcelain pugs, and the daily lives of dogs in Georgian England. Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs, scheduled for release in October 2026, marks her debut book for a popular readership, promising to bridge the gap between rigorous historical research and engaging storytelling for a broad audience. The insights offered by Dr. Howard-Smith are anticipated to provide attendees with a deeper appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of small dog breeds. Unveiling the Arcana of Animal Healing: Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts Complementing this exploration of canine history, Dr. Philipp Schott, DVM, will present his book, Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts. Dr. Schott’s work chronicles the fascinating, often unexpected, and sometimes humorous journey of veterinary medicine, sharing the stories of 22 different animal healers and veterinarians from across various eras and continents. The book examines the diverse methodologies employed to treat a vast array of creatures, from the familiar dogs and horses to exotic gorillas and even mythical "dragons," thereby illustrating the always evolving and often surprising approaches to animal care. At the core of Heal the Beasts lies an investigation into the evolution of the human-animal bond, a relationship Dr. Schott characterizes as more cyclical than linear. This perspective suggests periods of intense connection and dedicated care followed by times of neglect or utilitarian views, ultimately leading back to renewed appreciation for animal welfare. While many readers may be familiar with the heartwarming tales of James Herriot, Dr. Schott introduces a pantheon of lesser-known but equally significant figures in veterinary history. These range from Palakapya, an ancient Indian practitioner who treated fighting elephants almost 3,000 years ago, to Dr. Louis Camuti, who pioneered the first feline house call practice in mid-twentieth century Manhattan, tending to the pampered cats of celebrities. Dr. Schott’s narrative appeals not only to those with a passion for animals but also to enthusiasts of medical history and quirky historical anecdotes. His light-hearted yet informative exploration of the empathetic relationship between humans and beasts promises to both entertain and enlighten. The historical timeline covered by Heal the Beasts is extensive, beginning with rudimentary attempts at animal healing in ancient civilizations, where practices were often intertwined with religious rituals, folklore, or rudimentary surgical techniques. The book traces the gradual shift towards more systematic and scientific approaches, highlighting key milestones such as the establishment of the first veterinary schools in the 18th century and the subsequent advancements in diagnostics, pharmacology, and surgical procedures throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Attendees are expected to gain a rich understanding of how veterinary practice has adapted to changing scientific knowledge and societal values over millennia. Philipp Schott, DVM, brings a unique blend of practical experience and literary talent to his work. Born in Germany, he emigrated to Canada at a young age and later pursued veterinary medicine in Saskatoon. After graduation, he established his practice in Winnipeg, where he worked in the same small animal clinic until his retirement from active veterinary practice in 2025. This extensive hands-on experience as a small animal veterinarian undoubtedly informs his nuanced understanding of the human-animal bond and the challenges faced by practitioners throughout history. Dr. Schott is also a prolific author, with his bestselling first book, The Accidental Veterinarian, translated into five languages. He has since published six more books across various genres, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to sharing stories. He resides in a historic home with his wife, Lorraine, their two young adult children, and a cat, embodying the very human-animal connection he writes about. His insights are anticipated to offer a unique perspective, blending professional experience with deep historical research. The Enduring Human-Animal Bond: A Unifying Theme The presentations by Dr. Howard-Smith and Dr. Schott collectively underscore the profound and multifaceted nature of the human-animal bond. This enduring relationship, which has shaped civilizations and continues to evolve, serves as the overarching theme connecting the two distinct historical narratives. From the earliest domestication of wolves into dogs, to the development of specialized veterinary care, humanity’s interaction with animals has been a constant source of wonder, utility, and emotional depth. Both authors illuminate how animals have not merely been passive recipients of human attention but active participants in shaping our societies, cultures, and even our scientific understanding. The evolution of small dogs, as explored by Dr. Howard-Smith, vividly illustrates how human preferences and societal needs have molded canine breeds, leading to companions that fulfill specific emotional and practical roles. Similarly, Dr. Schott’s history of veterinary medicine highlights humanity’s persistent efforts to alleviate animal suffering and enhance their well-being, reflecting a growing moral and ethical consideration for other species. This cyclical nature of the human-animal bond, as Schott suggests, points to an ebb and flow of understanding and valuing animals, culminating in the complex, often deeply personal relationships many people share with their pets today. The event aims to foster a deeper appreciation for these historical trajectories and their implications for contemporary animal welfare and companionship. Event Mechanics, Accessibility, and Support for Authors Bark! Fest, through its virtual format, ensures broad accessibility for animal lovers and history enthusiasts across different time zones. The webinar structure allows for a global audience to participate in the discussions from the comfort of their homes, bridging geographical distances and fostering a wider community of engagement. The event is expertly co-hosted by Zazie Todd, PhD, a widely respected expert in dog and cat behavior and author of Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy and Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, and Kristi Benson, a certified professional dog trainer and author, known for her practical and insightful approaches to animal behavior. Their combined expertise is expected to facilitate a dynamic and informative discussion, guiding the conversation and engaging the authors on salient points from their respective works. Attendees are strongly encouraged to support both authors by acquiring their books. Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs and Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts are readily available wherever books are sold. For convenience, purchasing options include links provided to the hosts’ Amazon store and Bookshop.org, which supports independent bookstores. Additionally, readers are reminded that these enriching historical works may also be accessible through their local libraries, further promoting literacy and community engagement. The event organizers emphasize that supporting authors is crucial for the continued production of high-quality, research-driven content that enriches our understanding of the animal kingdom. Broader Implications and Significance The Bark! Fest event featuring Drs. Howard-Smith and Schott holds significant implications for several fields. Firstly, it contributes to the growing body of knowledge in animal history, a discipline that offers crucial insights into human-animal relationships and their evolution. Understanding how societies have interacted with and cared for animals in the past can inform contemporary debates on animal welfare, conservation, and ethical treatment. Secondly, the event highlights the interdisciplinary nature of studying animals, drawing from history, sociology, biology, and veterinary science. This holistic approach enriches public understanding and fosters a more nuanced appreciation for the complexities of animal lives. Furthermore, the virtual format of Bark! Fest exemplifies the adaptability of literary events in the digital age, expanding reach and fostering a more inclusive global intellectual community. By presenting scholarly work in an engaging and accessible manner, the festival plays a vital role in public education, encouraging critical thinking about our shared past with animals and inspiring future research and advocacy. The discussions are expected to leave attendees with a renewed sense of wonder about the creatures with whom we share our planet and a deeper appreciation for the historical threads that bind us to them. The collective narratives presented by Dr. Howard-Smith and Dr. Schott are poised to offer not just entertainment, but also a profound reflection on what it means to coexist with, care for, and learn from the animal kingdom, solidifying the enduring relevance of animal studies in contemporary discourse. Post navigation Far and Wild: Adventures of the Worldwide Vet Explores Global Animal Care and the Universal Human-Animal Bond The Behaviour Eh! Conference 2027: A Landmark Gathering for Interspecies Cooperative Care and Advanced Animal Training Professionals in Calgary.
