Under clear blue skies and warm spring sunshine, children poured into Bustad Hall ready to scrub in and save their stuffed animals.
With veterinary students on standby, each child pulled on a tiny surgical gown and got to work on their favorite plush patients as part of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual Open House, which once again was one of the main attractions on WSU Family Weekend.
The event’s beloved Teddy Bear Surgery Clinic was moved to the cozy Mickelsen Lounge, offering a little more space (and a lot more stuffed-animal magic). The line of future doctors-to-be ebbed and flowed throughout the five-hour event, with giggles, questions, and the occasional dramatic diagnosis filling the air.
In addition to teddy bear surgeries, the event featured nearly 30 student groups sharing educational displays, games, giveaways, and hands-on activities. Children could try their hand at ultrasound, pose with a cartoon cutout of a veterinarian, and, of course, pose with Butch T. Cougar.
But Ginger, WSU’s anatomically painted cow, once again stole the show, along with a parade of well-behaved dogs soaking up attention.
New this year was a crowd-pleasing roping training demonstration, hosted by veterinary students who showed guests how to handle ropes like pros while explaining how roping skills can intersect with large animal care. It was all fun and games until the roping went wrong for aspiring future ropers.
Eight-year-old Milo Jenkins from Lewiston gave the roping a shot — with mixed results. “I missed like 12 times,” Milo said, shaking his head with a grin. “But then I kind of got it! I don’t think I’ll be a cowboy, but maybe I’ll help horses instead.”
Student ambassadors also led tours of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, offering guests a behind-the-scenes look at where future veterinarians train.
For 7-year-old Avery Tomlinson of Spokane, the day was a dream come true. “I got to fix Mr. Bear’s leg and listen to his heartbeat,” Avery said, proudly showing off her bandaged teddy bear. “When I grow up, I want to help all the animals — maybe even giraffes!”
With the sun shining and families traveling in from across the region, attendance topped 250 people — and spirits were high.
Dean Dr. Dori Borjesson expressed her gratitude to everyone who made the event a success.
“Our Open House is about more than showcasing what we do — it’s about building lasting connections with the community,” Borjesson said. “Seeing children light up as they interact with our students and animals reminds us why this work matters. We’re incredibly proud of our students, faculty, and staff who come together every year to make this event so meaningful.”
