I flew back to the Palouse a few days ago and experienced that clear September aerial view of rolling hills, greens, and yellows — so picturesque. It feels good to be back. It has been a whirlwind month traveling and the theme of my month has clearly been “the power of animals.”
The month started with the Dean’s Celebration of Excellence in Seattle where we dove deeply into the primacy of the human-animal bond for at-risk youth. In this way, animals are companions, emotional support, security, wellbeing, home. Later, I attended the “Together for Pets” luncheon hosted by Seattle Humane. The stories (and amazing photos) highlighted the importance of access to care and community-based health care — reiterating that animals are often a lifeline for people who feel alone. At the Bellevue Hilton, adoptable puppies and kittens were part of the social hour prior to the program, and yes, they were a hit! Animals catalyze conversation and compassion even for those who are deeply connected to and engaged with their community.
But it isn’t just about the power of companion animals. In Africa, where I also visited this month, wildlife drives tourism and supports economic prosperity. And wildlife reminds us of all that is right and beautiful in the world. Although seeing wild animals range free is lovely, my time serving on the board of directors at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has introduced me to the Advancing Empathy Initiative. In short, this program understands that connecting with wild animals in a zoo can develop empathy and transform our care and concern for animals into opportunities for conservation action. These programs make the power of wildlife accessible to all.
And it is not just about the power of wild animals in Africa. In these same locations, livestock are critical to family financial security. Keeping livestock healthy and addressing diseases that cross between humans and animals or devastate local livestock populations is perhaps one of the best ways to address food security in developing nations. The power of livestock is not just in developing nations. Dairy, beef cattle/calves and chickens/eggs are a foundational part of our own state’s economy.
However you look at it, animals are central to our personal wellbeing and community health (fiscal and otherwise). I am proud of all our college does to help each and every one of these communities.
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Be safe, healthy, happy, and stay hopeful. As I said on my first day on the job, the future is bright.
Take care and Go Cougs!