Welcome to Picnic Day April 18 at Vet Med

Saturday, April 18, as Picnic Day marks "Reflections: 100 years of Aggie Legacy," the School of Veterinary Medicine welcomes all to celebrate its 60th anniversary of serving California's animals, public health and environmental health. The school's students, staff and faculty showcase a wild array of animal-related events for the entire family at various locations and times on the UC Davis campus. The Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital sponsors an open house, and Surge III at the corner of Hutchison and Bioletti emphasizes wildlife and exotics.

Most events are free and take place rain or shine. The following is a tentative listing of activities current as of March 25, 2009. 

The morning's Picnic Day Parade features a colorful float created by the enthusiastic DVM Class of 2012. 9 a.m. Location: Follow your ears as the Aggie Band-uh leads the parade through campus and downtown Davis.

Families, Friends and Future Veterinarians: Visit the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, where veterinary students learn their essential clinical skills as faculty members provide clinical services to more than 30,000 animal patients each year. The nation's largest residency program for the training of veterinary specialists is based here, too. Self-guided tours feature exhibits, scientific poster displays and demonstrations with several live animal exhibits in both the large and small animal clinics. For example, visitors can watch a horse running full speed on a treadmill used to detect lameness and other problems. Visitors can ask questions about veterinary medicine and how to become a vet.

Participating services include Community Practice, Large and Small Animal Intensive Care, Large and Small Animal Surgery, Dentistry, Small Animal Ultrasound/Radiology, Hemodialysis, Large and Small Animal Endoscopy, Companion Avian/Exotic Pet Medicine, Transfusion Medicine, Parasitology and Anatomic Pathology. Exhibits will be suitable for all ages. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Location: VMTH, Health Sciences Complex, west of LaRue Road and south of Hutchison Drive. Parking: Lots 50, 51, 55.

The Class of 2011 presents the School of Veterinary Medicine Doxie Derby, a hilarious series of races of standard and miniature dachshunds. People come year after year to see their favorites compete. Or not. Attendance is free; competitors register dogs in advance. Fun begins at 1 p.m. Location: Activities & Recreation Center "ARC" Pavilion, LaRue Road. Parking: Lot 25.

The Wildlife and Aquatic Animal Medicine Club invites visitors to touch and learn about fur, hide, bone and whole specimens from wild animals. Veterinary students will answer questions. Children can wash rubber ducks in a simulated oil spill cleanup, and make simple craft projects from pine cones. All day. Location: Surge III (inside), Hutchison Drive at Bioletti Way. Parking: West Entry Parking Structure, Hutchison at Kleiber Hall Drive, or Lots 40 or 41.

Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine Club visitors can view and touch multiple bird species and other exotic pets. Veterinary students will answer your questions about the animals. All day. Location: Surge III, Hutchison Drive at Bioletti Way. Parking: West Entry Parking Structure, Hutchison at Kleiber Hall Drive, or Lots 40 or 41.    

The Canine Medicine Club offers a wonderful, entertaining opportunity to see rare and unusual dogs as well as more popular breeds. During two parades, spectators observe and learn about breed history, temperament, and medical issues. This event is free, although selection of participants is on a "first come, first served" basis. The club also sponsors Jack Russell Terrier races noon-1:00 p.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m. Location: Dutton Hall Field, "A" Street. Parking: North Entry Parking Structure or  Lot 5. 

The Canine Medicine Club also presents the Frisbee Dog Contest. Each dog will have one minute to catch as many throws as possible. There will be prizes for the top three dogs, so get ready to watch them jump it out to be top dog! This event is free, but space is limited. Participants are selected in advance, and the contest usually fills up months in advance. 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Location: Recreation field near corner of Dairy Road and Hutchison Drive. Parking: West Entry Parking Structure, Hutchison at Kleiber Hall Drive.

The Feline Medicine Club sponsors the Feline Breed Showcase of cats from local rescue groups that are in need of homes. Kids can get their faces painted by real live veterinary students. Club members provide details about purebred and mixed-breed cats. Students also present facts about pet overpopulation, show orphaned kittens fostered by the students, and provide contacts with feline rescue organizations. Location: Surge III, Hutchison Drive at Bioletti Way. Parking: West Entry Parking Structure, Hutchison at Kleiber Drive, or Lots 40 or 41.

Visit the Center for Children's Environmental Health table to learn about research to understand the causes of autism. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  Please go to http://vetmed.ucdavis.edu/cceh for more information about activities scheduled for April's Autism Awareness Month. The center is a joint venture of the School of Veterinary Medicine and the School of Medicine. Location: Room 1135 (first floor) Meyer Hall, La Rue Road at Bioletti Way. Parking: LaRue Road.

Please note that event times and locations are subject to change. View the Picnic Day Web site and pick up your event flier on Picnic Day for schedules and locations.

School of Veterinary Medicine maps: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/Academic_Programs/map/SVMCampusMap/index.html

Campus map: http://www.cevs.ucdavis.edu/map/

Picnic Day Web site: http://picnicday.ucdavis.edu/content/blogcategory/19/56/