Wine Country Circuit Dog Show at Sampson State Park, offering on-site care and using the event to advance canine-health research.

The presence of Cornell clinicians and researchers turned the competition into a working clinic and a field lab: teams provided mostly non-emergent care and met with breeders to discuss genetics and long-term health questions. Current trends in canine health research highlight the importance of advanced diagnostics and monitoring to enable earlier disease detection and more precise preventive treatment. current trends in canine health research

David Lee, 35, associate dean for external programs, said the show was an opportunity to introduce researchers to breeders and trainers while observing a wide range of breeds and behaviors. “For us, this is a great opportunity to learn about the different breeds, and also to introduce our researchers to different breeders, trainers and breed associations,” David Lee said. Engaging with breeders also aligns with better veterinary care by allowing them to establish long-term relationships to ensure comprehensive health management.

Across the lawns of Sampson State Park, excited remarks about dogs — particularly the Irish Setter — were common as handlers moved between rings and the veterinary tent. The tent saw a small number of mostly non-emergent cases over the weekend, ranging from a limp to a possible fever to a tearing eye, allowing trainees to practice triage and routine diagnostics without disrupting the show. This hands-on experience is important, emphasizing the need for accessible veterinary care for dog owners.

The Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center used the show to connect with breeders and to recruit for studies, and staff described conversations around hereditary risk factors and breed-specific disease. “My lab studies canine genetics and we’re looking for mutations that increase a dog’s risk for a variety of diseases,” said Dr. Jacquelyn Evans, assistant professor at the Baker Institute for Animal Health. These discussions are vital as they can also help dog owners follow recommended screenings and preventative care for their pets. best possible veterinary care

Veterinarians and researchers on site included Dr. Jay Harris and Dr. Sarah Slaughter, along with Dr. N. Sydney Moise, 38, CV Starr Emerita Professor of Cardiology, and clinical faculty such as Dr. Kelly Knickelbein and Dr. Kelly McMullin, a resident in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Postdoctoral student Dr. Shawna Cook and retired contributors — including Susan Hamlin and Dr. Thomas Kern — also participated, offering a mix of clinical experience and institutional memory.

Students formed a visible contingent in the tent and among the rings. First-year veterinary student Meghan Van Althuis, 27, described the event as a concentrated learning experience. “I learned so much during my time at the Wine Country Circuit Dog Show,” she said. Veterinary students Sophia Lesko, Ivanka Juran and Lucia Younger, 21, joined hands-on care and outreach, while retired CVM staff member Margaret Pough emphasized the mentoring role that experienced staff and breeders play in those interactions.

“Discussing how dog shows run is just one part of mentoring at the show, but answering student questions and teaching about the practices that are important to the responsible breeders you encounter at these shows is a big part of it,” Margaret Pough said. This mentorship is essential for the next generation of veterinarians as they learn the importance of establishing strong relationships with pet owners to ensure ongoing preventive care.

Organizers noted the American Kennel Club licensed the event, providing the competitive framework that draws breeders from across the region. Cornell’s participation combined clinical service with research outreach, giving the College of Veterinary Medicine a chance to observe breed-related traits in the field and to establish contacts useful for longer-term studies led by the Riney Center.

The weekend illustrated how a major dog show can serve multiple purposes: a competition for handlers and judges, a teaching laboratory for veterinary trainees, and a recruitment ground for genetic and clinical research. The mix of routine clinical cases and breed-focused conversations allowed faculty and students to practice patient care while pursuing projects that aim to improve canine health over time.

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