2026-27 Speaker Series
Rescue Animals 101: Adoption, Strays, and Community Partnerships
Presenter: Hansen Dendinger
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 10–11 a.m.
This session covers top tips for acclimating newly adopted pets, including the 3‑3‑3 rule; Good Samaritan guidance for community members who find stray animals; and how humane societies collaborate with agencies and organizations to support animal welfare. Hansen Dendinger, a graduate of App State's Veterinary Technology program, shares her experiences working at the Watauga Humane Society and discusses how her skills have grown as she became a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).
More Than a Pet: The Human–Animal Bond and Relationship‑Centered Care
Presenter: Lisa Wiborg
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 10–11 a.m.
Attendee Zoom Link
For many people, animals are members of the family. This session explores the human–animal bond through a veterinary social work lens, including the roles animals may play in identity, connection, coping, caregiving, and family life. Participants will consider the difference between human–animal interactions and the human–animal bond, and examine how recognizing the relationship between an animal and their person can contribute to relationship‑centered veterinary care. Real‑world examples will illustrate how understanding both ends of the leash can support animals, the people who love them, and the professionals who care for them.
Lisa Wiborg (MSW, LISW‑S, C‑AAIS) is a licensed independent social worker and veterinary social worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. She earned her MSW from The Ohio State University and completed the post‑graduate Veterinary Social Work certificate at the University of Tennessee. With nearly 20 years of experience, she began in human medicine before “switching species” to veterinary social work, where she now supports the people who care for animals.
Understanding Pet Loss and Bereavement: Honoring the Bond
Presenter: Lisa Wiborg
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 10–11 a.m.
Attendee Zoom Link
The strength of the human–animal bond can make the loss of an animal profoundly difficult, yet pet loss is not always recognized or supported in the same way as other significant losses. This session examines pet loss and bereavement through a veterinary social work lens, including anticipatory grief, disenfranchised grief, euthanasia, and the many ways people experience and express loss. Participants will also explore the role of empathy and communication in supporting grieving clients, while recognizing the emotional impact that repeated exposure to loss can have on veterinary professionals.
2025-26 Speaker Series
Backyard Chickens
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025
More people are embracing the idea of raising chickens at home. Whether you are experienced with chickens but have questions or you have been contemplating becoming a part of the chicken-keeping community, there’s no need to wing it. From setting up the perfect coop to ensuring a steady supply of wholesome eggs, Ann Wortinger walks you through every step of the process.
Let’s Talk Pet Food: Making More Informed Choices
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
Making good nutritional choices for pets can be challenging. Pet parents are sometimes confused or misinformed about nutritional facts pertaining to pet foods, and common nutritional myths can complicate choices. What treats are safe to feed pets, and what are some common ones that can be hazardous? In this talk, Jen Serling and Ann Wortinger discuss pet food nutrition and how to read pet food labels.
Pet Peace Talks: Strategies for Blending Pets & Fostering
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025
Have you ever wanted to introduce a new pet into your household? Blending pet families requires plenty of time, patience and communication. Watauga Humane Society's Medical Technician, Hansen Dendinger, and Director of Operations and Animal Welfare, Ashlee Yepez, discuss preparing your home for a new pet, integrating a new pet with existing ones, adopting and fostering animals from the Humane Society, and volunteering at the Humane Society.
2024-25 Speaker Series
Whisker Wonderland: A Guide To Keeping Your Pets Safe During The Holidays
Date: Nov. 14, 2024
With the holidays right around the corner, App State Vet Tech's Jen Serling provides holiday tips for your pets. Holiday celebrations can be great for people, but the decorations, new food, guests and travel can be stressful for our furry friends. Serling discusses the environmental changes that can impact your pets over the holidays, how to plan to make sure they are safe and how to minimize pet stress. Whether you’re traveling or home for the holidays, watch this talk to learn more!
Pet Dental Care: Information To Sink Your Teeth Into!
Date: Oct. 24, 2024
Increasingly, vets are talking to people about their pet's oral care. In this talk, App State Vet Tech's Tammi Smith shares important tips to help maintain your pet's teeth and the importance of oral health. Are cleanings necessary for pets? Do these treats that offer oral cleaning really help? Smith presents information and responds to questions. She holds a veterinary technician specialist (VTS) degree, an advanced degree for credentialed veterinary technicians, with a specialty in dentistry.