Take This Class! A Treat for Students and Pets
Terps Get Hands-On With Common Companion Animal Species
Mary Barsoum '27 guides Australian shepherd Boh through weave poles as part of a demonstration in the class "Companion Animal Care and Management." The course, taught by Kristina Mayo of the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, features weekly visits from dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and more.
Photos by Stephanie S. Cordle
The distinguished guest in Lecturer Kristina Mayo’s class last week shot through a plastic tunnel, bobbed between poles and jumped a hurdle. Then he barked and begged for a snack.
Boh, a 40-pound Australian shepherd who’s competed in dog agility competitions throughout the country, was showing off his obedience and athletic skills for an adoring crowd in the Animal Sciences Building courtyard. He was visiting “Companion Animal Care and Management,” one of the most popular classes offered in UMD’s Department of Animal and Avian Sciences.
Aliyah Bempong ’27 looks over items used for show dog care.
Students learn about the anatomy, health concerns, husbandry, care and breeding of species including dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, rodents and amphibians as well as more unusual pets, like sugar gliders and hedgehogs. Each week, an animal ambassador visits the class, giving students an up-close-and-furry (or scaly) look at the pets they may be treating as future veterinarians or caregivers.
“There’s only so much you can show through video and other descriptions,” said Mayo, a mostly retired veterinarian. “Having these animals and their handlers in class also allows the students to make connections with professionals in the field—breeders, raisers and trainers.”
The course was originally developed by Sarah Balcom, now assistant dean of academic programs in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Six years ago, Mayo took over, introducing real-life interaction with the animals. She works with her network of private owners and organizations like 4-H to bring in animals for her students to interact with.
In other elements of the class, one major project asks students to design an animal management plan for breeding a particular species, including managing reproduction, caring for parents and offspring, and marketing the animals. They also take on a service-learning project, in which they might collect items for an animal shelter, volunteer at an adoption event or work on a fundraiser.
Teaching Assistant Peter Brown '27 says hello to Boh after class.
Students also earn certifications in animal first aid and CPR, small animal science and care, and fear-free animal handling.
“There are different activities every class, so it engages the material instead of being lectured at all the time,” said Mary Barsoum ’27, who hopes to become a veterinarian. She’s eager for the lesson on birds, she said, “because birds don’t really tend to like me.” (When she worked at a vet’s office, she said, the parrots would stop singing as soon as she walked into the room.)
After handler and owner Morgan Stolba demonstrated Boh’s skill on the agility course, she offered students the chance to lead him through the obstacles. Success varied; Boh was distracted by the snacks Stolba was holding. Aliyah Bempong ’27 noted that she’d learned in class how to interpret a dog’s barks. “You can hear Boh’s happy, because it’s a little higher-pitched,” she said. “He probably wants more treats.”
For students, the class itself is a treat. “My favorite part has been to see the animals beyond a classroom, textbook kind of experience,” said Barsoum.
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