[현장스케치] “I will sweep the floor with my tail” Kyungpook National University Pet Festival where both animals and people can enjoy

‘Woof!’ A poodle the size of a bread loaf wags its tail and barks. Contrary to the wishes of the poodle, who cannot contain his excitement at seeing so many friends, the line to enter shows no sign of shrinking.

This year’s pet festival has become even larger in conjunction with the Daegu Green Life Festa. The number of receptionists at the entrance has doubled from last year, but there is no time to rest.

At that time, on the central stage, Dean Man-Hwi Lee of Kyungpook National University College of Veterinary Medicine announces the start of the event in earnest. “I hope that today’s event will be a meaningful and enjoyable time while deepening your love and responsibility for pets.”

Next, Kim Chamisul, co-student council president (Boss 2), delivers an opening speech. “The theme of this event is ‘Pet Animals and a Sustainable Future,’ and we aim to grow together with the local community and practice eco-friendly values.”

As Chairman Kim said, you will not find any disposable products at this pet fair. In addition to the entrance sculpture made of wood and the event banner made from waste paper, everyone drinks coffee in reusable cups.

Next, Professor Jinsoo Kang (veterinary surgery)’s seminar begins. “Compared to non-selective cholecystectomy, the mortality rate of selective cholecystectomy is one-tenth,” he said, emphasizing the need for periodic ultrasound examinations and consultations. A plan to install laparoscopic equipment at Kyungpook National University Animal Hospital was also announced.

After the seminar, we went back to the booths, and now there was a waiting line at each experience booth. Even though the line at the medical/surgical consultation booth is so long that reservations are booked up to 3 hours later, the pets are just having fun.

“I’m going to sweep the floor with my tail, you idiot.” Everyone around me laughs at the words of the participant next to me who saw the dog wagging its tail violently. Student Jeong Jin (Class 2), who served as the student council team leader, said, “I am glad that so many people came,” and while leaving a comment, he ran back to replenish his staff.

The ‘Cat Scratcher Making’ booth he ran to ran out of materials due to the unexpected efforts of participants, and while he was helping, another student bought additional materials from a nearby supermarket.

As the waiting line continues to grow, the ‘Pet Agility’ booth replenishes its staff, and the ‘Dog Bath Salt Making’ booth runs out of prepared solution and prepares the solution in real time behind the scenes.

Although students are constantly busy, they are naturally energized by the sight of their guardians and pets happily enjoying themselves.

A variety of experiences, a unique experience like never before… a variety of colors

This pet festival was held in conjunction with the Daegu Green Life Festa and prepared programs at a total of 50 booths.

In particular, at the ‘Veterinary College Career Counseling Booth’, not only students but also parents show interest and consultations are endless. Professor Kim Tae-wan (veterinary physiology), who is proud of the students who give sincere advice based on his experience, buys fish cakes and pancakes for the students at the booth. Although the students’ bodies may be exhausted from the endless counseling, their hearts that have been touched by this are richer than anyone else.

At the end of the student parking lot, DVM, the veterinary school’s photography group, has set up a ‘dog photo zone’ booth to create memories for guardians and pets.

Daegu Green Life Festa holds various programs in the PLANT Zone (Value Consumption Market), Green Technology Education Zone, Green Experience Zone, Green Healing Lounge & Local Food Court. Among them, the ‘Shrinkles Experience’ in the upcycle play zone is especially popular and is filled with children who are fascinated by coloring.

“Wow mom, look, I made it!” The children, who were absorbed in coloring even when their parents spoke to them, smile brightly and are happy when they see the Shrinkles keychain completed in the oven.

In Central Park next to the event venue, seven special booths will be set up and the ‘Dang Dang Run’ program will be held. At the ‘Let’s Throw It Well’ booth, you can throw a ring and put it in a cone, and at the ‘Guess the Quiz’ booth, you can enjoy a picnic while taking a pet trivia quiz.

Following the sound of friendly laughter coming from afar, I came across the ‘Wait, Be Good’ booth where patience was contested. “How come you don’t seem interested in snacks?” Citizens passing by also stop and smile when they see the dog showing no interest in the snack because it is not good at waiting.

As soon as the waiting time exceeds one minute, the dog urinates on the guardian’s leg, and the guardian is startled and takes a step back. “I guess I like the guardian better than the snacks.” The citizens who were watching burst into laughter once again.

central stage program

After Professor Kang’s seminar, the Pet & Green OX Quiz begins. “Can I feed acetaminophen or the commonly known Tylenol to my cat?” You can hear the cheers of those who answered the question correctly and the sighs of those who were eliminated.

Seeing that many guardians still remained without being eliminated even after solving numerous problems, co-student council president Lee Jeong-hyeon (class 2) said, “The level of guardians has risen. “Our seniors’ efforts to create a mature pet culture are paying off,” he said.

As the level of the guardians has increased, the quiz that seemed to never end has already come to an end and there is time for a short break. Afterwards, Royal Canin veterinarian Kwak Yong-hwa and Royal Canin ambassador student Lim Chae-seung (Boss 4) will begin the seminar on ‘Tips for Pet Obesity and Healthy Weight Management’.

Student Lim Chae-seung shows the reality that over 50% of dogs and cats are obese and gives a warning to their guardians. “Guardians should be especially careful as it can be difficult to make objective judgments about adorable animals.” As if he understood this, a dog barked as soon as he finished speaking.

Veterinarian Kwak Yong-hwa, who came next, comforts the dog that just barked by telling him not to get angry. She introduces prevention strategies, saying that obesity can reduce average lifespan by up to 2.5 years depending on the breed. “It is best to determine BCS by looking at the external line and feeling the ribs, and feed the animal a low-calorie diet that provides the necessary nutrients. Of course, you have to exercise too.”

Next is the highlight, the ‘Pet Talent Show’. A talent show will be held featuring pets from various places including Buk-gu, Suseong-gu, and Chilgok, Daegu.

‘Bonggu’, the dog that responded the best, simply shows off his personal skills by lying down, sitting, putting his hands on his hands, and turning around, even when his owner simply gestures without saying a word. “Oh, is the Army sergeant’s full discharge?” Everyone laughs out loud at the words of the host after seeing Bong-gu showing off his loyalty skills. Bong-gu, who finished with a talent technique of bouncing a balloon, proudly took first place.

In the evening, when the sun has set and the sky is covered with a red blanket, the event ends with a healing concert on the central stage. Kim Chamisul, co-student council president (Bond 2), said, “I am really grateful to everyone that the event ended without incident,” and added, “I am grateful to the guardians who walked a lot even on holidays.”