Liviya (2016) is part of the Love Letter Series which connects the inspiring and impactful stories of patients’ lives and legacies with animal-based research. In this episode, you’ll hear about how Liviya and her family are a bright and shining example of the word "hope". When families are met with…
Dogs in research are provided with a variety of toys and human interaction. These dogs are provided with stuffed toys during supervised playtime outside of their normal room. It is important to always keep dogs in research safe so only indestructible toys are provided in their home environment.
One way to ensure a positive experience for mice in research is to use the cupped handling technique when transporting them to a new cage or area. Mice are acclimated to the procedure by allowing them to explore the hands of the person picking them up. This technique…
Dr. Rachel, a veterinarian at the University of Washington, describes the compassionate care provided to ferrets involved in biomedical research. She highlights their social housing, enrichment, veterinary care, pain management, and close monitoring, as well as the university’s adoption program, which helps many ferrets transition to loving homes…
Young pigs are social and curious animals, and enrichment can give them opportunities to explore and interact with their surroundings. Pigs are also important in biomedical research. Because their cardiovascular systems share important similarities with ours, research involving pigs has contributed to our understanding of the heart and…
This is Lucy, pictured during a regular visit as part of a program supporting employees experiencing compassion fatigue. Caring for research animals can be deeply meaningful work, and it can also carry an emotional weight. Programs that recognize compassion fatigue and support the well-being of animal caregivers are…
This research mouse is curled up asleep in a nest. Nest building is a natural and important behavior for mice. Given appropriate nesting material, mice gather and manipulate it to create an enclosed space where they can rest and regulate their environment. Providing opportunities for species-typical behaviors like…
The brain controls everything from movement and memory to emotions and decision-making, but there is still much we don't understand about how it works. Rats have contributed to neuroscience research by helping scientists study how different parts of the brain communicate and how brain activity relates to behavior.…
Understanding mental health starts with understanding the brain. Research with rats has helped scientists investigate how brain circuits, chemicals and life experiences can influence behavior, stress and emotions. Scientists can study specific aspects of behavior in rats, along with what is happening in the brain at the same…
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