News Summary
Leslie Easterwood, the lead veterinarian at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, ensures animal health and welfare during this annual event. Her dedication spans two decades and includes comprehensive care for nearly 18,000 animals. With a history rooted in passionate veterinary medicine, Easterwood’s work involves everything from routine monitoring to treatment challenges, showcasing her commitment to the livestock community.
Houston’s Animal Health Champion at the Livestock Show and Rodeo
In the vibrant city of Houston, Texas, the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) is a spirited festival showcasing the best in agriculture and livestock. But behind the fun and festivities is a dedicated professional making sure the animals are healthy and happy. Meet Leslie Easterwood, the lead veterinarian from Texas A&M University. Since 2003, Easterwood has been the heart of veterinary care at this grand event, ensuring everything goes smoothly for the nearly 18,000 animals that grace the grounds each year.
A Lifelong Journey in Veterinary Medicine
Easterwood’s journey with the HLSR is more than just a job; it’s a passion rooted deep in her history. Starting as a student intern back in 1987, she has been transforming her childhood dream into a reality. A proud A&M graduate from the class of 1990, she was also a scholarship recipient before embarking on this fulfilling career. Together with fellow veterinarian Gregg Knape, another dedicated soul from A&M’s class of 1976, they have been the dynamic duo ensuring top-notch animal care for over two decades.
24 Days of Care and Commitment
The HLSR spans an exciting 24 days of livestock competitions, rodeo performances, and family fun. During this busy time, Easterwood is on the grounds full-time, donning her scrubs and ready to tackle anything that comes her way. Her day starts bright and early, around 6:30 AM, and she works late into the evening, long after the last show ends. It’s a commitment that showcases her unwavering dedication to animal health and welfare.
Treatment, Monitoring, and Care
As a lead veterinarian, Easterwood is responsible for a multitude of tasks. She carefully monitors animal health regulations for the enormous number of animals entering the event each year. When a sick or injured animal comes her way, she springs into action. From the cheerful petting zoo to the energetic Agventure area, she’s there to ensure all animals are treated with the utmost care.
Notably, Easterwood oversees a comprehensive drug residue avoidance program aimed at keeping market animals free from harmful substances. Random drug tests are performed, especially on animals slated for auction, ensuring everyone adheres to strict health and safety standards. In her mission, she takes extra steps, even adjusting water flavors with a hint of Kool-Aid to ensure the animals stay hydrated and comfortable!
Veterinary Challenges and Triumphs
The life of a veterinarian at such a large event isn’t without its challenges. Easterwood recalls an unusual case where she treated a sloth that was part of a petting-zoo exhibit, adding an unexpected twist to her responsibilities! But despite the volume of animals, major health issues are remarkably rare, a testament to both her hard work and the diligent preparation that goes into the event.
Overcoming Obstacles During COVID-19
In the face of unique challenges like COVID-19, Easterwood adapted seamlessly. She helped compress a two-day youth event into one action-packed day, ensuring that young competitors could still shine despite restrictions. The venture also saw the introduction of online paperwork, a change that has continued to streamline operations even beyond the pandemic.
A Community Passion
Easterwood’s heart lies in giving back to the community that helped shape her. The camaraderie at the HLSR, combined with her role as a veterinarian, nurtures that spirit. On her best days, she finds joy in treating fewer animals, as this signifies the overall health and well-being of the livestock.
Through her tireless dedication, Leslie Easterwood embodies the spirit of caring and commitment, ensuring that when visitors come to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, they see not just the energetic events but also the healthy, happy animals that make this celebration possible.
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Additional Resources
- The Eagle: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Wikipedia: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Click 2 Houston: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Google Search: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Leslie Easterwood
- Houstonia Mag: Houston Rodeo Veterinarian Life
- Google Scholar: Houston Rodeo Veterinarian Leslie Easterwood
- Click 2 Houston: Show Veterinarian
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Livestock Show and Rodeo
- The Eagle: Veterinarian Ensures Animals
- Google News: Houston Rodeo Veterinarian
