Community Engagement

Community Engagement Spotlight: Inspiring the Next Generation of Animal Caregivers

At Emergency Veterinary & Specialty Service of Roanoke, community connection is at the heart of everything we do. Every day, we’re reminded that caring for pets also means supporting the people who love them — and that includes the youngest members of our community.

Dr. Hampden Smith Visits Bonsack Elementary School

This month, Dr. Hampden Smith, one of our dedicated emergency veterinarians, had the joy of participating in Career Day at Bonsack Elementary School. Joining her was her energetic sidekick, Chili, a beloved rescue pup who never misses an opportunity to make new friends.

Dr. Smith shared what life is like inside a 24/7 veterinary ER — from diagnosing sudden illnesses to performing life‑saving procedures. The students were full of curiosity, asking thoughtful questions about animal health, emergency care, and what it takes to become a veterinarian. Chili, of course, stole the show with tail wags, gentle snuggles, and a live demonstration of how veterinarians perform basic exams.

Why These Moments Matter

Engaging with local schools allows us to:

Spark early interest in veterinary medicine and animal science
Show students the importance of compassion, responsibility, and teamwork
Build trust and connection between our hospital and the families we serve
Highlight real-world examples of how science and empathy come together in veterinary care

For many students, meeting a veterinarian — and a very patient dog — makes the idea of caring for animals feel real and achievable.

A Big Thank‑You to Bonsack Elementary

We’re grateful to the teachers and staff at Bonsack Elementary School for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful event. Their commitment to expanding students’ horizons aligns beautifully with our mission to support and uplift the Roanoke community.