Dr. Susan interviews journalist Melanie D.G. Kaplan about her adopted research beagle Hammy, discussing his journey from a research kennel to a loving home. His story, against the background of animal research, is described by Kaplan in her book Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research. The episode examines the largely hidden world of canine research, ethical questions, and hope for making improvements. It also highlights a Portland book event featuring the author, a regional shelter director, and rescued lab beagles. Dr. Susan will be at the event – hope to see you there! *Event info- Author Event: MELANIE D.G. KAPLAN PRESENTS LAB DOG: A BEAGLE AND HIS HUMAN INVESTIGATE THE SURPRISING WORLD OF ANIMAL RESEARCH WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ANIMAL REFUGE LEAGUE OF GREATER PORTLAND, PATSY MURPHY TIME: Fri, 2/6/2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PLACE: Print: A Bookstore 273 Congress St. Portland, ME 04101 https://printbookstore.com/event/2026-02-06/melanie-dg-kaplan-presents-lab-dog-beagle-and-his-human-investigate-surprising *Where to order a signed book copy if you can't attend the Print bookstore event: https://www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com/advSearchResults.php?action=search&orderBy=relevance&category_id=0&keywordsField=lab+dog *Learn more: Melanie DG Kaplan webpage: melaniedgkaplan.com Ann Cottrell Free information: http://www.anncottrellfree.org/ News article about Envigo beagle rescue (mentioned in the episode interview): https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/4000-beagles-now-rescued-breeding-facility-federal-investigation/story Research article featured in episode: : https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sherry-Ward/publication/360358226_Dog_as_the_experimental_model_Laboratory_uses_of_dogs_in_the_United_States/links/642da91620f25554da0ff5e2/Dog-as-the-experimental-model-Laboratory-uses-of-dogs-in-the-United-States.pdf

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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