Internationally recognized animal behaviorist to speak at UW-River Falls

October 5, 2018 - Join internationally recognized animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell as she shares “The Education of Will,” a memoir of healing after trauma in both people and pets, on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 5-7 p.m. at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The talk, part of the Lydecker Lecture Series, is free and open to the public in Room 200 of the Agricultural Science building.

McConnell has consulted with pet owners for over 25 years and has taught The Biology and Philosophy of Human/Animal Relationships in the Integrative Biology Department at UW-Madison for 25 years. She is the author of 11 books on training and behavioral problems including “The Other End of the Leash” (translated into 14 languages), “For the Love of a Dog,” and “Tales of Two Species.” Her newest book, “The Education of Will,” tells about how a messed up, crazy dog named Willie taught her that willpower is not enough to heal you when you are broken.

Through her research, McConnell discovered that humans tap into a core of resilience when using their voice to recover following traumatic situations. She believes animal owners have the opportunity to do the same in support of their dogs, cats or beloved animals.

The Ann Lydecker Lecture Series was created in memory of the late UWRF Chancellor and features a speaker on the issues facing women leaders in many contexts both in academia and beyond.

For more information, contact Kathleen Hunzer at kathleen.hunzer@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-3304.