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As the year draws to a close, we wanted to very briefly reflect on what an incredible 12 months we have had.  

We have received funding for lots of exciting projects (more to come on that in 2025!), got adverts out for PhD students, hosted students from Harper Keele Veterinary School (also coming in the New Year!), launched a new blog for our research group (thanks for reading!) and (almost) got fun facts out of staff on the group! 

The year was rounded off with the University’s fabulous Technicians’ Conference, organised by Dr Victoria Talbot (with help from Fred Baker and Gina Hendy!).

We had a great gift bag at the conference, including an ‘I love Technicians’ pin badge and fridge magnet! 

This is the second year the conference has run but there was an exciting little addition this year with the inclusion of the Technical Excellence Awards.  

There were four categories:  

• Outstanding contribution to Learning & Teaching 

• Outstanding contribution to Research 

• Outstanding contribution to Knowledge Exchange 

• Outstanding contribution to Environmental Sustainability 

We were delighted to see the names of two of our fabulous technicians being nominated for these awards. Sonya Laughton was nominated for Outstanding contribution to Learning & Teaching and Outstanding contribution to Research and Fred Baker was nominated for Outstanding contribution to Research.  

Sonya and one of our ferrets

Fred was announced the winner of the Research category, which was given for all of the work he has done at the Companion Animal House, developing an array of research projects which are supporting evidence-based practice for animals in education.  

Fred, our Companion Animal House Manager, looking fabulous with his award!  

As we said in our previous blog about the Companion Animal House team, we would be lost without this team, so we were really delighted to see them recognised for all their hard work! 

As part of the University's Technicians’ Conference, delegates came to the Companion Animal House and made Christmas gifts for our residents. 

The presents table in all of its glory!  

Whilst they are certainly sorted for Christmas the Companion Animal House can always take donations - if you have anything that needs a new home after your Christmas, why not see if it is on our list? We'd love to take it off your hands if it is!

Sonya is sacrificing her Christmas day to make sure the animals are cared for and so that they also have something a little bit special, most of the gifts are being embargoed until then. We asked very nicely if a few presents could be gifted so we could share with you the joy of some of our animals unwrapping their presents! 

 I heard there were presents... are they coming? (Photo credit: Alix Booth) 

A touch of Christmas tree wrangling... (Photo credit: Alix Booth) 

... Leads to winning the prize! (Photo credit: Alix Booth) 

 Team work makes the dream work ♥ (Photo credit: Alix Booth) 

 Thanks for my present... I will take this to bed for safe keeping! (Photo credit: Alix Booth) 

And in addition to that little selection, here are a few extra pictures of the animals owned by some members of the research group! 

Laura’s dog Jovi – Jovi will do anything for a treat, including wearing a Christmas hat! (Photo credit: Laura Palczynski) 

Ellen’s dog Izzy – this is a few years ago now, she wouldn’t entertain such nonsense anymore!  

Jen’s beautiful dogs enjoying some snow time! Who is hoping for a White Christmas? (Photo credit: Jen Sadler) 

Holly’s goats – from left to right: DD, Dobby & Freddie (Photo credit: Holly Vickery) 

We wanted to sign off for the year with a massive thanks for following our journey, along with very best wishes for a lovely Christmas and New Year!  

And last but certainly not least, Alix Booth (our Multimedia Lead) put together this gorgeous – of the making and giving of the Christmas gifts. We hope you enjoy it! 

Photo credit: Jen Sadler