Cammy the otterhound’s human joins the veterinary college as new resident
It’s not every day a champion otterhound arrives on campus, but Cammy’s human, Barbara Follett, is here to advance the future of small animal health as the newest theriogenology resident.
Follett joined the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in a role dedicated to the science of animal reproduction. She brings a blend of personal passion and advanced clinical training, having earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Science in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2024, followed by a small animal rotating internship in Maine.
"I loved my time in Scotland, but I knew I wanted to bring that advanced medical training back to a place with a focused theriogenology program," Follett said. "VMCVM was the perfect fit because of its dedication to small animal reproduction."
Follett’s passion for canine health is rooted in her deep commitment to her shaggy, web-footed hounds. Since 2014, she has been a successful breeder owner handler of otterhounds in American Kennel Club (AKC) conformation, spending years on the show circuit and working alongside professional dog handlers.
Her two companions, Cammy and Happy, are members of one of the rarest dog breeds in the world.
“There are fewer otterhounds in the world than giant pandas,” Follett said.
These goofy, water-loving hounds, like many breeds with small gene pools, are challenged by certain inherited health challenges. This is precisely why Follett chose her specialty.
"When you dedicate your life to breeding, you must address the genetic issues head-on," Follett said. Her interests now focus on reproductive physiology, advanced breeding techniques, cryopreservation, and inherited disorders.
"It’s about using the best reproductive science to improve the health of these unique dogs for generations to come."
Follett is eager to share this knowledge. She hopes to involve her dogs in the educational side of her residency, with Cammy already slated as a potential teaching model for students. After all, a champion dog with an "exceptional, calm disposition" is the best kind of volunteer.
Outside of the hospital, the hounds will be trading Edinburgh's cobblestones for the lush greenery of Southwest Virginia. "I can't wait to get out into the Blue Ridge Mountains with Cammy and Happy," Follett said, anticipating their powerful scent-hound noses guiding the way.
Joining the theriogenology service is a professional dream for Follett, a capstone to her clinical and personal endeavors. She looks forward to her role, which is supported by the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the Theriogenology Foundation.
Follett said: “Ultimately, the work is driven by the satisfaction of solving a long-standing reproductive issue and the pure joy of seeing a healthy, happy puppy.”
