In addition to many cell culture experiments or experiments on isolated perfused organs that we receive from slaughterhouses, we also work on animals for the benefit of the animals.

This includes our dog colony, in which around 10 beagle dogs are usually kept. On the one hand, our dogs help in the training of our veterinary students (e.g. exercises for listening to the lungs or performing ECGs, etc.), and on the other hand, we conduct research into allergic skin diseases, especially atopic dermatitis, a disease that is currently incurable and occurs particularly frequently in dogs (and humans). In doing so, we design the investigations and testing of new therapeutic approaches to be as gentle as possible. The trials approved by the supervisory authority are as low-stress as possible for the dogs and we hope that we can make a contribution to the thousands of dogs affected by atopic dermatitis in Germany with the trials on our 10 dogs.

To ensure that the dogs' life with us is as carefree as possible, they have access to our outdoor area every day (if they want, but they can also stay inside e.g. if the weather is not so nice). Admittedly, though the outdoor area is quite spacious, it certainly doesn't meet all ideals of beauty, as it has to be easy for our animal carers to clean. That's why all the dogs spend at least an hour a day in our green courtyard, where they can really let off steam. In addition, each dog also receives daily training in which basic commands such as "sit", "down" etc. are practiced, as well as measures to ensure that they enter the treatment room without fear, sit on the examination table in a relaxed manner and participate in treatment measures (e.g. administering a pill) in a practiced manner. By the way, we also brush our dogs' teeth every day!

We would especially like to thank the many volunteers among the veterinary students who walk our dogs very often. This is important as all our dogs can be adopted after a while and go into private hands. The feedback we get from the new owners is consistently positive; our dogs very quickly become a beloved part of their new family!