UQ’s former Chancellor of 15 years, Sir Llew Edwards, has been lured back to the University for his love of animals – becoming the honorary patron of the Centre for Companion Animal Health.
“I thought it would be a privilege and an honour to be associated with the Centre for Companion Animal Health and their work in improving companion animal health,” Sir Llew said.
Having attended more than 300 graduation ceremonies for close to 80,000 graduates and spending 25 years serving the University, Sir Llew was looking forward to a retirement where he could “enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle with his wife and pampering his already terribly spoilt Schnauzers, Sophie and Sergio”.
And while much has been written about Sir Llew’s distinguished career as a doctor, long-serving parliamentarian and Executive Chairman of World Expo 88, few know of his deep devotion and love of animals.
”I have been associated with animals for as long as I can remember. My father loved animals too and I was brought up with dogs. Now I have 2 Schnauzers. They sleep in our bedroom on their own mats – they are a part of the family. I walk them every day, in fact we run our lives around them.
“So I am honoured to become the Patron of the Centre of Companion Animal Health and increase awareness of the work they do to find better treatment and diagnoses for diseases that affect our pets and also finding ways to reduce the euthanasia of the hundreds of homeless and unwanted animals each year.”
The Centre for Companion Animal Health was founded in 2002 by Professor Jacquie Rand who is also the Director. Centre research focuses on three areas: research to find better treatment and prevention of diseases, finding strategies to reduce the high rates of euthanasia of homeless cats and dogs, and the study of the unique benefits of the human-animal bond.
“It’s very common these days to hear about how much people love their pets and make them part of the family,” Sir Llew said.
“The centre is looking further into this human-animal relationship and how it can benefit people and in particular children with autism.”
Sir Llew will host a series of presentations during UQ’s Centenary celebrations in 2010.
For more information please contact Julia Keith at the Centre for Companion Animal Health on (07) 3365 2122 or j.keith2@uq.edu.au
