Book Talk: Melanie Kaplan on Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research

The Knight Science Journalism Program is excited to welcome Melanie Kaplan, KSJ Project Fellow ’22, for a talk about her new book, Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research. 

When journalist Melanie D.G. Kaplan adopted her beagle Hammy, all she knew was that he had spent nearly four years in a research lab. Curious to know more about this gentle creature’s past, as well as the broader world of animal research, Kaplan—with Hammy in tow—embarks on a quest for answers. How did Hammy end up in a research facility? Why are we still using millions of animals a year in experiments? What have we learned from them? Is there another way?

The Making of Lab Dog: Melanie Kaplan, joined by her editor Emily Taber, will discuss her new book, Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research, from concept to completion. Melanie will address preparing a book proposal, staying organized, working together with an editor, and the importance of starting book promotion well before the book is printed.

Please contact Learning and Events Coordinator Claire Sadar if you are interested in attending.