In June, Ross Richnafsky left his own ducks, birds, chickens, snakes, and other animals to care for animals at Anderson County Hospital. For five weeks, Ross traveled to Clinton and that is where he met Smokey. The vet diagnosed Smokey with Canine Parvovirus. So Ross helped with the treatment of fluids and antibiotics as well as performing a variety of other tasks related to the various animals at the clinic. But Smokey taught Ross that animal owners do not always share his concern for animal care. Unfortunately, the owner removed Smokey before treatment was completed. So Ross advises all dog owners to have their pet vaccinated to prevent parvovirus to avoid the issue of treatment altogether.

Ross Richnafsky met Smokey as part of the UT Veterinary Summer Experience Program. Started in 1993, the program has seen its graduates pursue careers that include all fifty states and many foreign countries. In 2018, judges combed through 137 applicants from most of Tennessee's 95 counties. Ross was one of twelve chosen. Students came from Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, Johnson City, Whitwell, Crossville, and Maynardville to spend a final week on the UT Campus to work on team building and communication.

Dr. Michael P. Jones, DVM, DABVP, explained the Summer Experience Program in the Closing Ceremonies on July 14. Dr. Claudia Kirk,, DVM, PhD, is the Director of the UT Veterinary College and welcomed parents, students, and guests. Charnice McDonald, Rachel Rodriguez, Katie Siegfried, and Heath McAlexander served as counselors. Case studies covered bladder cysts, ingrown corkscrew tail, gastropexy, pyometra, uterine cysts, infected toe, ingesting rat poison, overheating, parvovirus, and tibia fracture. All animals responded well to treatment.

Ross Richnafsky received the Jeffreys Memorial Scholarship from Union County Business & Professional Association. He will attend UT Knoxville in the fall. He is the son of Dale And Kim Richnafsky and resides on a farm in Maynardville. Ross is a 2018 graduate of Union County High School. He credits his high school science teachers and his parents for giving him this opportunity.