The Human-Animal Bond Lecture Series explores the human-animal bond and raises awareness that the bond includes companion animals, production animals and wildlife. Featured speaker Roo Yori made his debut on Season Eight of American Ninja Warrior as the "K-9 Ninja." Yori will share his experiences as an American Ninja Warrior competitor and discuss his campaign to change the way people think about pit bulls and shelter animals. 

“Roo Yori , also known as the K-9 ninja, was the featured speaker the 2018 Human Animal Bond Lecture Series sponsored by Nestle Purina at Mississippi State University. He gave a moving talk about what he has learned from his work with shelter animals and how this has helped him to face challenges in his own life including his decision to compete on American Ninja Warrior.”

— MSU Staff