Melanie D.G. Kaplan in conversation with 11Alive's Kaitlyn Ross | Lab Dog�
Schedule
Sun, 19 Apr, 2026 at 04:30 pm
UTC-04:00Location
A Cappella Books | Atlanta, GA
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The “remarkable” (Dr. Jane Goodall) story of a beagle’s past, and the future of animal researchA Cappella Books is pleased to welcome journalist Melanie D.G. Kaplan for an in-store talk and signing in honor of her new book, “Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research.” Kaplan will appear in conversation with 11Alive's Kaitlyn Ross.
This event is free and open to the public; copies of the book will be available for purchase.
About the Book
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? ��In “Lab Dog,” Kaplan investigates the breeding and use of beagles for biomedical research, drug and product testing, and education. She takes readers on a journey, peeking behind laboratory doors and visiting with researchers, activists, ethicists, veterinarians, lawmakers, and innovators. Along the way, she finds thoughtful and caring humans on all sides of the debate, explores promising developments in nonanimal testing, and discovers puzzle pieces from Hammy’s past. Equal parts journalism and love story, �“Lab Dog” offers a nuanced view on our relationship with a species that we both love and exploit, and a reason to hope for a better future for all.
About the Author
Melanie D. G. Kaplan is a longtime independent journalist whose travel and science writing has appeared in The Atlantic, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and National Parks magazine. She is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School, a 2021–2022 MIT Knight Science Journalism fellow, and a third-generation Washington, DC, native. Kaplan has lived most of her life with hounds.
About the Conversation Partner
Kaitlyn Ross is the Lead Enterprise Reporter at 11Alive News, where she produces her own stories from start to finish, focusing on community-driven reporting across Atlanta and its impact on residents. Named “Reporter of the Year” by the Georgia Association of Broadcasters in 2022, she has also earned regional Emmy and Murrow Awards for her work. Before joining 11Alive, Kaitlyn reported in Jacksonville, Florida, uncovering major issues including government corruption and flaws in the child welfare system, with reporting that helped change state law. A New York native, she began her career in upstate newsrooms as a bureau chief, morning reporter, and political reporter, and is a graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. Outside of journalism, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, playing pickleball, and supporting child welfare and animal rescue organizations, and currently serves on the boards of Star-C and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia.
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Where is it happening?
A Cappella Books, 208 Haralson Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307-2534, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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