It is with great sadness that the companion animal community learned today of the death of Professor Johannes Odendaal at 63.

Johannes, or Prof as he was known to students past and present, was a distinguished ethologist and natural 'dog person', who introduced certificate courses in Companion Animal Behaviour while still a Professor at Onderstepoort, the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Pretoria. He later formed a private company called Ethology Academy and used this to broaden the scope of the courses he offered. He was instrumental in the founding of SABCAP, the South African Board of Companion Animal Professionals.

He will be greatly missed for his generosity, enthusiasm and support of budding animal professionals. Our hearts go out to his wife Hanna and family.