Famous animal advocate to have book signing in Snowmass

USA Today’s 2025 Women of the Year Dr. Temple Grandin, one of the most influential advocates for the humane treatment of animals and accomplished adults with high functioning autism, will hold a book signing at Smiling Goat Ranch’s 10th anniversary celebration on Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Snowmass Rodeo Grounds.

The meet-and-greet, sponsored by the Viceroy Hotel, will take place from 3:30 to 4 p.m. before Smiling Goat Ranch’s Hay Bale Ball fundraising event.

“We view Dr. Grandin as a critical and meaningful figure to bring to the Roaring Fork Valley community because of her support for the autism community and alternative recovery and therapy methodologies, as well as her personal connection to ranching and recognition of the importance of ranching to the heritage of our valley,” Viceroy Snowmass said in a statement provided to The Aspen Times.

Grandin has revolutionized the livestock industry in the U.S. to make slaughterhouses more humane and also helped create the internationally renowned Horse Boy Method with Rupert Isaacson — a method used by Smiling Goat Ranch as part of their mission to provide animal-related therapy for those with autism and more.

“Those who make their living working with animals as well as those who have animals as pets are most likely using one of Temple’s ideas to make life more compassionate for the animals and the people who work with them,” Smiling Goat Ranch’s Founder and Executive Director Sheryl Barto said.

Grandin has written more than 30 books on animal behaviorism and autism, and she is what Barto called a “prolific” author. Grandin is also a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University and will be the featured special guest at the Hay Bale Ball.

“Temple is a ray of hope for all of us who have special needs people in our lives,” Barto said. “Autism diagnoses are increasing — one in 31 U.S. children is identified with autism spectrum disorder, up from one in 36 in 2020. She is a shining light showing how autism can be an incredible gift — bringing unconventional wisdom that contributes to society as a whole.”