June is a celebratory month, but this year it is a month of special honors. We have Pride Month and a few celebratory days like Hug Your Cat and Take Your Dog to Work Day. This year, there are new events such as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with two new breeds debuting (June 18-22nd at the historic Lyndhurst estate) and a time for great paws to honor those before us in special ways.
PRIDEVMC HONORS THE MONTH
Pride Month is a bit different from 2019 when I happily celebrated in New York City with PrideVMC and then VMAE Director Ralph Johnson. PrideVMC celebrates Pride Month history but also issues a call to activism with the GIBOR pledge. Join PrideVMC for a Global #VetMedPride Celebration Friday, June 10, 2022, 3:00-4:00pm CT. The need to continue to stand up for LGTBQ+ rights is stronger than ever. We can make a difference.
AVMA NAMES DR. CRAIG FIRST DEI OFFICER
Continuing on the organization’s pledge to do better in diversity, equity and inclusion in the veterinary profession, Dr. Latona Craig of Purdue has been named the AMVA’s first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. She takes her position officially in early September. Congratulations to AVMA and all those working hard to make DEI front and center for the veterinary profession.
CAT WRITERS PAYS TRIBUTE TO PAULA GREGG
Finally, but not least — I didn’t know Paula Gregg, recent president of the Cat Writers Association (CWA) as much as I have known prior CWA presidents. That said, I had recently visited with her at Global Pet Expo and was looking forward to a closer collaboration. That was not to be.
My favorite aunt passed away unexpectedly in mid-April, then Paula passed away unexpectedly on May 2, 2022. Grieving for loved ones is something I know all too well these last few years. We just put one foot in front of the other each day, hoping time heals.
CWA members who knew Paula well have paid such loving tributes individually. Now through the generosity of a private donor, CWA is honoring her with the 2022 Paula A. Gregg, Ph.D. Living and Learning with Purebred Cats Special Award. The deadline for the special award is July 15, 2022.
Be safe, hug a loved one, honor and celebrate this June. There’s more to come.
Lea-Ann Germinder
Editor + Publisher
