Denver, Oct. 30, 2008 – Veterinarians provide our pets with the special, personalized care they need for long, healthy and happy lives. To recognize their efforts, hundreds of animal lovers nominated their pet doctors for the “Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet®” contest (www.thankyourvet.org).
Denver-based Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) created the “Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet®” contest to raise awareness of the work veterinarians do and the lives they enhance. Pet owners, technicians, shelter workers and community members nominated veterinarians from nearly all 50 states. From these nominations, MAF awards one national and five regional awards.
Now in its second year, the contest provides a venue for pet owners to show appreciation for the high-quality care veterinarians provide. Some doctors search high and low for treatment options, others delve into medical research for answers, they volunteer at shelters, participate in community activities, create close relationships with their clients and the list goes on.
“Our goal is to recognize the outstanding efforts of veterinarians, who play a vital role in the health of their patients, and positively impact their communities,” said Patricia N. Olson, DVM, Ph.D., president and CEO of MAF. Four veterinary professionals, including last year’s prize-winner Dr. James Cook, director of the Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory at the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary School, judge the contest entries.
“I want my work to make a difference in people’s lives and animals’ lives,” said Cook. “This award helps me always remember that and be motivated by it.” Cook won both the Midwest regional as well as the coveted national award. Additional judges include Julie Legred, CVT, president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America; Dr. Marty Becker, a popular media personality; and Marilyn Iturri, editor of Veterinary Practice News.
To see a full list of this year’s nominees for the “Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet®” contest, visit www.thankyourvet.org. MAF, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and BowTie, Inc., publisher of DOG FANCY, CAT FANCY and Veterinary Practice News magazines sponsor the contest. National and regional winners will be posted at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org and www.thankyourvet.org, highlighted in the March 2009 issues of DOG FANCY, CAT FANCY and Veterinary Practice News and also on DogChannel.com and CatChannel.com. Winners also will be honored by their peers at the February 2009 Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas.
About Morris Animal Foundation:
Morris Animal Foundation, established in 1948, is dedicated to funding animal health research that protects, treats and cures companion animals and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals on all seven continents. MAF has its headquarters in Denver. Charity Navigator ranks MAF as a four-star charity, the highest rating. MAF is a BBB Wise Giving Alliance Charity Seal Holder. For more information, call 800.243.2345, or visit www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.