September 2006
This double issue is a celebration of the 25th anniversary of one of the very first sponsors of www.goodnewsforpets.com. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) came on board as goodnewsforpets launched its first issue at the Western Veterinary Conference in the dot.com era of 2000. But many years before that, Patrick Navarre, Executive Director, and Carlene Decker, Editor, together with the first NAVTA president, started their journey to advocate for veterinary technicians.
The culmination of this anniversary year is National Veterinary Technician Week, October 16-20, 2006. The week was founded and is now celebrated each year by NAVTA. Veterinary technicians perform many unique duties in a veterinary practice. Each year they celebrate the milestones of the NAVTA, with National Vet Tech Week. Read more in What’s New.
Veterinary technicians also routinely give back in many ways, not only by providing quality care to all animals, but through involvement with charitable organizations. You can read more about a non-profit organization called LIVES, which was founded by a veterinary technician and dedicated to spaying and neutering pets in the Mexican Yucatan, in our Top Story.
Another special group is called The Bobbie Project. Bobbie was a dog diagnosed with Lymphoma, a type of cancer, who inspired the founding of a project for raising funds to provide police K-9 units with financial assistance for medical procedures. The plan also assists with dollars for wellness exams, yearly vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative care. Read more in Special Features.
Please take some time to visit our Forum, moderated by Susan Little, DVM, ABVP. Dr. Little is president of the Winn Feline Foundation and is board-certified in Feline Medicine and Surgery by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. As the first permanent veterinarian member of Goodnewsforpets.com, she provides members and guests with answers to their pet health questions.
In closing, congratulations to Pat, Carlene, and the entire NAVTA organization for seeing your hard work result in the veterinary profession and public’s recognition of the important role technicians play with all animals.
Lea-Ann Germinder, APR
Publisher
lgerminder@germinder.com.