American Humane Association Honors Winners Of First-Ever American Humane Association Hero Veterinarian And Hero Veterinary Technician Awards™, Presented By Zoetis

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Sept. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- It wasn't just a celebration for dogs last night at the fourth annual American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™. America's first national humane organization also honored the top veterinary professionals in the country by presenting the first-ever American Humane Association Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards™, presented by Zoetis, a leading animal health company. After a nationwide search and tens of thousands of public votes, Eva DeCozio, DVM, of the VCA Apache Junction clinic in Higley, Arizona was named 2014's American Hero Veterinarian, and Signe Corbin of the Westlake Animal Hospital in Austin, Texas was declared 2014's American Hero Veterinary Technician. They received their awards during a special ceremony onstage at the Beverly Hilton during the Hero Dog Awards gala, which will be broadcast nationally October 30 on Hallmark Channel.

The American Humane Association Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards were born out of the idea that behind almost every hero pet (and millions more animals) is a hero veterinarian or hero veterinary technician. These often little-known benefactors save and improve the lives of our two- and four-legged best friends in many ways, and it is time to honor their achievements. After a special blue-ribbon panel of celebrities and renowned veterinary and animal care professionals narrowed down its choices for the top veterinary professionals in the country from among the nearly 700 nominees, the American public was asked to make the final determination.

"Our company has an ongoing commitment to the veterinary profession, and the Hero Veterinarian and Veterinary Technician awards are a perfect fit with that mission," said J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP, group director of Companion Animal Veterinary Operations at Zoetis. "Dr. DeCozio and Ms. Corbin are outstanding examples of the many dedicated animal health professionals doing heroic work every day."

"To us, all vets and vet techs are heroes and this is why we want to honor the best of the best in their fields," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association's President and CEO. "Indeed, Dr. DeCozio and Ms. Corbin are tremendous animal welfare advocates and we are so proud to learn of their laudable accomplishments aiding the animals in need in their communities. And our thanks go out to our friends at Zoetis for sponsoring this special contest because we know how committed they are to recognizing the achievements of the veterinary community."

Dr. Eva DeCozio is the definition of an outstanding veterinarian. Her remarkable intelligence and work ethic make her a consummate professional, but her compassion and dedication to animals make her a hero. Dr. DeCozio works at a clinic at the edge of a low-income neighborhood. Many of her clients arrive with seriously ill pets but have little money to pay for their care. When others turn these clients away for their inability to pay, Dr. DeCozio does not; she gives 100 percent of her gifts as a practitioner and healer to provide the animals the best quality of care possible.

Her huge heart and dedication to helping those in need doesn't stop there. Dr. DeCozio is the co-founder of Panacea Animal Wellness Sanctuary (PAWS), a non-profit animal welfare organization that "exists to create a community in which there is no unnecessary animal euthanasia." Every week, she saves animals from the euthanasia lists at several county shelters. Some are about to be put down for easily treated illnesses like kennel cough, while others need complex surgeries because of abuse or neglect. Dr. DeCozio rescues these animals and uses her exemplary veterinary skills to treat the animals' conditions, no matter how complex. Those animals then go on to foster homes until they are fully well and eventually get adopted into forever homes. Because of her efforts, more than 800 animals have been given a second chance at life. Dr. DeCozio is dogged in her mission to grow PAWS and save thousands more animals.

"I am overwhelmed and humbled by this huge honor – I can't quite wrap my head around it yet," said Dr. DeCozio following the awards ceremony. "I know there are so many deserving veterinarians out there, and it was an honor just to have been nominated. I am grateful to all those who supported me and voted for me. This award is a credit to my family, my community, my clients, my patients, and of course, my technicians. I want to dedicate this award to everyone involved in our rescue group who helped make this dream of creating a nonprofit a reality."

For the past 24 years, Signe Corbin has exemplified what it means to be a Hero Veterinary Technician. In addition to providing top-level care for the patients of Westlake Animal Hospital, she co-founded Pug Rescue of Austin (PRA) in 2009 and continues to serve as the medical director of this thriving nonprofit organization. Corbin is the backbone of PRA, ensuring that more than 600 dogs that have been rescued receive the best medical care available. She offers her wisdom and expertise every step of the way during the treatment and recovery process, answering phone calls and text messages at all hours of the night. In the event of a medical emergency, she drops everything to meet the foster parents at the emergency clinic to provide guidance and comfort during what can be an extremely stressful experience.

What is all the more remarkable about Corbin's dedication is that she never forgets her fellow vet techs and veterinarians, often bringing in goodies for the staff at the emergency clinic to express her appreciation. Her talents are not limited to the medical field. She is an avid promoter of PRA's mission and documents the recovery of the most severe neglect cases via social media. She is revered for posting beautiful "glamour" shots of adoptable dogs throughout their journey of recovery. Corbin also hosts an annual "Pug Tune-up" fundraising event, during which she and her fellow vet techs provide nail trims and ear cleanings to generate thousands of dollars in donations for PRA.

"This is the highlight of a 30-year career taking care of animals, this is such a great recognition by American Humane Association," Corbin said following the awards. "I want to thank all of the doctors and staff at Westlake Animal Hospital for their support and all of the members and volunteers at Pug Rescue of Austin, particularly current and former board members Rachel, Alecia, and Daniel for nominating me. Thanks to all my friends, co-workers, clients, and family who voted for me, and a very special thanks to my husband Rodney, my son Rod Jr., and my daughter Remy without whose love and support none of this would be possible. Finally, thank you to Zoetis for sponsoring this wonderful contest and your commitment to our profession."

The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ are presented by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation and will be broadcast nationally on Hallmark Channel on October 30 at 8 pm ET/PT, 7 pm Central. The telecast will feature special tribute videos for both Dr. DeCozio and Signe Corbin.

About American Humane Association

American Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

About Lois Pope, The Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., and LIFE (Leaders in Furthering Education)

As one of America's leading philanthropists, Lois Pope has positively impacted the lives of individuals at the local, national and international levels.  She has established three different organizations dedicated to helping those in need.  These organizations are the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., Leaders In Furthering Education (LIFE), and the Disabled Veterans' Life Memorial Foundation.  Over the last 20 years she has been the driving force behind the Lois Pope LIFE Center at the University of Miami School of Medicine, The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, a summer camp program serving thousands of underprivileged children and a groundbreaking new program with American Humane Association in Palm Beach County. Lois Pope has recently donated two Lois Pope Red Star Vehicles. Each rescue vehicle is a 50-foot long response unit, complete with a Ford F-350 truck and trailer, which is specifically designed and outfitted to provide an array of emergency services within the region. To learn more visit www.life-edu.org or call 561.582.8083.

About Hallmark Channel

Hallmark Channel, owned and operated by Crown Media Holdings, Inc., is a 24-hour basic cable network that provides a diverse slate of high-quality entertainment programming available in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to a national audience of 86 million subscribers. Hallmark Channel is the nation's leading destination for quality family programming with an ambitious slate of TV movies; original scripted series, including Cedar Cove, When Calls the Heart, and Signed, Sealed, Delivered; specials such as Kitten Bowl; as well as some of television's most beloved sitcoms and series, including The Golden Girls, The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, and Frasier. The channel is also home to Daytime Emmy-nominated lifestyle program, Home & Family, a daily two-hour live show shot in a fully functional house located on the Universal Studios lot. Hallmark Channel's sibling network, Hallmark Movie Channel, available in HD and SD, focuses on family-friendly movies with a mix of original films, classic theatrical releases, and presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library.

For more information, please visit www.crownmediapress.com

Hallmark Channel on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter (Join the conversation at #HeartofTV), Pinterest, GetGlue, YouTube

About Zoetis

Zoetis (zô-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. In 2013, the company generated annual revenue of $4.6 billion. With approximately 9,800 employees worldwide at the beginning of 2014, Zoetis has a local presence in approximately 70 countries, including 27 manufacturing facilities in 10 countries. Its products serve veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals in 120 countries. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

Zoetis is the proud sponsor, with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, of the mobile educational exhibit Animal Connections: Our Journey Together. Families visiting the exhibit will explore the vast bonds between people and animals and learn about the important role veterinarians play in protecting animal and human health. For more information, visit http://www.zoetis.com/animal-connections-tour.

About The Beverly Hilton

Opened in 1955 by distinguished hotelier Conrad Hilton, The Beverly Hilton, a Forbes Four-Star hotel, is owned by the Los Angeles-based, Oasis West Realty, LLC and managed by Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT). Nestled at the crossroads of the iconic Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, the hotel combines the excitement and entertainment of Hollywood with the prestige of Beverly Hills.  The 569-room hotel features 101 suites including nine private luxury suites within The Penthouse Collection. With more than 60,000 square feet of indoor and open-air event space, The Beverly Hilton boasts the most technologically advanced meeting space of its kind in the country. The hotel's renowned International Ballroom plays host to glamorous annual events including the Golden Globe Awards Show, Oscar Nominee Luncheon, Pre-GRAMMYs Gala, and the Milken Institute's Global Conference. The legendary Aqua Star Pool is Beverly Hills' largest pool and is the setting for numerous recognizable photo shoots. The adjoining Aqua Star BABOR Beauty Spa offers red carpet-ready treatments from BABOR Beauty in a secluded setting. Circa 55 restaurant entices guests with locally-sourced cuisine in a stylish setting overlooking the pool, while Trader Vic's Lounge, a Hollywood staple for generations, offers a lively scene with Polynesian flair. For more information, please visit www.beverlyhilton.com or call 310.274.7777.

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SOURCE American Humane Association