Washington State's Veterinary Association Announces Annual Award Winners

SNOQUALMIE, Wash., Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Washington State Veterinary Medical Association held its 102nd annual convention in Yakima, Wash., Oct. 4-6.  Several veterinarians, staff, and citizens were honored at WSVMA's banquet and award ceremonies on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Recently retired State Veterinarian Leonard Eldridge received the 2013 Veterinarian of the Year Award. The WSVMA Veterinarian of the Year is presented in recognition of an outstanding career in veterinary medicine at all levels, national, state and local.  Also taken into consideration is the veterinarian's contributions to their practice, their stakeholders, and any other service directly benefitting their community.

The Distinguished Achievement Award was given to Cathy Tucker, a Spokane, Wash., veterinarian.  Dr. Tucker was honored for organizing the Mission Free Veterinary Clinic at the Union Gospel Mission in Spokane. 

Mr. Jon Wieringa, Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services in Renton, Wash., received the Distinguished Veterinary Staff Award.  Mr. Wieringa has been a licensed veterinary technician and the hospital's practice manager.  He also volunteers with King County Search Dogs with his search and rescue dog, Loki.

The Humane Animal Welfare Award was given to Ms. Bonne VeVea, founder of MEOW Cat Rescue in Kirkland, Wash.  MEOW places approximately 1,500 animals in new homes each year.

Mr. Jere J. Johnston, Chattaroy, Wash., earned the Allied Industry Award.   Johnston is Senior Therapeutic Specialist for Zoetis Animal Health and has strongly supported the Inland Northwest veterinary community for over 30 years.

The WSVMA is a statewide, not-for-profit, professional organization for the benefit of veterinary medicine. The WSVMA has over 1700 members, representing veterinarians, veterinary students and a broad spectrum of veterinary practice. The Association creates a strong practice community that provides education, representation and the sharing of ideas dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine and its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the WSVMA Web site, www.wsvma.org, to learn more about the association and veterinary medicine and animal care.

Contact: Candace Joy, Executive Vice President WSVMA, 1-800-WSVMA or [email protected]

SOURCE Washington State Veterinary Medical Association