Oregon VMA
Event: Annual meeting, March 15-17, Corvallis
Awards: Animal Welfare Award: Dr. Barbara Kahl, Yamhill. A 2006 graduate of the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kahl is the founder of United Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She works with law enforcement agencies on equine neglect and abuse cases, providing a temporary home, veterinary treatment, and rehabilitation services for the animals. Dr. Kahl also assists in placing rehabilitated horses that have been relinquished to the agencies. Veterinary Service Award: Susan Faria, Corvallis. Faria is the founder of Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon, one of only two rescue organizations in the Northwest devoted to rescuing senior dogs. The organization educates the public on the benefits of owning a senior dog and seeing it through to the end of its life; it raises money for veterinary treatment, food, grooming, and supplies. Practice Manager of the Year: Diane Fowler, Eugene. A certified veterinary technician, Fowler has worked at Bush Animal Hospital for 30 years, serving as practice manager for the past six years. Her skills with animals, people, and business have helped the hospital grow and assisted in a smooth transition of practice ownership two years ago. Staff Person of the Year: Juan Lopez, Keizer. An animal health technician at Willamette Valley Animal Hospital, Lopez organizes events to help the homeless, humane shelters, and nonprofit organizations. He collaborated with Marion County Dog Control to hold amnesty events during which licensing and vaccinations were offered to allow owners to avoid county penalties, worked with a local homeless shelter to provide free veterinary care at parks in the Salem area, and persuaded the county to provide free licenses to dogs vaccinated through this program. President's Award: Drs. Don McCoy, Portland, and Larry Anderson, Ely, Minn.
Business: Discussions were held on nonveterinary ownership, scope-of-practice issues, pharmacy issues, and the Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study.
Officials: Drs. Sheri Morris, Keizer, president; Todd McNabb, Portland, president-elect; Jay B. Fineman, Newport, treasurer; and Laird M. Goodman, Beaverton, immediate past president