COMMUNITY SUPPORT
VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Due to its popularity , the Westminster Kennel Club , in partnership with Trupanion , will host its online Westminster Veterinarian of the Year Award in 2023 . The purpose of the award is to celebrate veterinary teams and illuminate the challenges they face in the profession .
The call for nominees is announced on social media to the pet-loving public . They are encouraged to nominate a veterinarian who has made a difference in the lives of dogs . Four regional finalists will be selected , and voting through Westminster ’ s social media channels will determine the winner . The winning veterinarian in 2022 was Dr . Joseph Rossi of North Penn Animal Hospital . Dr . Rossi appeared at the 2022 events as a VIP to partake in media interviews , a walk down the Westminster Purple Carpet , and be recognized in a presentation prior to Best in Show judging .
In addition to the trip to the dog show events , Westminster donates $ 10,000 in their name to MightyVet , a non-profit , industry-wide online platform . MightyVet was founded to support veterinarians , students , and vet techs tackling mental well-being issues and continuing education in the veterinary profession . The award creates awareness for the mental well-being support these passionate professionals and their teams need .
TOP : JACK GRASSA , MIDDLE THREE : COURTESY VALOR SERVICE DOGS
SUPPORT DOG IN TRAINING
The Westminster Kennel Club and Cosequin ® joint health supplements continue their partnership this year as sponsors of the Valor Service Dogs Program . A Golden Retriever puppy named Betty joined the program in 2022 to undergo 18-24 months of training before being placed as a service dog with a military veteran or first responder in need . Betty was a VIP guest at the events in 2022 and will make another appearance in 2023 . Following a Valor Service Dog tradition , this retriever was named after a notable military service member , the late Betty White , who reportedly served in the American Women ’ s Voluntary Services during WWII .
The Westminster Kennel Club ’ s support of the puppy in the Valor Service Dog program continues the organization ’ s longstanding history of giving back . Throughout its 147-year history , Westminster has supported military and service dogs through donations to the American Red Cross during World War I , Dogs for Defense during World War II , and more recently , Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and the Warrior Canine Connection .
You can follow Betty ’ s training progress on Westminster ’ s social media channels .
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