The American Humane Association is looking for the next Eva DeCozio and Signe Corbin. The Washington, D.C., animal welfare organization is accepting nominations for the second annual Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards, which will be presented in September as part of the nationally broadcast Hero Dog Awards. Dr. DeCozio, DVM, of VCA Apache Junction in Higley, Ariz., and Corbin, of Westlake Animal Hospital in Austin, Texas, last year were the inaugural winners of the veterinarian and veterinary technician awards. Nominations are being taken through March 13 at www.herovetawards.org. Finalists selected by a panel of judges will be entered in a public vote that runs from April 29 to July 13. Sponsoring the contest for the second time is veterinary drug maker Zoetis Inc. of Florham Park, N.J. “This year’s winners will be greatly deserving of all the accolades they receive, and we cannot wait to meet them in Los Angeles later this year,” said J. Michael McFarland, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, Zoetis’ group director of Companion Animal Veterinary Operations. The Hero awards “shine a bright spotlight on the best of the best,” said the American Humane Association’s president and CEO, Robin Ganzert, Ph.D. “Whether it’s the kindly veterinarian or veterinary technician who is always there when our furry, winged or scaled friends are sick, or the researchers in the lab, tirelessly working to determine why certain breeds of dogs are susceptible to certain types of cancer or find cures for difficult-to-treat diseases, veterinary professionals do so much good for animals,” Ganzert said. Among DeCozio’s accomplishments is her establishing of the nonprofit group Panacea Animal Wellness Sanctuary. Corbin is the co-founder of Pug Rescue of Austin. Hero humans and hero dogs will be acknowledged the same night, Sept. 19. Canine nominations in categories such as search and rescue, service and military may be made at www.herodogawards.org by Feb. 25.
