Michael Dryden, DVM, Ph.D., also known as “Dr. Flea,” was named the 2010 Veterinarian of the Year at the Purina Pro Plan 56th annual Show Dogs of the Year Awards dinner. The black-tie event, presented by Dogs in Review magazine, a sister publication of Veterinary Practice News, was held in mid-February in New York City. The event honors the top show dogs of 2010. More than 300 people attended, including dog owners, breeders, handlers, judges and representatives of the American Kennel Club. Dryden is a professor of veterinary parasitology in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology at Kansas State University. His research is in flea and tick biology and control, investigating urban wildlife as vectors of parasitic diseases and diagnosis and control of gastrointestinal parasites. He is active in the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists and the American Veterinary Medical Association and was a founding member of the Companion Animal Parasite Council. Other industry winners included: Groomer of the Year (sponsored by Laube): Penny Dugan of Boffell, Wash. Dugan has groomed for professional handler Timothy Brazier for many years. The duo has racked up numerous accomplishments in the show ring. Trainer of the Year (sponsored by Comfort Zone with D.A.P. products): Barbara DeGroodt, owner of From the Heart Animal Behavior Counseling and Dog Training in Monterey County, Calif. DeGroodt has been an animal behaviorist for more than 30 years and is a founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Shelter of the Year (sponsored by Lost Pet USA): Stray Rescue of St. Louis. The no-kill organization was recognized for taking over the animal-control functions for St. Louis. <Home>
