newslineMonday, February 16, 2004 Hartz Mountain Corp. named Tami Shearer, DVM, of Columbus, Ohio, winner of its 2003 Veterinarian of the Year award. The award was one of several presented at Dog World magazine's 49th Show Dogs of the Year Awards ceremony, presented by Nature's Recipe the night before the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Dog World and Veterinary Practice News are both published by BowTie, Inc. "What we at Hartz wanted to do is find unique veterinarians who celebrate the human-animal bond," said Hartz's Chief Scientific Officer Albert Ahn, DVM. "We're fortunate to have selected Dr. Shearer. She is truly, the complete, compassionate veterinarian as evidence by her academia, her publishing and by her own outreach programs in her community." Shearer, who received her veterinary degree in 1985 from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, is the owner of the Shearer Pet Hospital and founder of the Pet Hospice and Education Center— one of only 100 pet hospices in the country. "There are so many veterinarians who work small miracles every day and I feel so honored that I was chosen," Shearer said. Nominated by one of her clients, Shearer was described as "a hero at heart." To ensure that pets and owners share a solid human-animal bond, Shearer schedules extended appointments—at least 30 minutes for each client—to allow enough time for owners to ask questions. The non-profit hospice she founded in 2003, has already helped about 20 animals live out their lives comfortably at home. The hospice's education center offers grief counseling and quarterly classes that teach first aid and ways to care for chronically ill pets. Shearer also offers a 2-day Vet Camp during the summers where children ages 8 through 12 come and "shadow" her and her staff. Participants get involved in everything from dental cleanings to spay and neuter procedures. "Last summer, we spayed a cat and the kids got to scrub in and got to pass instruments to us," Shearer said. "They were able to learn about which instruments are used for what and got a great anatomy lesson." In addition to her work with the community, Shearer has invested in high tech diagnostic equipment, which she says is a part of her quest to "always keep the pets comfortable." An endoscopy machine Shearer invested in has helped her to avoid about 20 surgical procedures for relatively common problems such as removing bladder stones. She also incorporates a new FDA-approved low-level therapy laser, which is used in humans to treat conditions such as carpal tunnel and back pain, in her treatment. "We do everything that's possible in a multi-modal approach to ensure minimal pain," Shearer said. Her fifth book, High Tech Pain Management. Low-Level Laser Therapy, was recently published. "She's very forward thinking, using the latest technology," Ahn said. "Dr. Shearer's willingness to use such diagnostic devices such as endoscopy, ultrasound and lasers impressed the selection committee immensely." One of the most prominent memories Shearer has of her years as a veterinarian involves a cat named Rusty. Rusty has been burned over 70 percent of his body. Normally, euthanizing the animal would have been the logical option. "That stinker, considering how bad he looked, had the biggest will to survive," Shearer said. "Because of that, we pursued his treatment and he survived, undergoing nine months of physical therapy and skin grafts. He taught us how cruel people could be but how generous people could be." Shearer used Rusty's story to promote education on animal abuse in her community. The education center was named the Rusty Ranger Club, which among other things, teaches children how to protect and be kind to pets. The three other Special Industry awards and recipients were: The 2003 Groomer of the Year award, presented by Wahl Clipper Corp., recognizes a groomer who has set a high standard for outstanding achievement in the grooming profession. It was presented to Suesan E. Watson of Hoffman Estates, Ill., a certified master groomer with more than 35 years' experience. Watson has been an active Groom Team USA member since 2000, ranking fifth in 2000 and 2001 and finishing third in 2002. She competes regularly and has won numerous awards, including multiple "Best in Show" and "Best All-Around Groomer" designations. The 2003 Shelter of the Year award, presented by Lambert Kay and Arm & Hammer, recognizes innovative animal-shelter programs that have demonstrated a positive effect on the animals and communities they serve. The recipient was The Humane Society of New York. Open seven days a week, the society provides quality low-cost or underwritten medical care for 31,000 dogs and cats a year. With three to five doctors on staff, each doctor treats an average of 28 animal clients a day. The 2003 Outstanding Trainer of the Year award, presented by Farnam Pet Products' Comfort Zone with D.A.P., recognizes an Association of Pet Dog Trainers member who exemplifies the APDT spirit through training of dogs, as demonstrated by meeting a variety of requirements established by the Awards Committee. Recipient of the award was Ruth Foster of Minneapolis, Minn. Foster co-invented, with Dr. R. K. Anderson, the Gentle Leader Headcollar to provide dog owners a powerful and humane tool to maintain control of their pets. Other media sponsors included Pet Product News, Dogs in Review, Dog Fancy, Dogs USA and Puppies USA, all publications of BowTie Inc. 2-16-2004Shearer Named Hartz Veterinarian of the YearShearer Named Hartz Veterinarian of the YearShearer Named Hartz Veterinarian of the YearShearer Named Hartz Veterinarian of the YearShearer Named Hartz Veterinarian of the YearThe award was one of several presented at Dog World magazine's 49th Show Dogs of the Year Awards ceremony
