New York, N.Y. – February 10, 2012 –Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Debra Horwitz will be recognized on February 11, 2012 as the 2011 Veterinarian of the Year by Ceva Animal Health at the Purina® Pro Plan® 57th Annual Show Dogs of the Year® Awards, presented by Dogs In Review in New York City.
Horwitz is a frequent lecturer at numerous national and international veterinary conventions and meetings. In 1999, she was named Technician Speaker of the Year at the North American Veterinary Conference. Her articles on companion animal behavior have been published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Veterinary Forum, Compendium publications, Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, NAVC Clinician’s Brief, and in books for pet owners on pet behavior. She also serves on several advisory boards for corporations and publications related to animal behavior, health and welfare. Horwitz was also the 1999 AAHA Friskies PetCare award recipient for excellence in companion animal behavior.
Actively involved in organized veterinary medicine, Horwitz has been a member of numerous committees for the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and has served as its president. She was on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s committee for the Human Animal Bond. She is a member of the Greater St. Louis Veterinary Medical Association, the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Locally she has helped train behavior helpline associates at the Missouri Humane Society as well as the Nestle Purina PetCare Office of Consumer Affairs.
Horwitz has actively worked to educate pet owners about canine and feline behavior through various media including Nestle Purina’s “Ask the Vet”, as a Kitten Chow Mentor and articles in various publications. Locally she has helped train behavior Helpline associates at the Missouri Humane Society as well as Nestle Purnia PetCare Office of Consumer Affairs.
In addition to Horwitz receiving her award, the Show Dogs of the Year dinner will recognize the seven show dogs with the greatest number of Group Firsts in 2011, most of whom are competing at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Personal Note: Above is the press release, I have seen Dr. Horwitz speak more times than I can possibly count, and I always learn. She is an entertaining, engaging speaker. And she is absolutely committed to the College of Veterinary Behaviorists, and communicating to the public. For the first time ever the College of Veterinary Behaviorists is releasing a book - the ultimate book on dog behavior - with Dr. John Ciribassi - also serving as editor (wth Horwitz) - and many veterinary behaviorists are contributing. I am honored to edit this book.
In this WGN Radio PETCAST, Horwtiz talks about how treating pets like our children is not always a very good thing, and lets the cat out of the bag about the dog book.
I admire her leadership; Horwitz has for many years been unparalleled at communicating to her veterinary colleagues as well as the general public, using her expertise to benefit the lives of pets.
You mean Liz didn't get it? She seems to have Garfield under control.