California Veterinarian Named One of America's 'Best Vets'

Dr. J. Robert Yack Wins West Region in Nationwide Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet(R) Contest, Sponsored by Morris Animal Foundation, Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. and BowTie Inc.

News provided by

Morris Animal Foundation

Jan 13, 2010, 01:09 ET

DENVER, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- "Dr. Bob deserves thanks for many things; most of all we thank him for the patience and empathy he shows us," wrote Lee and Sandra Wise of San Andreas, Calif., in their nomination essay to the third annual Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet® contest. Yack was chosen as the 2009 West regional winner. The nationwide essay contest, conducted by Morris Animal Foundation, allows clients to honor outstanding veterinarians for their dedication to helping animals and strengthening the human–animal bond. A complete list of nominees and the winners' profiles are posted at www.ThankYourVet.org.

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"This is a tremendous honor," said Yack. "I work with so many wonderful veterinarians that it is hard to single just one of us out. I am very proud to have received this award."

Hundreds of pet owners throughout the country submitted nominations. The contest is co-sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition and Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy and Veterinary Practice News magazines, published by BowTie, Inc.

Yack always wanted to be a veterinarian and knew that there wasn't another career for him. According to Yack, he has always understood animals better than people. "Animals need a voice and protection from those people who do not care. It is the perfect job."

Yack was one of five regional winners. The others include:

Amara Estrada, DVM, of the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center in Gainesville, Fla., for the Southeast
Kristin Quisenberry, DVM, of Hidden Valley Animal Clinic in McMurray, Pa., for the Northeast
Patrick Hourigan, DVM, of Richmond Veterinary Clinic in Richmond, Ill., for the Midwest
Kirk Weicht, DVM, of Brown Trail Animal Hospital in Bedford, Texas, for the Southwest and the National winner

"Morris Animal Foundation is excited to honor these outstanding veterinarians because they help us provide a healthier tomorrow for animals," said Patricia N. Olson, DVM, PhD, president/CEO of Morris Animal Foundation.

All of the winners will be honored in front of their peers at the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, January 16, 2010.

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