Award Recipient
41 Years of Recipients
Celebrating 41 years of outstanding individuals and organizations who have made a lasting impact in animal care and community service.
2026
Dr. Julie Case, El Paso Community Foundation (EPCF), La Posada Home Inc.
2025
Sun City Cats, Non-Profit Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Advocacy Group
Special Recognition-Gus Gus, Court Certified Facility Dog
2024
Border Patrol Canine Academy, Established to address the high volume
of human and narcotics smuggling activities Special Recognition-
Veterinary Science Certificate Program (VSCP), Texas A&M
AgriLife ExtensionVeterinary Legends of the Southwest-
Thomas R. McCabe, Jr., DVM, posthumously
2023
Law N’ Paws Animal Rescue, Rescuing victims of Animal Cruelty
and Neglect Special Recognition-Rescue Runners, Helping ease the stress
that dogs in the shelter environment experience
2022
Chris Copeland, JD, CAE, Support of the EPVMA and the Texas Veterinary
Community Special Recognition-Denise K Mankin, Freelance Graphic Designer;
Will Seyffert, Photographer, Producer
2021
The El Paso Veterinary Community-
Recognizing the entire veterinary community for their outstanding response
to quickly changing demands during the COVID-19 pandemic
2020
Paws for Love-Providing Pet Therapy for those in need in our community
2019
Dean Travis-Valley Feed & Supply/PETsBARN
2018
Veterinary Technicians-Recognizing the Techs that Support Our Vets
Special Recognition-Marc Silpa, BVM&S, Mesa Veterinary Clinic
and Paws N’ Hooves Mobile Veterinary Services
2017
Betty Hoover-Retiring Executive Director, Humane Society of El Pasoh•h
Special Recognition-Ken Waldrup, DVM, MS, PhD, Zoonosis Control,
Texas Department of State Health Services
2016
Eye Care for Animals-25 Years of Service to El Paso
2015
Eleanor Ann Schoenbrun-Volunteer and Animal Activist
Veterinary Legends of the Southwest-Jerry Simmons, DVM,
Pioneer of Veterinary Practice Brokerage/Appraisal
2014
Pets Alive-El Paso Special Recognition-Barbara Jeffords Crews, DVM
2013
Orlando Garza, Jr., DVM-East El Paso Animal Hospital
2012
Ken Okada-Animal Advocate
2011
J. Brandy Gardes-Lifelong Animal Rescuer/Rehabilitator
2010
Bonnie Henson-Animal Health and Welfare Benefactor and Volunteer
Special Recognition-Robert Rohrbaugh, DVM
2009
Jessie Miller, ACHE-Animal Cruelty Heartline of El Paso
Special Recognition-Gary McCrory, McCrory Pharmacy
Veterinary Legends of the Southwest-Horst Schreck, DVM, posthumously
2008
Dr. Mark Cox, El Abrigado Animal Hospital
Special Recognition-Marino Mendoza, Veterinary Technician,
McRae Animal Hospital
2007
Beto O’Rourke, El Paso City Council Representative and
Animal Health/Welfare Advocate Special Recognition-Sue Loessberg,
full-time Humane Society of El Paso volunteer for 17 years Veterinary Legends
of the Southwest-Sue Zarges, DVM, Zarges Animal Hospital and
the region’s first woman veterinarian
2006
Dr. Guy Johnsen, Johnsen Animal Hospital
Special Recognition-John A. Sproul, Jr., Wildlife Biologist, Restoration Ecologist
and Environmental Advocate Veterinary Legends of the Southwest-
John M. Broadwell, DVM, posthumously
2005
ClearChannel Outdoor Special Recognition-Patricia Roberts,
Founder, Greyhound Pets of America-Lone Star Greyhounds
Veterinary Legends of the Southwest-Dr. Bob Butchofsky
2004
KTSM NewsChannel 9, NBC Affiliate Special Recognition-Jim Kluetz,
El Paso City/County Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Member
and Liaison for the 2004 Animal Shelter
2003
Patricia L. Palafox, Attorney/Mediator and Animal Welfare Activist
Special Recognition-Brad Cooper, EPVMA Deco Dog Designer
2002
Michelle J. Brown, Hollyglen Communicationsh•h
Special Recognition-Jeannemarie “Brandy” Gardes
2001
Charles Hooten, Former El Paso County Commissioner
Special Recognition-Gerald and Stanlee Rubin
2000
Animal Rescue League Special Recognition-Cindy Gongaware,
Humane Society of El Paso; Tom McCabe, DVM, Northeast Veterinary Clinic
1999
Valley Feed Pet Food Centers Special Recognition-Sandy Connor,
Program Coordinator, Therapet Eldercare of El Paso
1998
Alfred P. Gonzalez, El Paso County Extension Agent
Special Recognition-Jim Stratton, Pharmaceutical Representative
1997
El Paso Zoo Special Recognition-Kim Curlin, posthumously;
Andres Morales, Veterinary Technician
1996
Evret C. Newman, DVM Special Recognition-Banquet Corporate Sponsors
1995
Therapet Eldercare Special Recognition-Southwest Diagnostics
1994
Therapeutic Horsemanship of El Paso
Special Recognition-Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue
1993
Paragon Cable
1992
Border Patrol Canine Unit
1991
Lea Hutchinson, DVM
1990
Humane Society of El Paso
1989
Jim Koschmann, DVM
1988
Bob Becker, Sr. and Jr., El Paso Veterinary Supply
1987
Helen Bigelow, Rehabilitator
1986
KDBC-TV 4, CBS Affiliate (Bill Mitchell)
40 Years of Recipients
Celebrating 40 years of outstanding individuals and organizations who have made a lasting impact in animal care and community service.
2026
Dr. Julie Case, El Paso Community Foundation (EPCF), La Posada Home Inc.
2025
Sun City Cats, Non-Profit Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Advocacy Group
Special Recognition-Gus Gus, Court Certified Facility Dog
2024
Border Patrol Canine Academy, Established to address the high volume
of human and narcotics smuggling activities Special Recognition-
Veterinary Science Certificate Program (VSCP), Texas A&M
AgriLife ExtensionVeterinary Legends of the Southwest-
Thomas R. McCabe, Jr., DVM, posthumously
2023
Law N’ Paws Animal Rescue, Rescuing victims of Animal Cruelty
and Neglect Special Recognition-Rescue Runners, Helping ease the stress
that dogs in the shelter environment experience
2022
Chris Copeland, JD, CAE, Support of the EPVMA and the Texas Veterinary
Community Special Recognition-Denise K Mankin, Freelance Graphic Designer;
Will Seyffert, Photographer, Producer
2021
The El Paso Veterinary Community-
Recognizing the entire veterinary community for their outstanding response
to quickly changing demands during the COVID-19 pandemic
2020
Paws for Love-Providing Pet Therapy for those in need in our community
2019
Dean Travis-Valley Feed & Supply/PETsBARN
2018
Veterinary Technicians-Recognizing the Techs that Support Our Vets
Special Recognition-Marc Silpa, BVM&S, Mesa Veterinary Clinic
and Paws N’ Hooves Mobile Veterinary Services
2017
Betty Hoover-Retiring Executive Director, Humane Society of El Pasoh•h
Special Recognition-Ken Waldrup, DVM, MS, PhD, Zoonosis Control,
Texas Department of State Health Services
2016
Eye Care for Animals-25 Years of Service to El Paso
2015
Eleanor Ann Schoenbrun-Volunteer and Animal Activist
Veterinary Legends of the Southwest-Jerry Simmons, DVM,
Pioneer of Veterinary Practice Brokerage/Appraisal
2014
Pets Alive-El Paso Special Recognition-Barbara Jeffords Crews, DVM
2013
Orlando Garza, Jr., DVM-East El Paso Animal Hospital
2012
Ken Okada-Animal Advocate
2011
J. Brandy Gardes-Lifelong Animal Rescuer/Rehabilitator
2010
Bonnie Henson-Animal Health and Welfare Benefactor and Volunteer
Special Recognition-Robert Rohrbaugh, DVM
2009
Jessie Miller, ACHE-Animal Cruelty Heartline of El Paso
Special Recognition-Gary McCrory, McCrory Pharmacy
Veterinary Legends of the Southwest-Horst Schreck, DVM, posthumously
2008
Dr. Mark Cox, El Abrigado Animal Hospital
Special Recognition-Marino Mendoza, Veterinary Technician,
McRae Animal Hospital
2007
Beto O’Rourke, El Paso City Council Representative and
Animal Health/Welfare Advocate Special Recognition-Sue Loessberg,
full-time Humane Society of El Paso volunteer for 17 years Veterinary Legends
of the Southwest-Sue Zarges, DVM, Zarges Animal Hospital and
the region’s first woman veterinarian
2006
Dr. Guy Johnsen, Johnsen Animal Hospital
Special Recognition-John A. Sproul, Jr., Wildlife Biologist, Restoration Ecologist
and Environmental Advocate Veterinary Legends of the Southwest-
John M. Broadwell, DVM, posthumously
2005
ClearChannel Outdoor Special Recognition-Patricia Roberts,
Founder, Greyhound Pets of America-Lone Star Greyhounds
Veterinary Legends of the Southwest-Dr. Bob Butchofsky
2004
KTSM NewsChannel 9, NBC Affiliate Special Recognition-Jim Kluetz,
El Paso City/County Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Member
and Liaison for the 2004 Animal Shelter
2003
Patricia L. Palafox, Attorney/Mediator and Animal Welfare Activist
Special Recognition-Brad Cooper, EPVMA Deco Dog Designer
2002
Michelle J. Brown, Hollyglen Communicationsh•h
Special Recognition-Jeannemarie “Brandy” Gardes
2001
Charles Hooten, Former El Paso County Commissioner
Special Recognition-Gerald and Stanlee Rubin
2000
Animal Rescue League Special Recognition-Cindy Gongaware,
Humane Society of El Paso; Tom McCabe, DVM, Northeast Veterinary Clinic
1999
Valley Feed Pet Food Centers Special Recognition-Sandy Connor,
Program Coordinator, Therapet Eldercare of El Paso
1998
Alfred P. Gonzalez, El Paso County Extension Agent
Special Recognition-Jim Stratton, Pharmaceutical Representative
1997
El Paso Zoo Special Recognition-Kim Curlin, posthumously;
Andres Morales, Veterinary Technician
1996
Evret C. Newman, DVM Special Recognition-Banquet Corporate Sponsors
1995
Therapet Eldercare Special Recognition-Southwest Diagnostics
1994
Therapeutic Horsemanship of El Paso
Special Recognition-Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue
1993
Paragon Cable
1992
Border Patrol Canine Unit
1991
Lea Hutchinson, DVM
1990
Humane Society of El Paso
1989
Jim Koschmann, DVM
1988
Bob Becker, Sr. and Jr., El Paso Veterinary Supply
1987
Helen Bigelow, Rehabilitator
1986
KDBC-TV 4, CBS Affiliate (Bill Mitchell)
40 Years of Recipients
Celebrating 40 years of outstanding individuals and organizations who have made a lasting impact in animal care and community service.
2026
Dr. Julie Case, El Paso Community Foundation (EPCF), La Posada Home Inc.
2025
Sun City Cats, Non-Profit Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Advocacy Group
Special Recognition-Gus Gus, Court Certified Facility Dog
2024
Border Patrol Canine Academy, Established to address the high volume
of human and narcotics smuggling activities Special Recognition-
Veterinary Science Certificate Program (VSCP), Texas A&M
AgriLife ExtensionVeterinary Legends of the Southwest-
Thomas R. McCabe, Jr., DVM, posthumously
2023
Law N’ Paws Animal Rescue, Rescuing victims of Animal Cruelty
and Neglect Special Recognition-Rescue Runners, Helping ease the stress
that dogs in the shelter environment experience
2022
Chris Copeland, JD, CAE, Support of the EPVMA and the Texas Veterinary
Community Special Recognition-Denise K Mankin, Freelance Graphic Designer;
Will Seyffert, Photographer, Producer
2021
The El Paso Veterinary Community-
Recognizing the entire veterinary community for their outstanding response
to quickly changing demands during the COVID-19 pandemic
2020
Paws for Love-Providing Pet Therapy for those in need in our community
2019
Dean Travis-Valley Feed & Supply/PETsBARN
2018
Veterinary Technicians-Recognizing the Techs that Support Our Vets
Special Recognition-Marc Silpa, BVM&S, Mesa Veterinary Clinic
and Paws N’ Hooves Mobile Veterinary Services
2017
Betty Hoover-Retiring Executive Director, Humane Society of El Pasoh•h
Special Recognition-Ken Waldrup, DVM, MS, PhD, Zoonosis Control,
Texas Department of State Health Services
2016
Eye Care for Animals-25 Years of Service to El Paso
2015
Eleanor Ann Schoenbrun-Volunteer and Animal Activist
Veterinary Legends of the Southwest-Jerry Simmons, DVM,
Pioneer of Veterinary Practice Brokerage/Appraisal
2014
Pets Alive-El Paso Special Recognition-Barbara Jeffords Crews, DVM
2013
Orlando Garza, Jr., DVM-East El Paso Animal Hospital
2012
Ken Okada-Animal Advocate
2011
J. Brandy Gardes-Lifelong Animal Rescuer/Rehabilitator
2010
Bonnie Henson-Animal Health and Welfare Benefactor and Volunteer
Special Recognition-Robert Rohrbaugh, DVM
2009
Jessie Miller, ACHE-Animal Cruelty Heartline of El Paso
Special Recognition-Gary McCrory, McCrory Pharmacy
Veterinary Legends of the Southwest-Horst Schreck, DVM, posthumously
2008
Dr. Mark Cox, El Abrigado Animal Hospital
Special Recognition-Marino Mendoza, Veterinary Technician,
McRae Animal Hospital
2007
Beto O’Rourke, El Paso City Council Representative and
Animal Health/Welfare Advocate Special Recognition-Sue Loessberg,
full-time Humane Society of El Paso volunteer for 17 years Veterinary Legends
of the Southwest-Sue Zarges, DVM, Zarges Animal Hospital and
the region’s first woman veterinarian
2006
Dr. Guy Johnsen, Johnsen Animal Hospital
Special Recognition-John A. Sproul, Jr., Wildlife Biologist, Restoration Ecologist
and Environmental Advocate Veterinary Legends of the Southwest-
John M. Broadwell, DVM, posthumously
2005
ClearChannel Outdoor Special Recognition-Patricia Roberts,
Founder, Greyhound Pets of America-Lone Star Greyhounds
Veterinary Legends of the Southwest-Dr. Bob Butchofsky
2004
KTSM NewsChannel 9, NBC Affiliate Special Recognition-Jim Kluetz,
El Paso City/County Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Member
and Liaison for the 2004 Animal Shelter
2003
Patricia L. Palafox, Attorney/Mediator and Animal Welfare Activist
Special Recognition-Brad Cooper, EPVMA Deco Dog Designer
2002
Michelle J. Brown, Hollyglen Communicationsh•h
Special Recognition-Jeannemarie “Brandy” Gardes
2001
Charles Hooten, Former El Paso County Commissioner
Special Recognition-Gerald and Stanlee Rubin
2000
Animal Rescue League Special Recognition-Cindy Gongaware,
Humane Society of El Paso; Tom McCabe, DVM, Northeast Veterinary Clinic
1999
Valley Feed Pet Food Centers Special Recognition-Sandy Connor,
Program Coordinator, Therapet Eldercare of El Paso
1998
Alfred P. Gonzalez, El Paso County Extension Agent
Special Recognition-Jim Stratton, Pharmaceutical Representative
1997
El Paso Zoo Special Recognition-Kim Curlin, posthumously;
Andres Morales, Veterinary Technician
1996
Evret C. Newman, DVM Special Recognition-Banquet Corporate Sponsors
1995
Therapet Eldercare Special Recognition-Southwest Diagnostics
1994
Therapeutic Horsemanship of El Paso
Special Recognition-Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue
1993
Paragon Cable
1992
Border Patrol Canine Unit
1991
Lea Hutchinson, DVM
1990
Humane Society of El Paso
1989
Jim Koschmann, DVM
1988
Bob Becker, Sr. and Jr., El Paso Veterinary Supply
1987
Helen Bigelow, Rehabilitator
1986
KDBC-TV 4, CBS Affiliate (Bill Mitchell)