We are always touched by many veterinary technicians throughout the year. Here are two inspiring veterinary technicians that won awards in 2017 for their continued service and inspiration in the veterinary nursing field.

Congratulations to Jeni Hudson and Purvi Patel for their awards, service, and influence in our community. 

American Humane Hero Dog Awards

Jeni Hudson, a certified veterinary technician from Decatur, Ill., won the Hero Veterinary Technician award. She earned her Associates degree in Veterinary Technology from Parkland in 2013.

Jeni has dedicated much of her career to her passion of rescuing and helping puppies with special needs (such as cleft palate or other birth defects).  She is the founder of a non-profit called Hudson Halfway Home.

Also, follow her rescue on Facebook! Jeni, thanks for all you do. You are a shining star!

Petplan Vet Tech of the Year

Purvi Patel, a registered veterinary technician, won the 2017 Petplan Vet Tech of the Year award. She currently practices at Laurelwood Veterinary Hospital in Waterloo, Ontario as the head RVT and particularly enjoys anesthesia, dentistry and nursing. Her story is incredible and her path inspiring to veterinary technicians everywhere.

Thanks for your hard work, Purvi, congratulations! Here is a biography from her, about her path in the vet nursing field:

Like many animal lovers, I gravitated towards the veterinary profession early. I was raised in Malawi, Africa and we had 4 German shepherds on our property.

They were my first and rather confused "patients" as I applied fake bandages on healthy limbs and inspected "sore" ears. I moved to Canada and graduated with a BSc in Animal Biology and later a diploma in Veterinary Technology from the University of Guelph in Ontario.

Versatility is important to me so I gained experience within multiple settings ie shelter medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, large animal practice, community outreach and my mainstay, companion animal medicine." - Purvi