PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Fall 2020 - 30

Wodan Animal Hero Award: Billy

This award was created in 2001 to recognize the
courageous and heroic acts of Pennsylvania animals
in the preservation and protection of animal or
human life. The award was named after its inaugural
recipient, Wodan, a Harrisburg City police dog who
was injured in the line of duty. Wodan, a Belgian
Malinois, and Officer Michael Lamonto responded to
a call of an armed person. Upon reaching the scene,
a suspect for another crime was identified. The
suspect ran from the scene. Wodan was released to
apprehend him. He was shot four times. Even gravely
wounded, Wodan was able to detain the suspect until
the officers could apprehend him.

Photo credit: Rob Colley / For the Philadelphia Inquirer

This year's winner truly embodies the spirit of Wodan. Veterinary surgeons at PennVet call Billy "the Philly wonder dog" a
miracle. The 5-year-old bull terrier survived being shot in the heart while protecting his family when they were confronted
by two armed men near their West Philadelphia home. Felipe Sinisterra and Natalia Gomez were walking their dog, Billy,
Jan. 14 when they were confronted by two armed men. Billy started barking when he sensed danger, and the men opened
fire and shot Billy. They ran away and got into a waiting car, but a nearby police officer was able to help the couple get their
dog to the hospital to be treated for the bullet that tore through his heart, left lung, diaphragm, liver, stomach and spleen.
He survived his two surgeries at Penn Vet's Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital. He's still on the road to recovery, but his
prognosis is looking good. Congratulations Billy!

Joan Hendricks, VMD, PhD Distinguished Leadership in One Health Award:
Dr. James S. Holt

This award is presented to an advocate and champion for the One Health initiative. This year's
winner has been a major part of the One Health task force in Pennsylvania. For more than 5
years, Dr. Holt has been the tireless and consistent leadership behind the One Health task force
of the Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission. This task force has been active in recruitment
and coordination of One Health programs in Pennsylvania. While finding their silos, individual
One Health programs can be limited if they are unaware of projects in nearby institutions. Dr.
Holt has worked to bring these diverse efforts together, to share information, grow research,
and foster greater progress. Further he has helped to expand impact by representing the
Pennsylvania One Health task force in mid-Atlantic, multi-state initiatives. Dr. Holt has been an
advocate and champion for One Health. He has built partnerships which improve human as well
as animal health, and helped to enhance environmental resiliency. Congratulations Dr. Holt!

Animal Welfare Advocacy Award: Dr. Jody A. Kull

This award is presented annually to a member of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical
Association who demonstrates outstanding compassion and helps promote programs for animal
welfare. Dr. Jody Kull is very well-deserving of this award. Her area of expertise is in dairy
production medicine. She has assisted her clients in developing robust animal welfare programs,
enlisting educational forums and defending them against fraudulent animal rights groups. She
also has a widely followed Facebook page that educates and informs on all things agriculture
and animal welfare related topics. Congratulations Dr. Kull!

Watch the entire video presentation at
PAVMA.org/Awards
30 | Keystone Veterinarian

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PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Fall 2020

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