University of Missouri Veterinarian Wins America's Best Vet Honor; Four Regional Winners ...( Dr. James Cook Chosen as Winner from ...),Health

Dr. James Cook Chosen as Winner from More Than 1,000 Nominations for 'Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet Contest,' Sponsored by Morris Animal Foundation,

Merial and BowTie, Inc.

DENVER, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Veterinarians play a critical role in keeping our pets healthy, happy and living longer. For University of Missouri veterinarian James L. Cook, DVM, Ph.D., going above and beyond when it comes to caring for animals is second nature. In recognition of his dedication to improving the lives of animals, Cook has been named the grand-prize national winner of the "Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet" essay contest. He was chosen from more than 1,000 nominations from pet owners throughout the country.

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Cook, who is the director of the Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory at the University of Missouri, was also the Midwest regional winner. Four regional winners were named: James Thomas, VMD, of Eagle Veterinary Clinic, Havertown, Pa., for the Northeast; Bob Encinosa, DVM, of Boyette Animal Hospital, Riverview, Fla., for the Southeast; Tim R. Stone, DVM, Rittiman Road Animal Hospital, San Antonio, for the Southwest; and Thomas R. Nickerson, DVM, of Trinity Animal Hospital, Weaverville, Calif., for the West.

"Veterinarians are so important in strengthening the human-animal bond," said Patricia N. Olson, DVM, Ph.D., president/CEO of Morris Animal Foundation. "We were delighted that so many pet owners wrote to honor their veterinarians for the good work that they do on behalf of animals. These professionals truly deserve recognition."

The "Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet" contest was sponsored by Morris Animal Foundation, Merial Limited and BowTie, Inc. Cook is featured in the December issues of BowTie's Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy and Veterinary Practice News magazines as well as o
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