University of Missouri Veterinarian Wins America's Best Vet Honor; Four Regional Winners ...(n DogChannel.com and CatChannel.com. A f...),Health

"Merial is proud to honor all of the nominees and we are especially proud to recognize Dr. Jimi Cook as the national winner," said Howell "Hal" Little, DVM, director, Field Veterinary Services for Merial. "Dr. Cook truly is an awe inspiring veterinarian who has been honored with numerous teaching and research awards, is in demand as a national and international lecturer, and is recognized as a gifted surgeon, teacher and clinician. Armed with vision, dedication, and drive, Dr. Cook has committed his life's work to improving the health and lives of animals and the people that love them."

Michael Ray of Deltona, Fla., and Sherri Rusch of Warrensburg, Mo., both nominated Cook, whom his clients call Jimi. Cook performed eight surgeries over nine years to help Rusch's Labrador-golden retriever mix, who suffered from multiple disorders affecting both hips and both knees. Ray, who was paralyzed nearly 30 years ago by a gunshot wound, contacted Cook after his service dog, Eagle, developed lameness in his front left leg. Cook had developed an arthroscopic procedure that had a high success rate for treating conditions like Eagle's and upon Ray's request, Cook flew to the University of Florida to perform the surgery and train the staff at the university.

"Eagle is back to normal again," Ray says. "Not only did Jimi save my best friend and companion from a life of pain and misery, he also gave me back my service dog."

Cook is well known for his orthopedic research, which has benefited both dogs and humans. He and his wife, Cristi, also have spent time in Africa, building houses with Habitat for Humanity and rebuilding a school in Rwanda that was destroyed in the 1994 genocide. Cook says he is extremely honored to win the national award and appreciates the time his clients too
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