Shout-out to Katy – A True Champion for Shelter Animals
We want to send our deepest appreciation to our incredible staff veterinarian, Katy, at Animal Protection Society–Friday Harbor (APS-FH) on San Juan Island, WA.
Katy does so much more than provide medical care-she truly lives our mission. She treats every animal who walks through our doors as if they were her own, always going above and beyond to make sure they receive the attention, comfort, and dignity they deserve.
She's written and implemented detailed SOPs that have transformed our shelter's medical protocols. From intake exams to ongoing treatment plans, she's helped create a level of consistency and compassion in our care that we're incredibly proud of. Whether it's staying late to monitor a sick kitten, checking in on a recovering dog over the weekend, or educating staff and volunteers with kindness and clarity-Katy shows up fully for these animals, every single day.
Our team's favorite story is when we knowingly took in a litter of five kittens who tested positive for ringworm-a diagnosis that, for many shelters, can be daunting due to the risk of spread, long treatment process, and potential for socialization setbacks.
Thanks to the leadership of Katy, these kittens not only recovered physically-they thrived emotionally. She developed a custom ringworm treatment protocol tailored to our shelter's space and resources. She set up a dedicated isolation room, outlined daily cleaning and care routines, and trained staff and volunteers on how to safely treat and handle the kittens. Every detail-from PPE to lime sulfur dips to environmental control-was mapped out clearly and compassionately.
But what made the biggest difference was how much Dr. Katy prioritized their socialization and emotional well-being throughout the quarantine process. Knowing how critical early handling is for young kittens, she built enrichment and gentle interaction into their care plan. Volunteers were coached on how to engage safely with the kittens through barrier play, scent exchanges, and short cuddle sessions in full gear.
Because of her thoughtful planning and genuine care, all five kittens completed treatment healthy, confident, and highly adoptable-not under socialized or scared, which can sometimes happen in long isolations. In fact, one of them purred all the way through their final vet check!
Thank you, Katy, for your heart, your brilliance, and your unwavering commitment to our animals. Your impact is seen in every healed wound, every wagging tail, every purr from a cat who finally feels safe. You are an essential part of APS-FH, and we're endlessly grateful to work beside you.
– APS-FH Team
San Juan Island, WA
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Animal Protection Society - Friday Harbor
Private, Nonprofit Animal Welfare Organization
Friday Harbor, Washington
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2025 01:43 PM
From: Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Subject: July 2025 Giveaway: Spotlight on Shelter Medicine
In celebration of Dr. Lila Miller Shelter Medicine Day on July 10, we're honoring the people behind the progress of the field. The mentors, veterinarians and animal well-being professionals who have shaped how we care for animals in shelter environments.
Shelter medicine isn't just about treating illness, it's about advancing animal well-being through science-based care, disease prevention, behavioral health, outbreak response and a commitment to keeping pets and people together. And none of that would be possible without the people who dedicate their careers to it.
Comment on this thread this month to enter to win the July $1,000 Cuddly prize pack and help us shine the light on the people making an impact in our communities through shelter medicine.
❓ Is there a shelter medicine mentor, vet, or professional you'd like to recognize?
Whether it's someone who guided your protocols during a disease outbreak, helped launch a behavior program, or inspired you to approach sheltering through a new lens, they deserve a shout-out!
📼 Shelter Medicine Changes Everything
Over the past two decades, Maddie's Fund® has helped shape the field by investing in shelter medicine programs at colleges of veterinary medicine across the U.S., supporting residencies, training the next generation of shelter professionals and working alongside leaders who have spent their careers improving the lives of shelter animals and the people who care for them.
In 2014, Maddie's Fund helped launch a campaign to spotlight the transformative power of shelter medicine. The short documentary "Shelter Medicine Changes Everything" highlighted how this growing field was revolutionizing care for homeless pets-bringing science, compassion and strategy together to save lives.
🎓 Shelter Medicine Resources to Support Your Work
Looking to expand your shelter medicine knowledge or refine your organization's practices? We've compiled a collection of training and information to help you improve outcomes for the animals you serve.
🩺 Don't Miss the ASPCA® Cornell Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Conference
Happening this month in-person and online, the ASPCA® Cornell Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Conference is a must-attend for anyone working to elevate animal care in shelters and communities. This year's tracks include: Foundations of Sheltering, Integrated Care, Vet-to-Vet, Community Connections and Sheltering Research & Applications.
Explore the 2025 Shelter Medicine Conference Schedule and watch previous conference recordings on Maddie's University:
🎉 July 10 is Dr. Lila Miller Shelter Medicine Day
A proclamation of Dr. Lila Miller Shelter Medicine Day was declared on July 10, 2021, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to the field and her unwavering commitment to ensuring shelter animals receive high-quality veterinary care.
Dr. Miller helped define what shelter medicine is today as one of the first veterinarians to bring attention to the medical and behavioral needs of shelter animals, she laid the foundation for shelter medicine to be recognized as a veterinary specialty. Her advocacy changed not only policies and practices, but also the way the entire field approaches the care of homeless pets.
Watch the Candid Conversation with Dr. Lila Miller to learn more about her journey.
#AccesstoCare
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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