As part of the 77th graduation ceremony, held in April 2019, the NEADS Spirit Award was presented to nearly 50 voluntary veterinary professionals in recognition of their contributions, loyalty, and dedication to the organization.

Each spring, NEADS presents its Spirit Award to a volunteer or group of volunteers who passionately exudes the energy, values, and commitment to our mission over an extended period of time. The 2019 Spirit Award went to the nearly 50 voluntary veterinary professionals who work with NEADS – a group that is the embodiment of this recognition.

Lacy Gillotti, NEADS Director of Canine Operations, presented the award. “The health and well-being of our dogs is a critical component of our program. NEADS uses a broad network of over 50 veterinary professionals to ensure our dogs are in top condition,” said Gillotti. “These volunteers offer their expertise, time, and resources to support the NEADS mission. It is through their dedication that NEADS dogs can continue to receive world class veterinary care.”

The award was accepted on behalf of the recipients by guest speaker Dr. Trish Dettlinger, who helped develop the NEADS Prison PUP Program at the Northeastern Correctional Center in Concord, MA and was also instrumental in developing a partnership between NEADS and VCA, where she is currently an Area Medical Director. Dr. Dettlinger is also a clinical instructor at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and serves on the Advisory Boards of the Worcester Technical HS and Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School veterinary science programs. “I am privileged and honored to accept this award on behalf of the exceptional veterinarians who volunteer for this truly amazing program,” said Dr. Dettlinger. “It is incredibly rewarding to work with NEADS. I can say with utmost certainty that the joy, gratification, comfort, and I personally have received from working with this program has far surpassed any service I have provided to NEADS.”

The following veterinary professionals were recognized.

In Massachusetts: Acorn Animal Hospital, Franklin; Angell Animal Medical Center, Boston; Ashland Animal Hospital; Ayer Animal Medical Center; Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners, Waltham; Boston West Veterinary Emergency and Specialty, Natick; Central Animal Hospital, Leominster; Concord Animal Hospital and Domino Veterinary Hospital, Concord; Dr. Kristina DePaula, Hudsto; Foster Hospital for Small Animals, Grafton; Foxboro Animal Hospital; Dr. Ann Friedhofer, Mendon; Dr. Danelle Friend, Jefferson; Idexx Laboratories, North Grafton; Dr. Bethany Innis, Belmont; Northboro Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness Center; Northeast Veterinary Hospital, Peabody; Dr. Christine Pelletier, Boston; Dr. Daniel Rice, Hubbardston; Slade Veterinary Hospital, Framingham; Dr. Jake Tedaldi, Boston; Tender Heart Veterinary Care, Gardner; Tufts VETS, Walpole; Veterinary Dental Services, Boxborough; Wachusett Animal Hospital and Pet Retreat, Westminster; Wellesley Animal Hospital; and Westford Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center. VCA Animal Hospitals in Brookline, Northboro, Palmer, Sterling, and Wakefield were also recognized.

In Maine: Down Maine Veterinary Clinic, Sandford; and Maine Veterinary Referral Center Emergency & Specialty Hospital, Scarborough

In New Hampshire: Fieldstone Animal Hospital, Rindge.

In Rhode Island: Eye Care for Animals, Warwick; Ocean State Veterinary Specialists, East Greenwich; Warwick Animal Hospital; and West Shore Animal Clinic, Warwick.

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Columbia, MO