At a glance
Jill Elston, a 2010 Alfred State College (ASC) graduate of the Vet Tech program, is the recipient of the 2021 American Human Hero Veterinary Nurse Award.
Jill Elston, a 2010 Alfred State College (ASC) graduate of the Vet Tech program, is the recipient of the 2021 American Human Hero Veterinary Nurse Award. Elston received this honor during the American Humane Dog Awards broadcasted on Hallmark Drama.
Elston has been a licensed Veterinary Tech in shelter medicine at the Animal Care Sanctuary in Milan, PA for just over ten years. She serves and cares for animals who have no home, protects the wounded and abused, and gives a chance to souls everyone else gave up on. She courageously leads a team of veterinary professionals who provide care in an underserved rural area. She regularly rehabilitates fearful dogs and helps sick animals recover. Her special project is being a hospice for older dogs and cats who are not candidates for adoption.
Elston’s initial passion for shelter medicine came during her time at Alfred State. “While in school I met a cat named Hickory and dog named Foxy, both from a local animal shelter. Caring for them is what sparked my interest in the field. Professor Kathy Bliss and fellow ASC alum Kaitlyn Howard nominated me for this award and I never imagined I would actually win. I am honored and grateful to be honored.”
Elston along with Dr. Mary Kate Lawler (Houston, Texas) were the two humans honored during the award ceremony. The American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards were born out of the idea that behind almost every hero pet is a hero veterinarian or veterinary nurse. A blue-ribbon panel narrowed down the hundreds of nominations received to the top five in each category. The American public made the final determination through online voting.
“We are so pleased to help shine a light on two outstanding veterinary professionals who go above and beyond to provide essential veterinary care to animals in need,” Tara Bidgood, DVM, PhD, DACVCP, Executive Director, Veterinary Professional Services and Medical Affairs at Zoetis Petcare said in the announcement of the award. “Dr. Mary Kate Lawler has helped prevent suffering through overpopulation and neglect on a massive scale and veterinary nurse Jill Elston exemplifies caring and compassion professionally and in her personal life. They are both truly heroes.”
“Veterinarians and veterinary nurses are heroes to the animals they serve and these awards are an effort to recognize the best of the best,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane president and CEO. “Dr. Lawler and Ms. Elston are remarkable animal welfare advocates, and we are proud to honor their work in aiding the animals living in their communities. We also want to give special thanks to our friends at Zoetis Petcare for sponsoring this national campaign to recognize the achievements of the veterinary community.”
More information about this year’s American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards is available at www.herovetawards.org.