In March, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) honoured Bragg Creek’s Dr. Judith Samson-French and her team for their innovative project, Dogs With No Names.
The award was established by the CVMA in 1986, to honour a member whose work is judged to have contributed significantly to the welfare and well-bring of animals.
Nominated for the award by her fellow team members at Dogs With No Names, Samson-French was recognized for her work with the initiative, which places contraceptive implants in female dogs found on First Nations’ communities.
“This award was so unexpected,” said Samson-French over the phone. “My name is on the award because I’m the CVMA member, but I’m accepting it on behalf of my great team. We’ve accomplished a lot, but this recognition keeps us moving forward.”
Currently, the Dogs With No Names project is active on the Tsuu T’ina, Siksika and Eden Valley reserves. In June, Samson-French said the initiative will attempt its first out-of-province project — a one-week, implant blitz that aims to implant 150 dogs with the contraceptive.
“We’re forming a partnership with this community,” said Samson-French, who was unable to name the community. “We’ll be administering the implant as well as forming a community action plan. We’re aiming to educate the residents on the importance of keeping track of the dogs, and understanding why spay and neuters can’t happen in these remote communities.”
The past year has been a whirlwind for Samson-French and Dogs with No Names. In November, the vet released her book Dogs With No Names: In Pursuit of Courage, Hope and Purpose. So far, the book has sold 1,600 copies, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Dogs with No Names initiative.
This summer, the veterinarian and owner of Bragg Creek’s Banded Peak Veterinary Hospital will be releasing her second book, 39 Ways To Kill Your Best Friend: Tales of Caution for Dog Owners, which is about the demise of owned dogs.
Dogs With No Names: In Pursuit of Courage, Hope and Purpose can be purchased online at amazon.ca and dogswithnonames.com. In Cochrane, the book can be found at Bentleys Books and Country Paws Dog Daycare.
For more information on the initiative and the book, check out dogswithnonames.com.
