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Cavaner said she was honored that her pet won the competition.
"When my beloved King was inducted into the animal archives by my veterinarians, I was so happy and surprised that someone had recognized what a special dog King was," said Cavaner. "Anyone who might have read my testimonial on King should be able to tell and understand the kind of dog he was. He was so devoted to my mom after my dad passed away.
The Animal Archives is a foundation that cares about the beloved pets that people have lost. It doesn't matter if the animals are purebreds or mixed. They all have special places.
"We need to keep this foundation going so that a lot more beloved pets can be a part of this organization and recognized for their devotion and loyalty to their families, or to an elderly person who has no one except their pet, said Cavaner. "I am so honored to accept this award on behalf of my King. He has found his place in the hearts of others as well as he did in his family."
The five other finalists for the contest were: Muddy, owned by Shane and Amy Garland, Pleasant Hill; Freddy, owned by Ethel F. Osborne, Jamestown; Dixie, owned by Dr. Brian and Jennifer White, Litchfield, Ariz.; Tori, owned by Ken and Lisa Thompson, Columbia; and Lucy, owned by Judy Harris, New Bloomfield.
The public is invited to vote for the 2010 Pet of the Year by going to www.mvma.us and clicking on "The Animal Archives" where there will soon be another six contestants waiting for votes.
The Animal Archives of Missouri is maintained by the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation (MVMF). The archives are based at the Foundations Veterinary Museum in Jefferson City. There are over 13,000 pets registered in the Archives.
When a pet dies, the owner or their veterinarian can submit the pet's name and a brief description to the MVMF Museum for inclusion in the Archives. A photo of the pet and memorial wording can also be sent.
These items are placed in the museum's interactive kiosk with a record of the pet. In addition, the memorial record is placed on the Foundation's section of the MVMF's Web site at www.mvma.us/animalarchives for the family to view from anywhere in the country. Owners can submit names, life story, photo and payment at this Web site. A small fee is charged for the service to help maintain the site and the museum.
"The Animal Archives is an excellent way for families to honor the memory of their departed pets. The Web site format offers an opportunity to pet owners and their friends across the country to share in the life story of the beloved pet," said Dr. Mac Wilt, MVMF board chair.
"I would also like to invite readers to visit our Veterinary Museum of Missouri the next time they are in Jefferson City. The museum takes visitors through 150 years of veterinary history with interesting displays and strange artifacts."
As a public charity, that supports the charitable and educational purposes and activities of the MVMA, the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation focuses on public education and animal welfare issues to further the health of animals in Missouri.
