Virginia Veterinary Medical Association Celebrates Veterinarian's Day At The Capitol

RICHMOND, VA, January 16, 2013

The Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (http://www.vvma.org/) has announced they will host VVMA Day at the Capitol on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013. The day will begin with the "Paws for Breakfast" event, where lawmakers and their staff will visit with veterinarians and VVMA special guests, a Rottweiler named Sophia, who is a certified therapy dog and a Labrador retriever puppy named Wyoming, who is being raised to be an assistance dog. Sophia is certified by Therapy Dogs International and visits patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Wyoming hails from Canine Companion for Independence, an organization that provides highly-trained assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities, free of charge. Saint Francis Service Dogs will also be visiting with the lawmakers and their staff. Saint Francis is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to assist children and adults with disabilities become more independent and self-sufficient through partnership with a professionally trained service dog. Presently, Saint Francis places 10-15 service dogs per year in their area, which includes the entire state of Virginia as well as the area within a three hour drive of their facility in Roanoke, Virginia.

In the afternoon, VVMA members will meet at the Downtown Richmond Marriott, located at 500 East Broad Street in Richmond for a working lunch and a legislative briefing. Participants will have the chance to meet with their legislators at the briefing's conclusion, beginning at 2:30 p.m. This afternoon will bring together state legislators and veterinarians in various practices from across the state to raise awareness of current issues affecting the veterinary profession.

The event is free and open to members of the VVMA. Attendees interested in meeting with their legislators will need to make appointments ahead of time. For more information, visit http://www.vvma.org or call 800-937-8862.

QUOTES:
"VVMA Day at the Capitol is the perfect opportunity for veterinarians and state legislators to come together and discuss important issues that currently impact animal welfare policy," said Robin R. Schmitz, executive director of VVMA. "This event is incredibly meaningful to VVMA members as they have the chance to let their voice be heard and influence state policies and laws."

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ABOUT THE VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION:
The Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) is a professional organization of veterinarians dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of human and animal life through veterinary medicine. The organization aims to establish and enhance open communication between members of the association and industry representatives. The VVMA provides continuing education programs and conferences, supports its members through mentoring programs, lobbies on behalf of the interests in the field of veterinary medicine and serves as an advocate and voice for the Virginia veterinary medicine community. For more information, visit http://www.vvma.org, or call (800) 937-8862 or (804) 346-2611.

Caitlin Russell
MMI Public Relations
(919) 233-6600
caitlin@mmipublicrelations.com
http://twitter.com/MMIPR
http://www.mmipublicrelations.com/