(November 18, 2010 Stillwater, OK) – Michael D. Lorenz, DVM, dean of the Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, was recognized for his support of animal welfare at the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals 6th Annual Fur Ball Gala held on Nov. 6, 2010.

Lorenz received the Kraft Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award. Named for Dr. James Kraft, a generous animal lover and long-time supporter of OAA, this prominent award is given to an individual with outstanding accomplishments who has shown dedication to improving the lives of companion animals in Oklahoma.

Under Lorenz’s deanship, the OSU veterinary center has grown its Shelter Medicine Program from serving one shelter to now serving 14 shelters in 11 cities. The program involves students in all four years of the veterinary curriculum with most of the activity occurring in the third and fourth years.

In 2009, the program provided more than 3,500 low cost or no cost spay and neuter surgeries. In September alone, the off campus group did 24 cat spays, 22 cat neuters, 34 dog spays and 35 dog castrations. The group did 166 physical examinations, 68 microchip procedures, 117 nail trims and numerous other treatments and diagnostic procedures.

“I am pleased to accept this award on behalf of the faculty, staff and students at the veterinary center. I doubt there are many veterinary colleges that can match our total program,” says Lorenz. “It is a good example of how land grant universities like OSU serve their citizens daily. The benefactors are our students and the animals they have served and hopefully helped by being more attractive for adoption.”

Oklahoma Alliance for Animals is dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation, promoting responsible pet ownership, and promoting the humane treatment of animals through communication collaboration and education.

The Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is one of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States and is fully accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The center’s Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital is open to the public and provides routine and specialized care for small and large animals. It also offers 24-hour emergency care and is certified by the American Animal Hospital Association. For more information, visit www.cvhs.okstate.edu or call (405) 744-7000.

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