Each year the South Florida Veterinary Foundation (SFVF) celebrates the outstanding contribution of individuals and corporations who increase awareness and quality services for animal related issues. These awards acknowledge individuals and animals that promote the importance of the human–animal bond and its benefits to mankind.

Here are some of the highlights.

This is Reggie and Reba, 2 therapy dogs with C.A.T. – Canine Assisted Therapy (http://www.catdogs.org/). They are also members of the Dog Scouts of America Troop 157 (http://www.dsatroop157.com/).

This is Champ. In his previous life he was used as a bait dog in dog fighting. He was rescued and is doing great now. He acts as an advocate against all types of bullying, both animal and human. He won the Therapy Animal Award here at the 2013 People, Pets & Vets Awards. You can learn more about Champ on his website – http://www.bulliesagainstbullying.com/

Here is Champ with his owner who rescued him. Champ was used as a bait dog in dog fighting. He is doing great now and acts as an advocate against all types of bullying, both animal and human. He won the Therapy Animal Award. You can learn more about Champ on his website – http://www.bulliesagainstbullying.com/.

Janet Perkins (center), of Dachshund Rescue South Florida, won the Volunteer Hero Award.

Dee Hoult (right) of Applause Your Paws Dog Training and one of her trainers, Joanne.

Dr. Robert Pane and Dee Hoult.

Dr. Robert Pane and Dee Hoult.

Dr. Juan Sardinas of Miami Veterinary Specialists.

Dee Hoult, Champ and Neely Waring. Champ won the award for Therapy Dog.

Rita Schwartz and Michael Rosenberg, who won the Philanthropy Award.

Dr. Maureen Swan (right), of Biscayne Animal Hospital, who won the award for Veterinary Philanthropy.

Elizabeth Loffredo, who won the Education Award.

Elizabeth Loffredo, who won the Education Award.

Dr. Doug Mader, of the Marathon Veterinary Hospital. He is also the consulting veterinarian for the Key West Aquarium, the Marathon Sea Turtle Hospital, The Key West Butterfly Conservancy, the Theater of the Sea and the Monroe County (Sheriff Animal Farm) Zoo.

Janet Perkins, of Dachshund Rescue South Florida, won the Volunteer Hero Award.

Janet Perkins (center), of Dachshund Rescue South Florida, won the Volunteer Hero Award.

Dr. Julio Ibanez, of Quail Roost Animal Hospital, received the Leadership Award.

(left to right) Dr. Juan Sardinas of Miami Veterinary Specialists, Dr. Larry Bernstein of Natural Holistic Health Care, Dr. Julio Ibanez of Quail Roost Animal Hospital, (receiving the Leadership Award), Dee Hoult, Dr. Irving Lerner of Crossroads Animal Hospital.

This is Reggie and Reba, 2 therapy dogs with C.A.T. – Canine Assisted Therapy (http://www.catdogs.org/). They are also members of the Dog Scouts of America Troop 157 (http://www.dsatroop157.com/).

(left to right) Dr. Irving Lerner, Dr. Bob Pane, Dr. Juan Sardinas, Dr. Larry Bernstein, Dr. Maureen Swan, Dr. Doug Mader, Doug’s wife Dr. Geraldine Diethelm, Dr. Julio Ibanez, Dr. Karen Oberthaler, and Dr. Maria Oliveria.

(left to right) Dr. Irving Lerner, Dr. Bob Pane, Dr. Juan Sardinas, Dr. Larry Bernstein, Dr. Maureen Swan, Dr. Doug Mader, Doug’s wife Dr. Geraldine Diethelm, Dee Hoult, Dr. Julio Ibanez, Dr. Karen Oberthaler, and Dr. Maria Oliveria.

(left to right) Giomar Villegas Octavio, Jill Steinberg, Elizabeth Loffredo, Ben Wilson, Janet Perkins, Carol Caridad, Dr. Maureen Swan, Rita Schwartz, Michael Rosenberg, Neely Waring and Champ the Bulldog.

(left to right) Giomar Villegas Octavio, Jill Steinberg, Elizabeth Loffredo, Ben Wilson, Janet Perkins, Carol Caridad, Dee Hoult, Dr. Maureen Swan, Rita Schwartz, Michael Rosenberg, Neely Waring and Champ the Bulldog.

This is Champ. He was used as a bait dog in dog fighting. He is doing great now and acts as an advocate against all types of bullying, both animal and human. He won the Therapy Animal Award. You can learn more about Champ on his website – http://www.bulliesagainstbullying.com/.

This is Reggie, a therapy dog with C.A.T. – Canine Assisted Therapy (http://www.catdogs.org/). He is also a member of the Dog Scouts of America Troop 157 (http://www.dsatroop157.com/).

Melinda Bevis Hare, Carol Caridad, president of Paws 4 You Rescue, Ana Sanchez, Dr. Maria Oliveira of South Miami Animal Clinic, Marta B. Pages, and Ron Caridad.

Dee Hoult, of Applause Your Paws Dog Training, and Champ, the Therapy Dog award winner.

This is Reggie and Reba, 2 therapy dogs with C.A.T. – Canine Assisted Therapy (http://www.catdogs.org/) along with Champ Waring the Bulldog. In his previous life he was used as a bait dog in dog fighting. He was rescued and is doing great now. He acts as an advocate against all types of bullying, both animal and human. He won the Therapy Animal Award. You can learn more about Champ on his website – http://www.bulliesagainstbullying.com/.