By Cindy Peterson
Mount Dora Vet Named 2022 American Humane Hero
Press Release
After more than 500 nominations and a nationwide vote for the five finalists, Dr. Raquel Fagan, owner and Chief Medical Officer of Shamrock Animal Health Inc. in Mount Dora and Medical Director for Patriot Service Dogs, has been named the recipient of the 9th Annual Hero Veterinarian Award by American Humane.
“I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our clients, friends, industry partners and family during the voting for the 2022 Hero Vet Award,” Dr. Fagan says. “Whether it is working with service dogs or any other pet in central Florida, my mission is to keep all pets as healthy as possible so that they can enhance the lives of those that they live with.”
Dr. Fagan recently celebrated her 6th anniversary as the owner of Shamrock Animal Hospital in Mount Dora and 2023 will mark 30 years since she graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Since joining Shamrock, Dr. Fagan has welcomed nearly 3,200 families to the Shamrock Animal Health Family.
“It has been our pleasure to nominate Dr. Fagan for the American Humane Hero Vet Award this year,” commented Julie Sanderson, President of Patriot Service Dogs. “Along with her talented team based in Mount Dora, we have been fortunate to receive the highest level of care for each of our dogs which allows us to focus on the many different facets of our volunteer-driven organization.”
Dr. Robin Ganzert, President & CEO of American Humane stated, “The world’s animals depend on veterinarians and veterinary nurses, and we are honored to recognize their achievements in saving lives, conducting groundbreaking research and working on the front lines for the animals in their communities.”
Dr. Fagan will be recognized for her accomplishments on November 11 at the Hero Dog Awards gala at the Eau Palm Beach Resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The event is chaired by internationally renowned philanthropist, Lois Pope and will be emceed by television personality, Carson Kressley and entertainment featuring international music legend, Michael Bolton.
“Whether they protect us on the frontlines, help us with medical challenges, or just lighten our spirits with an enthusiastic kiss after a long day,” Dr. Ganzert says, “dogs save and improve our lives in infinite ways.”
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
