Minnesota Veterinary Award Winners & Animal Hall of Fame Inductees Honored at 2026 Annual Conference
At our 2026 Annual Conference, held Jan. 28–31 in Minneapolis, MVMA recognized the recipients of our 2025 Veterinary Awards and inductees into the Animal Hall of Fame. Nine Minnesota veterinary professionals were honored, and three animals received awards in the categories Hero, Companion, and Professional.
Three Minnesota Dogs Inducted into MVMA’s Animal Hall of Fame
The Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Hall of Fame celebrates and recognizes the important link between animals and humans. Each year, MVMA honors domestic animals who exemplify the strength and value of the human-animal bond.
The Companion Animal of the Year award recognizes an animal that has provided a benefit to its human companions or community. This year’s award was presented to Gideon, a Golden Retriever owned by Pam Lienemann. Gideon is a highly trained Comfort Dog serving with Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Ministries and St. Michael's Lutheran Church since August 2016. Based in the Twin Cities, Gideon works alongside multiple handlers, faithfully visiting schools, senior communities, hospitals, and hospice centers to bring peace and comfort on a regular basis. When crisis strikes, Gideon deploys locally and nationally to provide support in the aftermath of tragedies. He has responded to mass shootings in Oxford, Michigan; Uvalde, Texas; Lewiston, Maine; Perry, Iowa; and most recently Minneapolis, Minn., working with those impacted by the Annunciation School shooting. In the midst of unimaginable pain, Gideon has quietly offered his steady presence, giving people permission to breathe, to cry, to talk, and to begin healing. Gideon’s unique gift lies in his intuition—he seems to know exactly who needs him most, often seeking out the hurting and quietly offering comfort without words. Time and again, he has gently walked up to someone sitting alone or struggling in silence, leaning in with a calmness that says, “I’m here for you.” His ability to connect without words has comforted thousands, bringing hope and light into some of life’s darkest moments. Gideon’s ministry is not just about being a dog—it is about being a source of compassion, strength, and love wherever he is needed.
The Professional Animal of the Year award recognizes an animal specially trained to assist humans. This year’s award was presented to Norie, a Golden Retriever owned by Bill Kubes. Norie is a facility dog who works alongside her handler Bill, who is a Victim/Witness advocate with the Ramsey County Attorney's Office. Norie was trained by Helping Paws Inc., a non-profit organization that provides service and therapy dogs to those in need. Norie has all of the skills to work for somebody with a physical disability, but because of who Norie is and her wonderful temperament, she was chosen as the first facility dog in Minnesota. She helps to alleviate stress and fear for individuals who have experienced trauma as victims and witnesses of crimes as they prepare for the stresses of the court process. Norie’s remarkable intuition for sadness and stress make her the ideal dog for her position. Norie has an incredible sense for when someone needs comfort. She approaches these people and lays her head on their laps, or moves in for a hug, or snuggles on the floor. Sometimes just her quiet, calming aura in the room is enough. She also provides opportunities for laughter every day with her playful antics. She embodies the qualities of love, loyalty, and courage that make dogs extraordinary.
The Hero Animal of the Year award recognizes an animal that has saved or preserved human life. This year’s award was presented posthumously to Karma, a German Shepherd owned by Jacob Miller. K9 Officer Karma, of the Isanti County Canine Unit, was an extraordinary professional working dog trained in narcotic certification and patrol apprehension whose courage, loyalty, and steadfast dedication exemplified the highest standards of service. Karma had an incredible bond with his handler and was an amazing athlete who was trained to protect the community. On August 7, 2025, Karma went on a pursuit of a drug narcotic investigation. During the search two suspects fled. Eventually, the K9 unit (including Karma) was utilized. They were able to pick up the scent of the two suspects where they were tracked down and taken into custody without incident. Shortly following the pursuit Karma started showing signs that he was sick. He was transported to an emergency veterinary facility and given the diagnosis of heat stroke. He stayed there overnight in intensive care. Unfortunately, his status continued to decline, and he passed the following day. Karma lived too short of a life, but he is the definition of HERO: someone admired for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. Karma’s legacy will continue to inspire all who serve and remind us of the profound bond between handler and K9—a bond built on trust, respect, and shared mission.
Nine Minnesota Veterinary Professionals Honored with Awards
2025 Veterinarian of the Year was awarded to Dr. Stefan Knep, co-founder and lead veterinarian of the Minneapolis chapter of “The Street Dog Coalition,” a volunteer organization that provides free veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness. Over the years, the Minneapolis chapter has cared for more than 2,000 dogs and cats and now includes a dedicated team of over 20 veterinarians and more than 50 technicians and assistants. Dr. Knep grew up in Cologne, Germany, and earned his veterinary degree from both the Freie Universitaet Berlin and the University of Minnesota in 1993. He has practiced veterinary medicine at clinics in Long Lake and Roseville and is currently a member of the veterinary staff at Gehrman Animal Hospital in Minnetonka.
The 2025 Emerging Leader Award was presented to Dr. Katherine Pjevach, a small animal veterinarian who graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. She began her veterinary career practicing mixed animal medicine in Lester Prairie, Minn., where she developed a strong foundation in both companion and production animal medicine. This early experience shaped her broad clinical perspective and reinforced her commitment to serving diverse animal populations and communities. Dr. Pjevach continues her involvement in production animal medicine through her role on the leadership team at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center at the Minnesota State Fair, where she helps advance agricultural education and public engagement within the profession. She currently practices as an associate veterinarian at Southdale Pet Hospital.
The 2025 Outstanding Faculty Award was presented to Dr. Christopher Stauthammer, who is a Professor in Cardiology at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Stauthammer completed Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at the University of Illinois and completed internship training and a residency in Veterinary Cardiology at the University of Minnesota. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology). He joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) in 2010 and has been at the rank of Professor since 2022. Dr. Stauthammer has developed the CVM’s cardiology service into its most productive receiving specialty, consistently demonstrating clinical excellence, productivity, innovation, resilience and leadership. His reputation draws clients from numerous states and at least three Canadian provinces to receive care for their animals, and he routinely receives referral cases from surrounding specialty practices and other regional University hospitals. His clinical excellence and record of publishing results in peer-reviewed journals make him an in-demand speaker. Dr. Stauthammer teaches extensively in the veterinary curriculum and has received numerous teaching awards. He is considered an “exceptional example of an academic clinician with particular talent in teaching and clinical service” by his colleagues.
The 2025 Distinguished Veterinary Service Award was presented to Maria Nellessen, BA, CVT, VTS (Dentistry). Maria earned her Associate degree in Veterinary Technology in 2001, her Bachelor’s in 2008, and achieved Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification in Dentistry in 2017. She has worked in private practice, with the University of Minnesota’s Veterinary Dentistry Department, and has provided veterinary dentistry training to veterinary technology programs and clinics. Formerly an instructor and academic advisor at Argosy University, Maria developed and taught an elective dentistry course and continues to lecture nationally at veterinary conferences and professional forums. Currently, Maria works as a Certified Veterinary Technician at Veterinary Dentistry Specialists and is concluding her role as Credentialing Manager for the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA). She has held several leadership roles with the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT) and continues to volunteer actively with the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT) and MVMA.
The 2025 Outstanding Industry Representative Award was presented to Bill Butler, the President of Butler & Associates Insurance Agency and the founder of Butler Vet Insurance, a national insurance and risk-management program dedicated exclusively to serving veterinary practices. With more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Bill is known for his deep understanding of the veterinary profession and his commitment to helping practice owners protect their businesses, teams, and long-term goals. Bill’s involvement in the veterinary community extends well beyond insurance placement. He is a trusted advisor to practice owners nationwide and the host of the Veterinary Blueprints Podcast, where he interviews veterinary leaders and industry experts on ownership, leadership, and sustainability. In Minnesota, he serves as Vice President of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation, supporting initiatives focused on education, wellbeing, and the future of the veterinary profession among other initiatives.
The 2025 President’s Award was presented to Dr. Allen Balay, Dr. Ann Brownlee, Kim Horne, and Sam Geiling, who were recognized for their work on the upcoming transition to Veterinary Technician Licensure in the state of Minnesota, which takes effect July 1, 2026. Known as the “M & M Team,” because they represent the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) and Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT), they have volunteered countless hours of their time to help veterinary technicians and veterinarians prepare for the transition from voluntary veterinary technician certification to mandatory licensure in 2026.
Dr. Allen Balay is the Chairperson of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinary Technician Committee. He recently retired after 28 years of teaching at and as the Director of the Ridgewater College Veterinary Technology Program in Willmar, Minn. Al is a 1977 graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Before moving to Minnesota in 1995, Al taught part-time for 16 years in the veterinary technology program at Wayne County Community College in downtown Detroit. He was also full time in equine practice in Michigan. He is a member of the AVMA’s Committee for the Advancement of Veterinary Technicians and Technologists and has served on other AVMA committees related to veterinary technicians. Dr. Balay lives in New London, Minn., and continues to practice part-time, predominantly working on horses.
Dr. Ann Brownlee is the Chairperson of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association’s Governmental Affairs Committee and served as President of MVMA in 2024–25. She is a 1989 graduate from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She was the owner and a small animal veterinarian at Grand Avenue Veterinary Center in Saint Paul until she retired and sold her practice in 2022. Dr. Brownlee spent her career working in the community she grew up in; she is a graduate of Macalester College and has deep ties to our capital city. She has lived in Stillwater Township for the past 30 years, raising a family and enjoying the hobby farm lifestyle with a multitude of animals both indoors and out. She has served on a number of boards and has been active as a volunteer, both veterinary and community-related over the past 25 years.
Sam Geiling, CVT, serves as the Vice President for Accreditation and Industry Services at Animal Policy Group, where she guides Deans and stakeholders as they build new veterinary schools and leads initiatives that support and strengthen the veterinary industry nationwide. Recognized for her leadership and commitment to advancing the profession, Sam was honored as the 2023 NAVTA Veterinary Technician of the Year. She is also the President-Elect of the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT), where she continues to advocate for technician growth and recognition. With a career rooted in collaboration and innovation, Sam works to elevate the role of veterinary technicians within the animal care landscape.
Kim Horne, AAS, CVT, VTS (Dermatology), worked in both small and mixed animal practices before spending most of her career at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, where she found her passion in dermatology. She is one of the Co-Founders of the Academy of Dermatology Veterinary Technicians (ADVT) and is a co-editor of the book Small Animal Dermatology for Technicians and Nurses. Although Kim is now retired, she is still very active in her state and national vet tech associations with recent work focusing on the licensure of veterinary technicians initiative.
