CNN Hero of the Year
This DoggieUK9 Blog did a special feature over a year ago on Dr Stewart [Link] an amazing Vet in California who specializes in and dedicated his career to providing medical care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness.
As CNN Hero of the Year, Stewart will receive $100,000 to expand his work and will also be named an Elevate Prize winner which comes with $300,000 in unrestricted funding and resources from The Elevate Prize Foundation.
Dr Stewart’s outreach on the streets began over a decade ago. On his way to get coffee at a 7-11, the veterinarian stopped to examine the dog of a homeless man outside the store. “It doesn’t matter what your situation is … I see a pet in need, and I see a person who cares for them dearly who just needs some help,” Stewart said.
“That was the moment I said to myself, ‘I’m going to do more of this. I’m going to get back to saving animals on my terms. And I’m going to do it for passion, not for pay.’” Project Street Vet came about after his encounter with the homeless man and his dog outside the 7-11.
With their consent, Stewart’s brother, Ian, eventually began documenting some of the work and personal stories to raise awareness about animal welfare and homelessness. “They probably get criticized more than anything, especially from people in the outside world. But I’ve seen people give up their last meal for their pet and people who have $3 to their name, and after I’m done with the treatment, they will try and give me that $3,” Stewart said.
Read More from our Blog story about Dr Stewart and this [link] to the CNN story and video of Dr Stewart’s acceptance speech.
His story is truly inspiring.
Congratulations to Dr Stewart. Congratulations to CNN for selecting an animal welfare hero. Congrats to Doggie UK9 for recognizing and highlighting an American Hero at the beginning of his career.