Dear Friends,

This last year has brought into focus the importance of our connections and how much we rely on our friends, families, and neighbors in difficult times. With illness, economic uncertainty, and a devastating winter storm, Texas has been through a lot this year. For many of our neighbors, the daily love and comfort from their animal companions provided them with the strength to deal with these challenges. Every day, I am proud that our LEAP program and Rusk Veterinary Assistance Grants are helping Texans in need care for their animals, keeping these families together and preserving these important relationships.

In addition to providing assistance to animal owners, TVMF is also committed to supporting the veterinary community, including our veterinary students. From the stethoscopes given to first year students on their first day of orientation to scholarships, research and service opportunities, and emergency student grants, TVMF strives to support students throughout their education. This year, in addition to the students at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biodmedical Sciences, we are especially excited to welcome the first class of veterinary students at Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. We are happy to welcome all of these future colleagues to the profession and the Texas veterinary family.

Looking forward, TVMF is actively seeking ways to better serve veterinarians and their communities, especially those in rural and underserved areas. In addition to exploring new opportunities to expand our existing programs, the TVMF Board of Trustees is exploring ideas for new programs that will help us continue to respond to the needs of Texans and their animals.

This past year has been a year of great change and unprecedented challenges. Throughout it all, I have been humbled by the generosity of our donors and volunteers. Your support has made our success possible, and we remain deeply thankful. I look forward to continuing our journey together to help Texans and their animals, and I can’t wait to see what our next year will bring.

Chad Harris, DVM
TVMF President