Thomas Colville, professor of animal and range sciences, and Amy Ellwein, veterinary technologist, received the Fargo-Moorhead Humane Society’s 2009 Humane Award during the society’s third annual awards ceremony Dec. 3.
Students in the NDSU Veterinary Technology Program also were recognized.
The NDSU group was honored for exemplary efforts at the Emergency Animal Shelter during the spring flood. Located in the Schollander Pavilion at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds, the shelter provided for the care of 203 animals during a 10-day period. The students, Colville and Ellwein were among local volunteers who tended to animal companions of families who were forced to evacuate during the flood.
Nukhet Hendricks, Humane Society executive director, praised the skills and leadership Colville and Ellwein provided during that difficult and challenging time for the region. “They were helping at the shelter literally around the clock, taking care of the animals,” she said. “They, with the help of all the students, did a fantastic job. We cannot thank them enough – they are such a valuable resource for our community.”