Reducing pet homelessness in our community is a team effort. And Pet Pals is especially fortunate that our team includes Dr. Ginny Johnson, who has one of the most generous hearts for animals we know. With great appreciation, we recently nominated her for Jefferson County’s Heart of Service award. We are thrilled—but not surprised—that she won the award.

Dr. Ginny’s support has been essential to the success of Pet Pals over the past decade. In the time that she has been involved with our programs, she has provided veterinary services for thousands of animals, at a substantial discount to us. Her generous donation of time and services means that we have never had to turn away anyone who applies for help with their pets or for homeless cats in their neighborhood.

Our letter of nomination also recognized her service to other organizations in Jefferson County. Because of her commitment to homeless animals, every dog and cat who arrives at the local animal shelter receives a free medical exam if needed and Dr. Ginny also provides medical care at a discount for these animals. When animals are struggling at the shelter to become socialized or they have other special needs, Dr. Ginny often brings them to her clinic and helps them find homes.

Beyond our own county, she provides medical services for Peninsula Friends of Animals, Rescue Every Dog, and Welfare for Animals Guild. These organizations offered letters of support for our nomination of Dr. Ginny. The many hours she spends volunteering services throughout the Olympic Peninsula are in addition to maintaining her own veterinary practice in Port Hadlock. Those who wrote to support Dr. Ginny’s nomination spoke of the warmth and compassion she brings to that work as well.

At the core of Dr. Johnson’s work with animals is a commitment to the welfare of community pets, support for their families, and advocacy for homeless animals in Jefferson County. When she received her award at a luncheon hosted by the Peninsula Daily News, Pet Pals board members were there to cheer for one of our beloved heroes and to say thank you for her heart of service.