Today’s Veterinary Nurse and the NAVC recognize Kathryn Mongrain, LVT, as the 2024 Clinic Champion of the Year. Mongrain received the honor for her dedication to providing care for neonatal puppies and kittens with medical issues during their most vulnerable life stage.
Inspired to action after seeing newborn patients with medical challenges abandoned, Mongrain founded The Bottle Brigade seven years ago, creating a nursery in her home to bottle feed and provide nursing care for neonates. Through this 501(c)(3) nonprofit and her following on social media, Mongrain has established a community of individuals seeking to help these animals. She has provided care for hundreds of neonates over the years, including patients with medical issues ranging from cleft palates to hydrocephalus.
“Earning Clinic Champion of the Year is a great honor,” said Mongrain. “I hope my story inspires readers to always follow their passion and to be an advocate for those who have no voice.”
The Bottle Brigade serves as a temporary shelter that provides care for the young animals until they are able to be connected with an adopting family or return to a level of health that allows them to be placed in a shelter. Mongrain coordinates the time-intensive nursing care while also working as a licensed veterinary technician in a 24/7 emergency and critical care facility in Houston, Texas.
“Kathryn embodies the very heart of the veterinary medical community,” said NAVC Chief Media and Sales Officer Laura C.S. Walker, CAE. “She saw a problem, felt compelled to act and, in turn, has saved hundreds of precious lives through her tireless devotion. We are proud to recognize Kathryn as the 2024 Clinic Champion of the Year.”
The Clinic Champions program was developed by the NAVC in 2021 to shine a light on the veterinary nurses/technicians who make a positive impact on their clients, patients, coworkers, and greater community every day. These stories are common in the veterinary community, but often overlooked. TVN honors a veterinary nurse/technician in each issue for their contributions in community service, scholarship, advocacy, or innovation.
The Clinic Champions program is part of the NAVC’s Veterinary Nurse/Technician Empowerment Initiative, which aims to elevate and advance veterinary nurses and credentialed technicians. This initiative encompasses a wide range of programs that offer new resources and tools for veterinary nurses/technicians, encourage the next generation of these veterinary professionals and bring together leaders from across the veterinary industry to address the challenges facing the veterinary nurse/technician profession.To learn more about the Bottle Brigade or to foster one of their neonatal puppies or kittens, visit The Bottle Brigade.