A Resolution By The Board Of County Commissioners Of Pasco County, Florida, Recognizing The Week Of October 18-24, 2026, As National Veterinary Technician Week In Pasco County

33:49And I'm going to grab the listening. by the Board

33:52of County Commissioners, resolution number twenty-seven-zero zero three, resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, recognizing the week of October eighteen. 2026 as National Veterinarian Technician Week in Pasco County, whereas National Veterinarians Technician Appreciation Week is celebrated each year to recognize the invaluable contributions veterinary technician. to the health and welfare of animals in our community. And REST National Veterinarian Technician

34:22Appreciation Week was started in June of 1993 by the National Association of Veterinarian Technicians. Is that what is that right? And aim. to recognize the efforts of veterinary technicians. Amorized veterinarian technicians serve as essential right hands to our veterinarians. Ensuring all animals are properly prepared for examinations and surgical procedures contributing significantly to the safe and effective delivery of the medical services

34:52and rents that technicians provide medical care, surgical support, emergency trials, radiology, lab testing, and preventative treatments, working diligently behind the scenes to keep the shelter running smoothly and safely. And respond theory technicians. Demonstrate commitment, resilience, and compassion while working in a fast-paced, emotionally challenging and unpredictable environments to improve the health and well-being of animals in Pasco humans. And the Riche Veterinary Technicians serve as

35:22the first line of communication for the community, providing guidance, support, and education that help connect residents with the animal care resources and services they need, and Ryder's Veterinary Technicians contribute. Strengthen the care provided at Pasco County Administrator, enhance public competence in animal welfare programs, and support the vital mission of protecting and improving the lives of animals within our community. NRIS National Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week provides an opportunity for the citizens of Pasco County

35:52to recognize and thank these compassionate professionals for their deep commitment to animal welfare. Yeah, the lasting impact on the community. As well as spotlighting community for more incredible life-saving individuals in their profession. Now therefore, be it resolved by Port of County Commissioner Oak County, Florida, that said board here by the plane of the week of October 18th through the 24th, 2026 as National Veterinary Ignition Appreciation Week in Pasco County and encourages residents to honor and celebrate the exemplary

36:23service and dedication of the veterinary. narrative commissions in community animal services and throughout our community done and resolved in regular session with the quorum present and voting this sixth day of October 2026.

36:36Okay.

36:37Hi.

36:38Hi. All right. Well first of all guys, thank you so much for what you do. Uh You guys know how much I love animals and Um I really got a good appreciation for what you guys do. Recently I was out in well out Moon Like a lot, but you know, I'll call Gary saying, hey, you know, there's dogs there, they're they look very skinny, they're mingled. And, you know, it really hit home to me that these animals come in and you you have no history on them. So you're basically

37:09taking a scared, stray animal that you have. nothing on and you treat them with such love and care and I commend you for that. And um I'm a little jealous you get to work with animals every day. I I told the girls, I'm like, I think it's time for us to go visit. animal services. So um thank you again for just all your caring, compassion and um loving Mari Hanson. Your team is um amazing. You know, I I'll call you and say, hey, there's dogs, there's

37:39a cat, and you guys respond and um I just appreciate that. So I've turned up the tube.

37:46Thank you, Gary Guerrero, Director of Animal Services. Thank you, and good morning, Chairman and Commissioners. And we appreciate you guys having us here. Animal Services

37:55comprises of four very technical and different divisions. And the team behind me, our medical division. um I'm particularly proud of. They exemplify people, purpose, and performance. Our veterinary technicians assists our two doctors with over 2,700 surgeries a year. approximately serving 4,000 community pests through our shop

38:19clinic.

38:20And then they take care of every single animal that comes in and out of our shelter system. So this team really does exemplify leadership through change and have assisted me in this year of transformation tremendously. So I'll turn it over to Amber for a few words. Right.

38:40Hello, I'm Amber Hank, Veterinary Services Supervisor. I want to take a moment to sincerely thank our County Commissioners for recognizing veterinary technicians and the work that we do. Being a veterinary technician is so much more than a job title. We are nurses, anesthesiologists, surgical assistants, laboratory technicians, radiology technicians, emergency responders, and educators, advocates and problem solvers. One minute we may be monitoring anesthesia during a surgery. And the next, we're triaging

39:11emergency, taking x-rays, running laboratory diagnostics, administering medications, updating medical records, or helping save an animal's life. And in a municipal shelter, the versatility is especially important. And we are so fortunate to have that amongst this team that stands before you all. Every day brings something different and we have to be ready for whatever comes in our doors. But beyond the medical skills, the profession requires compassion. We care for animals who are scared, sick, injured, and abandoned.

39:42And sometimes have no one else to speak for them. We celebrate the ones who recover and we carry the ones who we couldn't save. So today I'm incredibly proud to stand here with the team and say thank you not only for recognizing veterinary technicians, but recognizing the knowledge, dedication, and compassion, the tremendous amount of work that goes into what we do every single day. to my fellow veterinary technician team, I'm proud to work alongside of you and I'm proud to call one you call call myself one of our own. Thank

40:13you to Dr. Glenn and Dr. Francen, Gary, and Sam for your support day in and day out around the clock. And see you all, our county commissioners. Thank you for seeing us, valuing us, and recognizing the important role we play in the lives of the animals and the community that we serve. Thank you.

40:32Just want to say uh good morning and thank you. Uh as one of the veterinarians, I can honestly say this team is the heart of our medical department and they work. really tirelessly every day to care for the animals not only in our shelter but for the people and the animals in our community. And we couldn't do it without your support. And so thank you. Thank you to Gary, Sam, to the board. Thank you very much. Could you introduce yourself? Sorry, uh Christine

40:59Blatt, one of the veterinarians.

41:07Yeah. Well. Picture that came right up here on the right fine. Oh my.

41:16We're trying to get you your new building. Let's open them in three office.

41:31We need one more. Oh, okay.

41:36Okay,

41:36Jennifer. I think we should you guys should bring an animal, like a cat or a dog needs adoption.

41:45sort of

41:46up on the camera. Talk about that.

41:56Thank you.

42:11Although Charlie Curtain in it.