Garden of the Cats would like to recognize the amazing deeds of its members at certain times. These deeds are those that go above and beyond the duties of the organization, which put a special demand on the member and have an impact on the community.
It is my pleasure to name Dr. Brittany Shumack as our Special Recognition 2025.
Dr. Brittany Shumack works at Village Center Veterinary Clinic in Colorado Springs, where she filled the role as a reproductive vet. She has worked tirelessly to attend to the needs of members of this organization, both in her professional capacity and during her personal time. She has done seminars at shows that Garden of the Cats has put on and is always available for questions members have posed.
Dr. Shumack put herself out to do the x-rays of all the cats brought to Colorado for the Dwarf Cat vs. Normal Cat study that is being overseen by Dr. Leslie Lyons of the University of Missouri and which is paid for by Garden of the Cats. In doing so, she has offered significant reduction in cost for the x-rays that has not been matched by any other vet. This shows how dedicated Dr. Shumack is for progressing the advancement of medical care for cats, an avenue that is often overlooked.
Dr. Shumack often made room in her busy schedule for critical appointments that could not wait for medical attention, saving the patient from having to go to a clinical and often unqualified veterinarian in an emergency veterinary clinic, where cat knowledge is lagging. She also continued her education on feline health to better serve the needs of that niche of patients that often lack in qualified care.
Colorado Springs is losing a valuable asset in 2026. Dr. Shumack is moving to California, where she will continue to practice as a theriogenologist at a veterinary clinic on the west coast. We believe our loss is their immense gain and the club, while lamenting her departure, wishes her the best of luck in her future career. We are sure she will gain a devout local following of pet owners like she did here.
Thank you, Dr. Shumack, for all you’ve done for the club and our community. We consider you a valuable asset that has selflessly given of your time and energies so that we can keep our pets safe and healthy.
-Catherine Rudy
