Local veterinarian Dr. George Wood was recently named the recipient of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Associations’ (ALVMA) Distinguished Service Award.

Wood, who practices at Selma Animal Hospital, received the highest award given to the association which is given only to ALVMA members that have given their time and energy beyond expectations and have made exceptional achievements and contributions to the advancement of the profession.

According to Wood, recipients of the award must be unanimously nominated by the local ALVMA board before once again being unanimously chosen by members of the state ALVMA board.

These strict criteria made Wood even more thankful for the award.

“It was a surprise, for sure,” he said. “You know, most people serve in obscurity, but sometimes the Lord will send something to recognize your efforts. I feel like this [award] was that for me. Someone saying, ‘Well done my good and faithful servant.’”

Based upon the reactions of the colleagues of Wood, they weren’t surprised at all to learn he’d been named the recipient of the prestigious award.

“Dr. Wood has been my partner for 31 years,” said Dr. Mark Lawrence, who practices at the Selma Animal Hospital alongside Wood. “He’s meant a lot to me not just in the veterinary profession, but as a person in general. He’s so selfless, not only in the way that he works, but in the community as well.”

Dr. Frances Kendrick at Valley Creek Veterinary Hospital referred to Wood not only as a mentor to herself, but to others in the community as well.

“It’s been a real honor knowing Dr. Wood and practicing in the same town as him,” she said. “He’s been a good mentor to me, and to so many others that have gone into the veterinary field here.”