PVM Alumna Wins Kentucky Veterinarian of the Year Award for Heart-warming Rescue

January 28, 2022

Dr. Bewley kneels down beside Ethan holding up her award plaque — Dr. Emily Bewley (PU DVM 2011) received the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinarian of the Year Award for 2021 in recognition of her efforts to save a dog named Ethan.

Dr. Emily Bewley (PU DVM 2011) of Louisville, Kentucky is one of many Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni who has taken giant leaps since graduation to make a lasting impact on the world around her, and now she has a new honor to add to her list of accomplishments. Dr. Bewley received the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinarian of the Year Award for 2021 at the association’s annual awards luncheon last fall. The honor recognized Dr. Bewley for her efforts to save the life of a dog named Ethan that had been dumped in the parking lot of the Kentucky Humane Society in Louisville nearly dead from starvation. Tomorrow, Saturday, January 29, marks one year since Ethan arrived in Dr. Bewley’s care.

Dr. Bewley earned her DVM degree at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 and now works as a shelter veterinarian for the Kentucky Humane Society. Born and raised in Louisville, Dr. Bewley attended Assumption High School where she participated in a co-op program that provided her the opportunity to spend a few days each week working at a veterinary office. It was during this time that her love for animals blossomed. When it came time to consider going to college, Dr. Bewley knew instantly that she was meant to be at Purdue. Being close to Louisville and known for its academic excellence, Purdue’s veterinary medical program seemed to be tailored to her. After graduation, Dr. Bewley went on to work in veterinary emergency and critical care before finding a position with the Kentucky Humane Society and becoming a shelter veterinarian. It was there that her path crossed with Ethan’s, an abandoned pup in need of help. This encounter would become the most impactful rescue of Dr. Bewley’s life.

Ethan was found in the parking lot at the Kentucky Humane Society that Saturday one year ago severely underweight and dehydrated. For weeks after he was taken in, Ethan suffered from seizures, numerous lesions, and brain damage to his frontal lobe. His health condition was so severe that Dr. Bewley thought he was passing away, until he decided to eat during her second attempt to feed him. “Ethan was the worst case I’ve ever seen. Watching his recovery was kind of magical. It was all due to the strength of his heart and the strength of his character,” said Dr. Bewley. When Ethan was found in the parking lot, he weighed in at 38 pounds, when he should have weighed 80. He now weighs a healthy 130 pounds and is one loving pup. Ethan is considered a walking miracle due to the extraordinary veterinary care he received.

Ethan also was honored by the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA) last fall by being inducted into the KVMA Animal Hall of Fame. His plaque, dedicated to “Ethan Almighty”, reads:

“In recognition of an animal that exemplifies the affection, loyalty and value of the human/animal bond, and dedication while serving an individual and community.”

Ethan smiles at the camera with red and yellow party hats on his ears and party decorations in the background — Tomorrow, January 29, Ethan celebrates his one year “Found Ya” day.

Also honored were Kentucky Humane Society’s Medical Services Supervisor Jacie Claxton, Veterinary Technician Angela Miksell, and Veterinary Assistants Rebecca van Schepen and Dakota Arnold, all who cared for Ethan during his recovery. They were recognized at the same ceremony where Dr. Bewley was presented with the KVMA’s Veterinarian of the Year Award. “It was one of the most humbling experiences of my life,” reflects Dr. Bewley on her recognition. “I seriously was not expecting it. I felt so honored.”

Ethan was adopted by Kentucky Humane Society Facility Director Jeff Calloway and his wife, Dana. He has since acquired quite the following, as he was hired as a beer taster for Busch Beer’s Dog Brew and invited to throw the first pitch at a Louisville Bats game. “The COVID pandemic really made his popularity explode,” said Dr. Bewley. “People were looking for hope – something to hold on to – and they were with him all the way.” Ethan and Dr. Bewley’s story has gone so far as to influence legislation – there is currently a pre-filed bill before the current session of the Kentucky General Assembly known as “Ethan’s Bill,” which, if passed, would create much stronger animal cruelty laws in Kentucky.

Dr. Bewley is now helping foster a new pup, named Travolta, on a journey back to health. The two are inseparable, and Dr. Bewley admits she may end up adopting the foster one day. She provides words of encouragement and advice to anyone looking to pursue a degree in any kind of veterinary practice. “Keep your mind open. I never considered shelter medicine. I thought I would do ER and I was president of the student veterinary medicine emergency club one year. Now, I love shelter medicine. You never know where the world is going to take you.”

Congratulations to Dr. Bewley for her outstanding accomplishment, and happy “Found Ya” day to Ethan! We can’t wait to see the next giant leap your future holds.

Writer(s): Madeline Brod, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week our gratitude goes to Andrea Kellogg, who is the director of Lifelong Learning.

Purdue Veterinary Students Get Up Close View of Veterinary Care at Professional Bull Riding Event

During a weekend dedicated to championship-level competition, students from the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine gained a first-hand perspective on a unique aspect of the livestock industry with a behind-the-scenes pass to the Professional Bull Riding event held recently in Indianapolis. Ram Trucks PBR Indianapolis presented by Cooper Tires was held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse March 21-22, even as first- and second-round NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament games were held across the country the same weekend.

In Memory – Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Physiology Gerald Bottoms

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is deeply saddened to learn that Dr. Gerald D. Bottoms, a longtime faculty member and Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Physiology, passed away on February 24, 2026. He was 95.

PVM Scholars Recognized at Purdue One Health and Well-Being Research Event

Purdue University’s recent One Health and Well-Being Research Event: A Celebration of Interdisciplinary Health Research, put the spotlight on several scholars in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The one-day event was organized by the College of Health and Human Sciences in partnership with several other colleges including Purdue Veterinary Medicine. It is estimated that more than 300 people attended the event at the Purdue Memorial Union North and South Ballrooms March 10.

In Memory – Dr. Jeffrey Hanssen (PU DVM ’71)

The College of Veterinary Medicine mourns the passing of an alumnus and longtime practitioner from Greenfield, Indiana. Dr. Jeffrey Hanssen died March 12, 2026, at Brandywine - Brickyard Healthcare Center in Greenfield. He was 71.

Beautiful Spring Lilies Pose Serious Danger to Cats

Spring weather heralds the arrival of the beautiful blooms of true lilies (Lilium sp.) and daylilies (Hemerocallis sp.). Unfortunately, many cats have been poisoned by these lovely plants. The poisoning is so severe and the possible consequences so dire (even death) that in 2021, the FDA issued this warning: “Lilies in the “true lily” and “daylily” families are very dangerous for cats. The entire lily plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase. Eating just a small amount of a leaf or flower petal, licking a few pollen grains off its fur while grooming, or drinking the water from the vase can cause your cat to develop fatal kidney failure in less than 3 days. The toxin, which only affects cats, has not been identified. Dogs that eat lilies may have minor stomach upset but they don’t develop kidney failure.”

Through study abroad opportunities, Purdue’s Veterinary Technology Distance Learning program is helping students think globally

Promoting animal health is a value that transcends cultures and unites the world. That’s why there are veterinary professionals practicing in nearly every country around the globe. But access to high-quality, affordable veterinary care is far from universal — in many nations, particularly developing nations, access to veterinarians is inconsistent, and affordability is a concern all over the world. To confidently address these issues, veterinary professionals must be able to think globally. That’s why Purdue Veterinary Medicine encourages students to study abroad, including those in the Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program (VTDL). “Study abroad enriches our online curriculum by bringing classroom concepts to life in a global, real-world context,” said Addison Sheldon, the college’s director of global engagement. The VTDL program offers students the option to study abroad in Guatemala, Japan and Zimbabwe by partnering with local universities and organizations.

Public Invited to Learn about Veterinary Medicine at 2026 PVM Open House April 18

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine will welcome the public for its annual Spring Open House at Lynn Hall on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the event will feature a hands-on look at the world of veterinary medicine.

Annual Purdue Veterinary Technician Symposium Remains Popular in 12th Year

The enduring popularity of the annual Purdue Veterinary Technician Symposium was evident again this spring as more than 125 participants turned out for the day-long continuing education program in Lynn Hall. The 12th annual symposium on Sunday, March 8, attracted attendees from Indiana and seven other states, including Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Alabama and Ohio.

Ruby’s Road to Recovery

When Ruby first came to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, she was just nine months old, and her injuries were more complex than when they first appeared. Ruby is a toy poodle and over a month earlier, while playing, she jumped off a couch and fractured both of her front legs. Despite several weeks of treatment with splints and casts, her legs were not healing properly. She had surgery performed on both her front legs and received a bone graft to help speed up the healing process. With meticulous surgical aftercare and a planned series of rechecks, Ruby began her journey to recovery.