STEVENSON COMPANION ANIMAL LIFE-CARE CENTER The Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center provides for the physical, emotional, and medical needs of companion animals whose owners are no longer able to provide that care. Clients of the center include pet owners who want to ensure their pet’s future prior to entering a retirement home, being hospitalized for an extended period, or predeceasing their pet. The center was established by the college in 1993, at the suggestion of Dr. E.W. “Ned” Ellett, former head of the Small Animal Clinical Sciences department. Dr. Ellett’s dream became a reality with generous donations from the Luse Foundation and Mrs. Madlin Stevenson. Mrs. Stevenson said she chose to support the center because, “animals are especially important to the elderly and this center is dedicated to them and their pets.” Mrs. Stevenson, a life-long animal lover, passed away in September of 2000, and her four cats, seven dogs, pony, and llama came to reside at the center. The center is a focal point of compassion for animals and dedication to their optimum care for life in a home-like environment. In May of 2021 the center was honored to welcome the retired mascot of Texas A&M, Reveille IX, who will spend her retirement at the Stevenson Center. Her predecessor, Reveille VIII, also spent her retirement at the Stevenson Center. It is truly a privilege to care for A&M’s revered mascots in their retirement years. They have earned a restful retirement after representing the university so loyally. Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Dr. Sonny Presnal, the center’s Director for nearly 25 years, retired in August of 2022. Center staff The center has grown exponentially under his leadership. Dr. Presnal will continue as a member of the center’s Advisory Board. The center is proud to announce that the new Director, Dr. Sam G. Miller, joined the center on August 1. Dr. Miller owned a veterinary clinic in Houston for 26 years prior to this appointment. He is also active in organized veterinary medicine as a Past President of the TVMA and currently on the Board of Directors for the AVMA. Dr. Miller’s guidance will assure the center’s continued success.
About the Stevenson Center: • •
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The center is beginning its 30th year of operation. Companion animals can live out their lives at the center in a homelike environment after their owners can no longer care for them. 122 pets have lived out their lives at the center since 1993. Over 730 companion animals, owned by 302 owners from 34 states and one country outside of the U.S., are enrolled to enter the center when their owners can no longer care for them. Four veterinary medical students live at the center to care for the resident pets on nights, weekends, and holidays. Four full time caretakers and four student workers provide care for the resident pets during the week. The center is located next door to the VMTH, which provides exceptional veterinary care for the resident pets.
Stevenson Center Stevenson Center Current Residents
2 Other
1 Bird 4 Rabbits 4 Resident Caretakers 8 Non-Resident Caretakers 13 Dogs 16 Cats
Stevenson Center Future Enrollments
2 Donkeys 3 Rabbits 15 Horses 16 Birds 344 Cats 349 Dogs 2022 VMBS Annual Report • 47
