25 October 2005

Governor names Kansans to oversee care, protection of animals
Governor Sebelius reappoints four to Pet Animal Advisory Board

Kansans consider pets to be part of their families, which is why they want all pets to be well-treated. To help oversee the care and protection of pets in Kansas, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has reappointed four members to the Kansas Pet Animal Advisory Board.

The board reviews laws and regulations regarding the care of pets and makes recommendations on how to better protect pet animals in Kansas. Rebecca Blaes, Dr. Robert Gentry, Stacy Miles and Toni Woolard were reappointed to three-year terms.

“Pets are a part of the family. I know how much our dog Rosie has meant to our family, and it’s just the same for every other family who owns a pet. We all want pets to be well-treated and these Kansans will help further the cause of pet care and protection in our state,” Governor Sebelius said.

Blaes, Cherryvale, co-owns and operates J&B Premier Puppies, a private kennel. While serving on the Kansas Pet Animal Advisory Board she served as chairman from 2004 to 2005. She is past secretary of the Southeast Kansas Chapter of Kansas Pet Professionals, past president of the Tri-State Pet Professionals Association, and past member of the State Chapter of the Kansas Pet Professionals. Blaes received the 2001-2002 Legislative Leadership Award from the American Canine Association.

Dr. Gentry, Beloit, owns Beloit Veterinary Clinic. A licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, he has more than 24 years of experience working as a veterinarian. In 2002 he served on the Food Animal Veterinary Task Force at Kansas State University and in 2001 was a member of the Food Animal Curriculum panel at KSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Gentry has also served on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Rural Veterinarians.

Miles, Valley Center, owns Wag’en Tail Ranch, a “dude ranch” for dogs. The facility opened in 1992 and includes 33 acres with a pond. Miles is involved in Therapy Dogs International and is a member of the Sedgwick County Animal Control Board.

Woolard, Lake Quivira, is a homemaker and retired teacher who has bred and showed pedigreed Burmese cats, including numerous grand champions and national winners, in the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) for 27 years. She has earned a “Cattery Rating of Excellence” by CFA and has served as president of Mo-Kan Cat Club.