Doug and Rose Walker AVC Award

The Doug and Rose Walker AVC Award is granted on an annual basis to a student graduating from the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) who has shown extraordinary care and compassion for companion animals. This award has been created by Lynda Walker Birt in honour of her parents, Doug and Rose Walker. Although they met and spent their early married years in Hamilton, ON, in the late 1960's, Rose and Doug Walker decided to settle in his family home in Caledonia, PEI to raise their two daughters. Their daughter Lynda recalls that she cannot remember a time when their home did not have a pet. Growing up, dogs dominated but when it was just her parents at home, cats ruled - and not just house cats. The barn became a haven for strays with boxes lined with blankets and dishes replenished daily with food and water. Some strays stayed only for a short time; others became beloved members of the Walker household. Throughout her life, Lynda deeply admired her parents' willingness to provide for the abandoned and neglected. She has established this award in their honour to recognize students who demonstrate similar compassion and care for companion animals.