James Redhage became a friend of the MU College of Veterinary Medicine when he brought his dog, Red, in for treatment. Redhage was so pleased with the care Red received that he decided to donate to the college.
Now Redhage, who died in 2008, has made another donation — a $3.4 million-dollar estate endowment in honor of Red and two other canine friends with whom he shared a bond, Pepper and Pepper II.
Redhage’s gift will support the annual salaries of three senior residents at the college, as well as a $1,000 stipend for the awardees to provide vital continuing education opportunities.
The inaugural awardees are Meredith Thoen, Kerry Rissetto and Dylan Buss. The chosen residents will be able to enhance their advanced veterinary training in a clinical setting.
“This gift will allow me to receive invaluable teaching experience with some of the leading experts in our field,” Thoen said, “and will help immensely in my preparation to take my board examination next year.”