Dr. Mary Lombardo, owner of the Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital, is being honored by her peers as the Pa. Veterinarian of the Year.

She is receiving the award because of her staunch campaigning for spaying and neutering pets, and for her outspokenness against puppy mills.It's the second year that a local veterinarian has received the prestigious honor. Last year it was given to Dr. Karin-Susan Breitlauch of Creature Comforts Veterinary Services of Saylorsburg for her assistance and rescue work at a Franklin Township kennel fire.