FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Grace Groh, Museum Relations and Program Assistant
Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation
Phone: 573-636-8612 – Email: ggroh@movma.org
(May 12, 2026) – The Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation (MVMF) has announced the winner of the 2026 Animal Archives “Pet of the Year.” The Archives offers an internet-based memorial program devoted to departed pets. This year’s winner is “Jasper,” a ten-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix owned by Faron Worman of Chillicothe, Mo. He was honored by MVMA member-clinic, Young Veterinary Clinic, Chillicothe, Mo.
Jasper was one of six nominees in this year’s competition. Nominees are chosen from the previous year’s submissions to the Archives. During 2025/2026, the public was invited to vote online for their favorite departed pet based on its life story and the bond between the pet and its owners.
Votes from across the state were cast for the six candidates. An Honorable Mention goes to the other five Pet of the Year candidates: “Wille”, “Sophie”, “Mildred”, “Jordan” and “Milo”.
“Jasper was a special “heart dog” who’s family would do anything for him. Jasper came into our lives when we needed him most. It was a big day for all of us and he was the center of our family immediately. Jasper loved everyone and especially little children.
He fought chronic stomach issues his entire life and would bounce back after every episode like nothing happened. When Jasper was 8 years old, he developed a mass and was recommended euthanasia. After further research by a special doctor, they found the mass was blocking his stomach and could be possibly removed. Jasper spent 12 days at the University of Missouri and came through the surgery.
Jasper was 100 percent in no time, but soon developed diabetes. He was on insulin for almost two years twice a day, along with a special diet which he loved. Jasper’s will to live was stronger than anything we had ever seen. He was happy all the time even when he lost his eyesight. He would navigate around his house like he could see. Jasper did not lose his fight even though he passed, he’s still fighting to help everyone he can. He was a special dog who changed our lives forever. He was our ‘biggest boy’ and still with us every day.” – Faron Worman
Coming soon… View the next Pet of the Year candidates and vote for your favorite pet.
Go to the Animal Archives of Missouri website at www.mopetmemorial.com.
As a public charity that supports the charitable and educational purposes and activities of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation focuses on public education and animal welfare issues to further the health of animals in Missouri. When you’re in Jefferson City, stop by its Veterinary Museum for a historical look at veterinary medicine past and present. For more information on the Foundation, go to www.movma.org/page/about.
-30-
To download full size image, right click and select Save image as
