This week on The Veterinary Viewfinder, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week and the fifth anniversary of the Veterinary Giving Tree, a grassroots initiative helping veterinary professionals in need. But beyond celebration, this conversation digs into what meaningful recognition really looks like, and how the profession can sustain it. Beckie reflects on the origins of the Giving Tree during COVID and how it’s become a lifeline of generosity in tough times. Together, she and Dr. Ward discuss this year’s NAVTA Vet Tech Week theme: “Pathways to Success”, exploring the many routes vet techs now take, from clinical care to education, leadership, and industry roles. They emphasize the growing need for advocacy, state-level engagement, and professional membership to ensure credentialed technicians continue to advance. The episode also challenges clinics to think beyond “pizza parties” and performative gestures, urging genuine appreciation through membership support, CE opportunities, and personal acknowledgment. Ultimately, this episode is a heartfelt celebration and a powerful call to action: to honor the past, empower the present, and invest in the future of veterinary technicians everywhere. NAVTA — National Veterinary Technician Week: https://navta.net/national-veterinary-technician-week Veterinary Industry Giving Tree: https://www.veterinarygivingtree.com #VeterinaryPodcast #VetMed #VetTechLife #NationalVetTechWeek #VetTechAppreciation #VetTechStrong #VeterinaryGivingTree #KindnessInVetMed #CompassionFatigueAwareness #VetMedCommunity #VeterinaryProfession