Natalie Isaza, DVM, was named the American Humane Hero Veterinarian for 2016.

Behind every hero, there is a team that enables that heroism. In the case of hero pets, that team often consists of veterinary professionals. Now, some of those behind-the-scenes heroes are being recognized.

On Sept. 11, during the American Humane Hero Dog Awards gala at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Ca., two AAHA accredited practices' staff members were honored with hero awards of their own during a special ceremony.

Natalie Isaza, DVM, who founded the Veterinary Community Outreach Program at AAHA accredited University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, was named 2016's American Hero Veterinarian. Kim Knap, a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner at AAHA accredited University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, was declared 2016's American Hero Veterinary Technician.

The event, presented by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, will be broadcast nationally Oct. 28 on the Hallmark Channel.