Nominated by Sandra Hines.

Dr. Kittleson spent many years helping identify the cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Maine Coon cats. He also has served as a consultant for many who have had animals who became ill with HCM. His caring both for owners and animals has shown his dedication to his field above and beyond the norms of a researcher. His work at CA-Davis and his colony of Maine Coon cats led to the discovery of one gene that causes HCM in the breed. It was his groundwork that opened the field for another researcher, Dr. Kate Meurs, to continue his work and identify the gene involved. They were able to develop a test for this genetic mutation. Mark Kittleson and all those who work so hard behind the scenes deserve recognition for their hard work. However, Kittleson truly goes the extra mile to help anyone who has an animal with the problem. Without his colony and work at CA-Davis the current test for HCM via DNA would not exist. I nominate Mark Kittleson for his years of work in the field of feline cardiology that now provide a means for breeders to test their cats prior to breeding them in hopes of stopping this horrible disease.