At the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association’s recent board meeting in Hot Springs, members were inspired by a heartfelt presentation from Dr. Doug Parker of Sugar Creek Animal Hospital in Bentonville honoring the 2026 ArVMA Pet of the Year, “Mighty” Dirk.
Dirk, a 14-year-old Golden Retriever, has spent his life in service to others. From contributing to groundbreaking veterinary research studies—including the Morris Animal Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study—to serving as a certified therapy dog with Pet Partners, Dirk has impacted countless lives across Arkansas.
For more than a decade, he has visited hospitals, worked with veterans, comforted patients and families, participated in children’s literacy programs, and supported individuals facing medical challenges, always embodying what Dr. Parker described as “canine servant leadership.”
DBH Management is proud to now represent the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association and to share in celebrating stories like Dirk’s—stories that reflect the compassion, dedication, and profound human-animal bond at the heart of veterinary medicine. We are honored to support the ArVMA and the important work its members do to strengthen animal health and serve communities across Arkansas.