Emilia Saint-Amand Krimendahl Honored at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center Annual Top Dog Gala

Schwarzman Animal Medical Center honored philanthropist Emilia Saint-Amand Krimendahl and U.S. Border Patrol Hero K9 Yoda at the 2023 Top Dog Gala. – Photo: AMC

NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2023 – The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City held its annual Top Dog Gala on December 11th, raising over $2 million for the non-profit veterinary hospital. The event, attended by nearly 400 guests, honored philanthropist Emilia Saint-Amand Krimendahl for her long-time support and service on AMC’s Board of Trustees.

“We are so proud to honor Emilia Saint-Amand Krimendahl as our 2023 Top Dog Honoree,” said Helen M. Irving, President and CEO of AMC. “We are thankful for Emilia’s tremendous support over the years, which will ensure AMC’s legacy and help thousands of pets and their families for years to come.”

As Ms. Krimendahl accepted the award, she expressed gratitude for the recognition and spoke about why AMC holds a special place in her heart. “I humbly accept this award with gratitude in my heart,” said Ms. Krimendahl. “Ever since my first visit to the ER many years ago, I have understood why AMC is so special. Not only are they at the pinnacle of veterinary care, with an unwavering commitment to clinical excellence and cutting-edge expertise, but they also offer compassionate care to everyone who walks through the doors. I am truly proud to be a part of an organization that has impacted the lives of countless pets and families for over 100 years and will continue to do so for decades to come.”

“Emilia’s steadfast dedication, visionary guidance, and deeply rooted commitment to AMC have been the foundation upon which our achievements have been built,” said Robert Liberman, Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees at AMC.

The star-studded Gala also recognized Yoda, a police dog with the U.S. Border Patrol, and the therapy dogs of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Cancer Center’s Caring Canines program.

Yoda is a Belgian Malinois born in the Netherlands in August 2019. He began his career as a Patrol K9 with the U.S. Border Patrol in May 2022. He is assigned to the Detroit Sector, Special Operations Detachment, Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC). Yoda’s primary skillset is the location and apprehension of criminals. He specializes in high-risk situations that his BORTAC team responds to, such as warrant services, conveyance assaults, hostage operations, tactical tracking, air operations, and more. In September 2023, Yoda captured the elusive escaped murderer, Danelo Cavalcante, in Pennsylvania.

Video: Fox 43 News

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s (MSKCC) dedicated therapy dogs and handlers in the Caring Canines Program have lifted the spirits of MSK patients, caregivers, and staff since 2007. MSK’s Caring Canines made up of 45 trained and certified teams, make thousands of inpatient and outpatient visits annually.

Therapy dogs from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Caring Canines Program – photo MSKMC

Guests of the event, held at Cipriani 42 Street, included high-profile supporters like Stephen and Christine Schwarzman, Donna and William Acquavella, and Elaine and Kenneth Langone. Chaired by Nancy Kissinger, Elaine Langone, Elizabeth Monaco McCarthy, Marianne Mebane, and Annette de la Renta, the glamorous event raised crucial funds for AMC’s operations as the world’s largest veterinary teaching hospital with NYC’s only level 1 trauma center.

“We are delighted to celebrate Emilia this evening and commemorate another remarkable year for AMC,” said Nicole Seligman, Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees at AMC. “Our commitment to excellence and patient care has always been and will continue to be the hallmark of our work.”