Veterinarian Kwane Stewart gave a speech about his journey of almost quitting practicing veterinary medicine to instead helping over 2,500 vulnerable street pets Oct. 17 at Colorado State University’s Grand Event Hall at the Translational Medicine Institute.
Stewart graduated from CSU’s veterinary program in 1997, and now, almost 30 years later, he is being honored as the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. CSU gives this reward to alumni who have brought honor to the university and excelled in their professional careers.
Stewart has done just that. In 2023, he was named the CNN Hero of the Year for his work in treating the pets of people experiencing homelessness. His nonprofit charity, Project Street Vet, was founded in 2020 and has helped improve the lives of many pets and their owners.
In his keynote speech on Friday, Stewart recounted that in 2011, he was very close to quitting his career as a veterinarian. He had spent several years working in a county shelter in Northern California, where he was forced to euthanize an alarming number of surrendered pets.
“It started to destroy a part of my soul to the point where I was going to quit,” Stewart said.
This all changed very quickly when he one day took note of an unhoused man and his dog outside of the 7-Eleven where he got his coffee. He noticed the dog had a very bad case of fleas and opted to help.
Stewart gave the man his name and explained that he was a veterinarian, telling him that the next day he would return with medicine for the dog. Twelve days later, Stewart recalled how the dog’s health had transformed.
“The man looked up to me with tears in his eyes and said, ‘Thank you for not ignoring me,’” Stewart said. “I made him a quiet pledge. … I’m going to find more people like you.”
Stewart emphasized the importance of small acts of kindness, saying that even one may not only change your or someone else’s day, but it can also change someone’s life.
“It was just nice to hear that there are some good people in this world that are very intentional and thoughtful about what they do. That’s inspiring me on how I’d like to continue my path.” -Cheyenne Fu, CSU veterinary student
That very moment was what helped to inspire his newfound mission. Soon after, he began to consistently walk through the streets of Los Angeles’ Skid Row with a stethoscope and a backpack full of medical supplies, helping unhoused people’s pets.
“I didn’t know that with only eight items, he could treat like 80% of most cases he encounters,” said Rhea Amatya, a veterinary medicine doctoral candidate.
Although the people he comes across on the streets are often in need of veterinary assistance for their pet, Stewart attributed their owners as being the most devoted pet parents in the world. He wants future veterinarians to see their profession as more than just a job, but as a mission rooted in compassion — one that serves both pets and people, no matter who they are.
“These dogs are pets,” Stewart said. “They don’t give a rip about what you drive or how nice your furniture is. … They just want you.”
Stewart shouted out future veterinarians in the event hall as being the most important link in continuing this chain of compassion in helping all animals. He also put a focus on maintaining an everyday balance for students studying to be veterinarians.
“Don’t be afraid to work, but also remember to take care of yourself and do the things you enjoy,” Stewart said.
The speech drew around 80 individuals, with a majority being pre-vet students.
“It was just nice to hear that there are some good people in this world that are very intentional and thoughtful about what they do,” said Cheyenne Fu, a veterinary student. “That’s inspiring me on how I’d like to continue my path.”
Project Street Vet has expanded from California to cities such as Orlando, Florida, Atlanta and New York City. Stewart said there are plans in the works for a branch in Denver as well.
Reach Katya Arzubi at science@collegian.com or on social media @RMCollegian.
