Suzanne Saueressig

Suzanne Saueressig (February 4, 1925 – February 8, 2013) was the first practicing female veterinarian in Missouri. She was the Humane Society of Missouri's chief of staff for 55 years. She was born in Nuremberg, Germany and graduated from the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München's Veterinary College in 1953. She was the only woman in her class. She came to St. Louis, MO and was hired as a veterinarian for the Humane Society of Missouri. She insisted on raising the standards at her clinic, ensuring surgical instruments were sanitized properly, increasing cleanliness standards for the animals, and insisting on modern x-ray equipment. She was named their chief of staff ten years later in 1965. She is accredited with playing a major role in the Humane Society of Missouri's success. It is one of the largest operating practices in the Midwest today. She campaigned for spaying and neutering animals and had a column in the local newspaper to help educate and improve the local community. In 1972, she claimed the award of "Woman Veterinarian of the Year" by the national organization American Veterinary Medical Association.

Early life and education Early life Saueressig was born in Nuremberg, Germany. She was the firstborn of four siblings. Her great-grandfather built their family home directly behind his construction building. Her early education was done at a Catholic school, despite her objections with the school dress code. Her love for animals started at a young age as she had cats and dogs as pets growing up. One day after her cat had gone missing, Saueressig suspected the maid as the cause. She placed mice in the maid's dresser and the cat reappeared the next day. During this time, the Nuremberg Trials were taking place—the most notable being the Trial of Major War Criminals. During Hitler's reign, Nuremberg was a popular site for Nazi propaganda and rallies. After graduating, she did a year-long research study in an internship studying salmonella in mollusks. This earned her a master's degree magna cum laude after completing her doctoral dissertation in 1954 at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.

Career Saueressig traveled to America to spend a year learning American veterinary methods.

Awards She received the national award "Woman Veterinarian of the Year" from the Women's Veterinary Medical Association in 1972. The organization transitioned into a foundation, Association for Women Veterinarians Foundation, and continues its awards and scholarships through the American Veterinary Medicine Association.

Her community recognized her hard work in 1983 by naming her as Leader of Distinction, and she was added to the YWCA Metro St. Louis Academy of Leaders.

Legacy Saueressig died on February 8, 2013. She did not leave any children behind. Her husband died two months later on April 30, 2013. She was a mentor to many veterinarians and an inspiration to her supporters.

Kathy Warnick, the president of the Humane Society of Missouri at the time of Saueressig's death, accredited Saueressig with providing care to over a million pets in need.