June 22, 2026
Photo by Karen Clifford
Before their neighbors knew Jack and Quenadyne Sterrett by name, they knew Maggie Moo. Twice a day, the long-haired Alsatian German shepherd rode alongside Jack in his golf cart, turning heads and drawing smiles everywhere she went.
When Maggie Moo began limping and slowing down, the Sterretts scheduled a visit with their local veterinarian. What first appeared to be a mobility issue soon revealed something more serious, prompting a referral to specialists at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Health Center (VHC). There, her care quickly evolved into a complex case involving multiple specialties working together to diagnose and treat her condition.
At Mizzou, the Sterretts found not only advanced, compassionate care for Maggie Moo, but also an experience that inspired them to give back in support of future patients and continued advancements in animal health.
Like many patients who come to the VHC, Maggie Moo first underwent a thorough diagnostic workup so her care team could pinpoint the source of her lameness and develop the best treatment plan. Advanced imaging revealed the issue was tied to her knee, but it also uncovered something no one was expecting: cancerous tumors that required immediate attention.
After surgery to remove the tumors, her veterinary team turned its focus to Maggie Moo's knee. Throughout the process, specialists from multiple disciplines worked together while keeping the Sterretts informed every step of the way.
“From beginning to end, what stood out to us was the thoroughness, the intellect and the kindness of everyone helping us,” Jack Sterrett said. “Not just the veterinarians, but the entire team. Everyone was incredibly helpful and compassionate.”
Gratitude and giving back
Today, Maggie Moo is back at home enjoying life with her family. The Sterretts are grateful for the additional time and quality of life they have been able to share with her.
The couple’s gift aims to ensure other pet owners benefit from Mizzou’s world-class veterinary care.
“Seeing the level of research, technology and care happening at the College of Veterinary Medicine was eye-opening,” Quenadyne Sterrett said. “None of that comes free, and we knew we wanted to help support it. Maggie Moo is still here getting to enjoy life with us, and we hope our gift can help other families have that same experience with the pets they love.”
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