Always Ready to Lend a Hand

Ashford Veterinarian Says Volunteerism Is Part of His Makeup

Bruce Wozow, a semi-retired veterinarian from Ashford, has spent his life caring for both animals and people. His dedication to volunteerism spans decades, and he is now being recognized as the latest Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass recipient.

Wozow’s passion for veterinary medicine began early, stemming from an interest in biology, animals, and medicine during high school. After a year at Wallace Community College, he completed his undergraduate studies and veterinary school at Auburn University. Despite opportunities to build his career elsewhere, Wozow returned home to the Wiregrass area, where he and his wife were raised. “There’s nothing like home,” Wozow says.

For over 30 years, Wozow ran a veterinary clinic in Cottonwood, providing care to countless animals. His focus was always on helping the helpless, which naturally led him to volunteerism.

“Being a veterinarian means helping animals, and that just spilled over into being a volunteer and helping people,” Wozow says. “I’m a ‘fix-it guy’ — if I see a problem or if someone asks for help, I want to be involved."

Wozow volunteers in various capacities, from coaching youth sports to serving on church and civic committees. He also spent more than 20 years as a volunteer firefighter in Cottonwood.

His involvement in the community runs deep, including work on the industrial relations board for the city of Cottonwood and on the board of directors for the Houston County Healthcare Authority — which governs Southeast Health, a regional hospital — and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Wozow’s commitment to the healthcare field is a family affair. His daughter is a physician in Birmingham, and his son is an EMT and firefighter. Reflecting on their careers, Wozow humbly credits his example. “I’d like to think they’ve seen what I did and it rubbed off,” he says. “We all can make time to help. It’s just about making it a priority.”

After a tornado destroyed his veterinary clinic in early 2023, Wozow made the difficult decision to retire rather than rebuild. However, he continues to assist his former clients by providing records and helping other clinics with veterinary care. “It was a tough decision, but it was also a blessing,” Wozow says.

He remains active in volunteer work, particularly through his role on the Houston County Healthcare Authority and ACOM’s board. His time on the hospital board brings him great pride, especially when he sees former students return to Dothan to practice medicine. “We needed more doctors in our area, and that’s why we started the school,” Wozow says. “Seeing it come full circle is incredibly rewarding.”

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s (WEC) Operation Round Up Foundation and WTVY honored Wozow with the Silent Heros of the Wiregrass award which honors unsung community heroes.

“It’s a blessing to have someone like Bruce in our community,” says Stevie Sauls, WEC’s vice president of member relations and communication. “He selflessly spends his time and energy to make the Wiregrass a great place to live.”

Wozow remains humble about his contributions. “I’ve been a volunteer as long as I can remember. It’s in my makeup,” he says. “I’m thankful. To look around at the accomplishments and know I was a part of that. I take pride in that, but I also take responsibility.”