If you’ve spent any time with us on social media, opened one of our emails, or seen our stickers or our swag, you’ve probably noticed a few familiar faces popping up again and again…Abby, Leo, and Winnie!
They’re fun and recognizable, but they are not just there for looks. Each of our mascots has a story and a meaning that is rooted in who we are as Encore Vet Group!
So if you found yourself here wondering, “Who are these animals?”…you’re in the right place!
Abby the Golden Retriever: Where It All Began
Let’s start with Abby, our golden retriever mascot.
Back in 2018, when Encore Vet Group was founded, 4 out of the 5 team members who helped start the company had golden retrievers. It was not intentional, but it felt fitting! Golden retrievers are loyal, dependable, and jubilent, which aligned perfectly with the kind of company we wanted to build.
In 2022, during a senior leadership meeting, our VP of Growth, Tracy Sears, made it golden-themed…because, of course, she did! That meeting led to the creation of our very first golden retriever sticker.
The day before the meeting, our founder, Ted Sprinkle, lost his golden retriever, Abby. Tracy chose to name the sticker Abby as a tribute!
What started as a small, meaningful moment quickly grew into something bigger. Abby became a true brand mascot and a representation of our culture!
Leo: Because We Needed a Cat
As much as we love dogs, we knew something was missing…
Leo was inspired by our CEO, Bo Iler’s, real-life cat. He quickly became our feline mascot and an important part of our brand.
Leo balances Abby and brings his own voice to the Encore brand! He’s often a symbol for well-being, reminding our teams and the veterinary community that taking care of ourselves is part of taking care of pets.
Winnie: A Legacy That Lives On
Winnie’s story is rooted in legacy.
Winnie was an African Grey parrot owned by Brenda Tassava Medina, the founder of VetSupport, which Encore Vet Group acquired in 2021. During that time, Winnie became the unofficial mascot of that brand.
When Encore Veterinary Consulting was formed, Winnie was brought into the brand and given new life as its mascot. Although she passed away several years ago, her presence still carries meaning today!
She represents the foundation of our consulting work…helping practices reach new heights!
From Mascots to Marks
In 2023, as we refreshed our brand, we wanted a logo mark that felt true to us.
We turned Abby’s face into a simple outline, then Leo’s, and that became our new logo mark!
In 2024, when Encore Veterinary Consulting received its own logo, we followed the same approach using Winnie.
Each design connects back to the stories and people behind Encore.
More Than Just Mascots
Abby, Leo, and Winnie are more than just characters.
They represent our people, our history, and the animals that have shaped our journey. More than that, they help us bring our brand to life in a way that feels genuine, joyful, and unmistakably Encore!
So the next time you see them, you will know there is a story behind each one!
