ASPCA Announces Winners of the 2010 Humane Awards - article with pics

[Kadie]

ASPCA Announces Winners of the 2010 Humane Awards

– Mon Oct 11, 11:53 am ET
NEW YORK, Oct. 11 –

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"The ASPCA Humane Award winners have demonstrated extraordinary courage and compassion in the face of adversity from natural disasters to man-made crises," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. "The ASPCA is proud to honor those who have dedicated their lives to strengthening the human-animal bond."

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ASPCA Dog of the Year



A 4-year-old black Labrador retriever named Pearl was surrendered by her owner to a local animal shelter and joined the thousands of animals without a home. Luckily, Pearl was discovered by volunteers from the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) based in Ojai, Calif., and quickly completed her training and certification as a search dog. In July 2008, she met her handler and life companion, Ron Horetski of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

On July 14, 2010, Horetski and Pearl were deployed as part of the Los Angeles County Task Force 2 (CA-TF2) team to save victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The CA-TF2 team spent over two weeks in Haiti; Horetski and Pearl, along with six other SDF canine disaster search teams, spent hours each day searching for victims trapped alive under the rubble. Pearl and the other SDF teams dug through concrete and debris—as far as four stories below the surface—and helped bring 12 people to safety. For her remarkable work and dedication to others, Pearl is a true canine hero and a great example of a rescued dog who is now working to rescue others.

ASPCA Cat of the Year



When Cathy Conheim found Henry as a stray kitten on her property in Julian, Calif., he was unable to move his left leg. Conheim rushed Henry to the local veterinary hospital where she learned that his leg had to be amputated. Once Henry recovered from surgery, he became Conheim's inspiration. The two began working together to help people learn tolerance and resilience in the face of physical disabilities and differences. The pair created several children's workbooks and books, "Henry's World," "What's the Matter with Henry?" and "What About Me, I'm Here Too," which have been distributed to more than 45,000 people around the world, including victims of Hurricane Katrina and families of wounded veterans. Additionally, one of Henry's books has been translated into Creole to help a children's amputee project in Haiti. To date, Henry's books have generated more than $50,000 for local animal welfare groups to help other animals in need.

more...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20101011/pl_usnw/DC79822_1

[northernlights]

1. Go Pearl, Go! Go Henry, go!!!!

:grouphug: :cry: :grouphug:

[Booster]

2. This article made me cry. Little Henry, the cat, looks exactly like

my own cat. Thanks for posting.

[emilyg]

3. God bless Pearl and Hnery.

[Scurrilous]

4. K & R

:thumbsup:

[rpannier]

5. Deserving winners both

I salute both Henry and Pearl.

:patriot: :headbang: :thumbsup:

[xchrom]

6. So much awesomeness in such little bodies. Nt