Nominate an Animal to the Hall of Fame • View the Winners • 15th Annual Luncheon
Inductees: Professional Category
2005 Professional
“Teddy” Megill is a Labrador retriever and Rebecca Megill's service dog since 2002. Rebecca, who lives in Spring Lake Heights, was born with spina bifida and has been confined to a wheelchair all her life. With Teddy's help, Rebecca graduated from Brookdale Community College in 2004. Teddy was at her side as she accepted her diploma and the two of them shared a standing ovation. By attending to many of Rebecca's needs, Teddy has given her a degree of independence she had not experienced before. And his very presence bolsters Rebecca's confidence. “ He is a constant companion, always there when I need him,” she said. “I am more outgoing now. People don't stare anymore, instead they ask about Teddy, which breaks the ice.” Having a service dog by her side even gave Rebecca the confidence to get her driver's license. Teddy was nominated by Dr. Marilyn Weber of Sea Girt Animal Hospital.
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2004 Professional
“Aries” is a 26-year-old chestnut gelding owned by the Monmouth County Park Service’s SPUR (Special People United to Ride) program in Middletown. Aries is the cornerstone of the SPUR program because of his gentle disposition, steady temperament and slow, regular gait. His remarkable patience and willingness to serve allows disabled children, even those in wheelchairs, to achieve physical, mental and emotional improvements, enjoying the horse’s soothing warmth and easy motion as Aries walks them around the SPUR training ring. Aries was nominated by Dr. Elden Klayman of Colts Head Veterinary Services in Freehold.
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2003 Professional
"Daytona" Cozzolino, a six-year-old Dalmation. Daytona supplements fire safety programs by showing children how to stop, drop, and roll, crawl on their bellies if there is smoke in a room, and feel a door before opening it.
Owner – Alison Cozzolino
Veterinarian – Dr. Mark Newkirk
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2002 Professional
This award goes to the Union Country Sheriff’s Search & Rescue K-9 Unit. They are recognized for their search and rescue efforts during the WTC disaster, for their devotion to their jobs and their human partners and for the extremely close personal bonds the handlers and the dogs have developed.
The unit consists of “Champ” Malcolm; “Git Ander” Gillespie (posthumous); “Johnny” Way; “Lando” Aversa; “Udo” Howarth; “Hauso” Woelpper Owners: Ron Malcolm; John Gillespie; Brian Way; Chris Aversa; Brian Howarth; Robert Woelpper
Veterinarian: Ira Niedweske
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2001 Professional
Awarded to Torch, a one and one-half year old Labrador-pointer mix that began life as a humble shelter dog. Unwanted by a previous owner because he was too rambunctious, Torch was finally rescued by someone who would appreciate and maximize Torch's energetic qualities. Torch is now a fire investigator with the New Brunswick Fire Department. In his spare time, he helps teach children to recognize and appreciate the potential in those deemed "different."
Owner - Frank Abbate
Veterinarian - Dr. Barbara Day
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2000 Professional
Awarded to Caesar, a German Shepherd. Caesar was picked from a kennel for police duty by his handler, Patrolman Fred Parisi, and an immediate bond was forged between the partners. After graduation from patrol dog school, Caesar and officer Parisi began their work together as partners. In his career, Caesar intervened in a street shooting, saving Parisi. Later, Caesar was asked to find two young children who had wandered off into a dense forest. After four hours of searching in the dark, Caesar found the children.
Owner - Patrolman Fred Parisi
Veterinarian - Dr. Anthony Scriffignano
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1999 Professional
Awarded to Rookie, a six-year-old German Shepherd. Rookie was found wandering the streets of Howell Township, and was adopted by Officer Glenn Rogers from the local humane society. Officer Rogers started Rookie in police training in 1994 and Rookie began active police work in 1995. Overcoming spinal surgery, Rookie has an impressive number of arrests, and placed second in Region 15 police dog trials.
Owner - Cpl. Glenn Rogers
Veterinarian - Dr. Anthony DeCarlo
1999 Professional (Posthumous)
Presented to Orient, a German Shepherd. Orient was a graduate from the Seeing Eye Program and was placed with Bill Irwin. Orient led Irwin on an incredible trek on the complete length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Profiled in Irwin's book Blind Courage, Orient faithfully and unconditionally assisted Bill Irwin for over nine years.
Owner - Bill Irwin
Veterinarians - Dr. Ed Swiderski and Dr. Susan Spreat
1998 Professional (Posthumous)
Magnum, an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois that served on the K-9 unit of the Woodbridge Police Department for seven years receives a posthumous Professional award. Magnum was responsible for numerous criminal apprehensions and narcotics detections and he protected President Bill Clinton during a visit to Woodbridge High School. Magnum's nomination was seconded by Gov. Christie Whitman and Woodbridge Mayor James McGreevey.
Owner - Sgt. Dave Kendrick
Veterinarian - Dr. Ira Niedweske
1997 Professional
Awarded to Midnight, a six-year-old Labrador. Midnight is a vital part of the Mercer County Prosecutors Office's narcotic team. His handler, Sgt. Al Paglione, credits Midnight for participation in over 700 searches, resulting in the seizure of more than $190,000 in controlled dangerous substances, as well as $288,000 of seized US currency.
Owner - Al Paglione
Veterinarian - Dr. Mary Moon
1996 Professional
Awarded to Steel Dust, a 41-year-old gelding. Steel Dust has helped disabled students learn to ride and is a member of the Atlantic Riding Center for the Handicapped in Egg Harbor Township, a volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of the disabled. Steel Dust was previously awarded the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Therapy Horse of the Year Award in 1993 for his patience and understanding of the riders.
Owner - Atlantic Riding Center for the Handicapped
Veterinarian - Dr. Sharon Vaillancourt