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here to nominate an animal to the Hall of Fame!
Hero - Awarded to Chelsea, a five-year-old domestic
shorthair cat. Adopted from a shelter and unnaturally shy,
Chelsea had never meowed until the night her Lyn fell asleep
after a busy holiday gathering and forgot to extinguish her
dining room table candles. Chelsea felt the fire brewing on
the table and leapt onto Lyn, meowing at the top of her lungs.
Chelsea's voice awakened Lyn in time to douse the flames and
save everyone from harm.
Owner
- Lyn Nelson
Veterinarian - Dr. Marguerite Hoey
Companion
Category - Awarded to Ginger, a 10-year old English Setter.
Ginger is the constant companion of Joan Boucher, who is severely
crippled by cerebral palsy. Ginger is with Joan 24 hours a
day and will help her get up from the floor when she is not
able to manage as well as retrieve items for her. In addition
to providing physical assistance, Ginger gives Joan a healthy
attitude and complete devotion, demonstrating the true meaning
of "companion."
Owner
- Joan Boucher
Veterinarian - Dr. Sandra Fargher
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
Therapy
- Awarded to Topaz, a three-year-old Golden Retriever. Topaz
and her owner Alice Crans, perform therapeutic visits for
frail, infirm, and bed-ridden long-term care residents. Topaz
also visits psychiatric patients and has begun visits with
preschoolers who are taught proper, gently behavior with animals.
One patient with whom Topaz visits said her tensions disappear
and tranquility moves in when Topaz arrives.
Owner
- Alice Crans
Veterinarian - Dr. Beth Hunton
Special
Recognition - Presented to Michael, a thirteen-year-old
collie, who was born blind and deaf. Despite these severe
disabilities, he has greatly enriched the life of his owner,
Ruth Hankins, through his extraordinary warm and loving disposition.
Michael not only learned his way around the house, but he
learned the art of play, knew how to bark, and showed his
"maternal"side as he helped clean a new litter of
kittens. Ruth said Michael is more than a companion, he is
her teacher and champion.
Owner
- Ruth Hankins
Veterinarians - Dr. Joyce Koch and Dr. Carolyn
Self
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