Both people and animals received recognition at the ASPCA Humane Awards Luncheon Nov. 2 in New York City. The awards were given to animals that have acted heroically on behalf of humans, and to humans that have furthered awareness of animal welfare.
Laser, a blue-point Siamese from Birmingham, Ala., received the ASPCA Cat of the Year award in recognition of his nine years of work as a certified Delta Society Pet Partner therapy cat. Working with his owner, Nancy Kucik, Laser visits hospitalized children, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and teens in hospital psychiatric units.
These people and animals also received awards at the luncheon:
* Lucy, a 5-year-old German Shepherd, received the ASPCA Dog of the Year Award for saving the lives of her family during a home fire.
* Harley, an 8-year-old Tennessee walker/quarter horse, received the ASPCA Horse of the Year Award for his efforts in saving the life of a mare.
* Adele Douglass, executive director and founder of Humane Farm Animal Care, received the ASPCA Lifetime Achievement Award.
* Richard J. LaPiedra, Staten Island firefighter, received the ASPCA Firefighter of the Year Award for saving a black Lab from a home fire.
* Sergeant Steven C. Brownstein, Chicago Police Department, received the ASPCA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award in recognition of his efforts against dog fighting and animal cruelty.
* Ruth Steinberger, founder of Spay Oklahoma and In-Clinic Clinics, received the ASPCA Henry Bergh Award for her efforts to help provide low-cost spay/neuter services in Oklahoma.
* John Grogan, author of Marley and Me, received the ASPCA Awareness Award.
For more information on the ASPCA Humane Awards, visit the ASPCA website at www.aspca.org.
For more information on Laser the therapy cat, check out “Laser Therapy” by Nancy Kucik in the November 2006 issue of CAT FANCY.