awards
Humane Educators Reaching Out (HERO) and Animal Hero Kids (located in Stuart, Florida) have been recognizing Animal Heroes for 15 years, and humane educating for 30 years. “At a time when we need answers more than ever, humane education is a far reaching, powerful solution,” said HERO Founder, Susan Hargreaves. “The underlying attitude that allows animal neglect, animal cruelty, apathy and ignorance is the root cause of animal suffering. Humane education is the only tool that combats this by fostering empathy and understanding of all animals.” Hosted by the Greater Miami Humane Society, the 2012 Holiday Animal Hero Awards, were presented on Saturday, December 15. Stefan Kleinshuster came to Miami from Colorado to accept his award. He is one of eight mountain climbers who helped rescue Lucky, an abandoned German Shepher mix, from 13,000 feet in the Rockies last August. The climbers took turns carrying the 100 pound dog down Mount Bierstadt to safety. Amazingly, the dog had survived being in the mountains for eight days, after having been abandoned by her previous owner. Along with fellowrescuer, John Steed, the group formed Brothers of Lucky Search and Rescue, and afterwards appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Now known as Missy, the dog has been adopted by a new, loving family. To find out more about the HERO programs and presentations, visit www.AnimalHeroKids.org
John Lewis (left) is the “Mr. Real Men Neuter Their Dogs” title-holder and founder of Bad Ass Vegan poses with Stefan Kleinshuster. Also receiving awards: Hialeah High School students (shown in green teeshirts) formed Youth Lead for a Humane World, and initiated vegan lunch carts and vegan Fridays with their teacher, Michel Estopinian (in light blue). Service dog Tatiana, is a black Labrador mix who saved Cristina Saint-Blanchard’s life. Dominic Sebastian Geragi is eight years wise, an Animal Hero Kid and President of the Animal Hero Kids’ Crew. A previous award-recipient, he opened the ceremonies. Susan Hargreaves, HERO founder is shown in top row, second from left. Rover reporting and photography by Tina Valant-Siebelts.
by the numbers
As more Florida communities strive to beome no kill more Florida shelters had a banner year for adoptions in 2012. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay adopted out 6,000 homeless pets, transferred 2,000 homeless pets from high-kill shelters, distributed 281,000 pounds of pet food to families and their pets in need, and provided 19,000 owned pets with affordable veterinary care through their wellness clinic.www.HumaneSocietyTampa.org. The Humane Society Naples adopted out 636 more pets in 2012 than in 2011, bringing the total number of pets adopted to 2831. A total of 1585 pets were transferred from high-kill shelters, including 700 transferred in from Collier County Domestic Animal Services. www.HSNaples.org.
Photography by Jacqui Silla
Fox-13’s Charley Belcher (far left) and Sherry Silk (far right), executive director, Humane Society of Tampa Bay with volunteers and adoptables during this year’s Bark in the Park at Al Lopez Park.
50 THE NEW BARKER
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