2012 Humane Awards Announced

Thursday, October 25, 2012 - 11:30am
Fiona ASPCA Dog of the Year

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2012 ASPCA Humane Awards. This group of outstanding people and animals includes a rescue dog with more than 5.5 million views on YouTube and a 10-year-old horse advocate who has appeared before Congress.

The 2012 ASPCA Humane Award winners include:

ASPCA Dog of the Year
Abandoned in a trash heap, Fiona, an 11-year-old Poodle mix, was sick, covered in dirt, matted, infested with fleas and blind in both eyes. A Los Angeles-based animal rescue group Hope for Paws, came to Fiona’s aid, and with the help of hundreds of donors all over the world, they raised the funds for Fiona’s surgery. Fiona’s miraculous story of survival has since garnered more than 5.5 million views online, a testament to what can be accomplished when homeless animals get a second chance.

ASPCA Cat of the Year
Scooter the cat was found on the street with no use of his back legs. He was rushed to Harts Run Veterinary Hospital in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania. Visitors to the hospital instantly fell in love with the fluffy black and white kitten, and donated funds to purchase him a custom-made wheeled mobility device. Scooter now visits a nursing home and rehabilitation hospital every week and serves as a constant inspiration to the elderly and to patients who lack mobility due to injuries and strokes.

ASPCA "Tommy P. Monahan" Kid of the Year
After hearing about the inhumane and cruel practice of horse slaughter, now 10-year-old Declan Gregg of Greenland, New Hampshire, decided to raise his voice and get involved. Declan started his own blog, Children 4 Horses, to spread the word about horse advocacy issues. His dedication to horse advocacy brought him to the nation’s capital twice in recent months, where he represented more than 1,000 children from the U.S. and abroad by presenting the letters to legislators in Congress.

Meet all the winners of the 2012 ASPCA Humane Awards! Do you know of a heroic pet or a person who dedicates his or her life to animals? Tell us about your hero in the comments!

And stay tuned to the blog for photos from the annual Humane Awards Luncheon, sponsored by the Hartville Group, Inc., on November 8 in New York City.

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Comments

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 09:44 — Karen Belfi (Visitor)
I'm thrilled that a blind dog was the Dog of the Year! It's a testament to how resilient they are. Blind dogs can do anything a sighted dog can do! I am constantly amazed at the foster dogs in our care at Blind Dog Rescue Alliance.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:43 — susa (Visitor)
Thank you I so agree!!!! She is amazing~~~

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 18:30 — Kathy Keenan (Visitor)
The beauty of this story is that Fiona had the sight restored in one eye, thanks to donations and a wonderful medical team. And the biggest thanks has to go to Eldad Hagar - the hero of animals.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 20:40 — Jan Willis (Visitor)
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Eldad for all that you do for the animals. I wish I could do more to help you in your "calling" for helping homeless and neglected dogs everywhere. Thank you for being their angel, God Bless You !!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 20:59 — Doug (Visitor)
OMG! Thank you for sharing and all that the ASPCA and others do! This sweet dog and the many others that benefit from "OUR" assistance, are a true testament to God's work through you all! Thank you, Thank you! Thank you! Doug Sivyer Dallas Texas

Fri, 11/02/2012 - 17:47 — Vitamin Supplem... (Visitor)
Simply want to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity for your put up is simply great and that i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine together with your permission allow me to grasp your feed to keep up to date with imminent post. Thank you one million and please keep up the gratifying work.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 09:58 — Louise F. Despres (Visitor)
These animals are a true help and inspiration to all.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 10:01 — ingrid de Baintner (Visitor)
cheers for this amazing courageous dog

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 10:07 — Iris Lorraine Miller (Visitor)
When you take on the feeding and care of an anima, it's for life, yours or theirs. At the present time I adopted a feral pig. She was found in a field starved and dehidrated at about 5 weeks old. She is now almost 5 months old and the picture of health. Babe's had her shots and will go in to be fixed at 6 months. I am over 81 and know I won't out live her so I have made arrangments for another animal lover to take her when I die.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 10:13 — Susan (Visitor)
How wonderful that the poor sweet kitty was found and cared for by such kind people and can now inspire others how to live fully with their physical challenges. Great choice for Cat of the Year. Kittens are so adaptable that little ones with disabilities are not aware that they are any different from other kittens and simply find ways to compensate. Bless this little guy, hopefully he will live the long, happy life he so richly deserves.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 10:33 — holly millar (Visitor)
why no photo of the cat? Seems like you are overwhelmingly dog center, scarce mention of cats....

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 11:00 — abalaban (Visitor) (Visitor)
I totally agree! The dog story was wonderful but you don't seem a whole lot of therapy cats. It would have been nice to have one picture!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:45 — Isa (Visitor)
I agree! I want to see the pic of the cat of the year! PLEASE.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 11:01 — abalaban (Visitor) (Visitor)
I totally agree! The dog story was wonderful but you don't see a whole lot of therapy cats. It would have been nice to have one picture!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 11:03 — angela (Visitor)
I think it's because there's more dog abandonment issues. There are more dog lovers, I think. When I say I have a cat, not too many people are interested. But he acts just like a dog and follows me around. Not sure, just my guess.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 11:42 — Meena (Visitor)
There are most definitely more cats abandoned than dogs. People think cats will be fine living in the wild, but in reality unless they were born wild they won't. I've rescued many cats and we really don't get the exposure we need and deserve. ASPCA, you do such a great job highlighting dog rescue, show those of us who focus on cats a little love!

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 07:09 — Tari (Visitor)
I agree, so many cats get bad raps and little attention, it truly makes me sad.

Tue, 11/27/2012 - 06:36 — Sharon (Visitor)
i agree with you. Thanks for bringing that up

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 11:06 — angela terrell (Visitor)
It seems to be the same at the "dog" pound as well. Why can't they call it the animal pound or something generic?

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:33 — Ellen Ryan (Visitor)
Yes, I would have liked to see a picture of the cat.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 14:17 — cindy (Visitor)
I agree - I would have loved to see a photo of this hero Cat of the year that for sure would inspire many by his mere image. Cats are amazingly loving, loyal and devoted companions! I have had 17+ years of it with 4 amazingly inspiring cat life companions! Bless this little guy!! Congrats too to beautiful Fiona! I try to rescue the strays in my area and she is one soul that needed some compassion and help. Thanks to all who help animals! May God bless you in many ways more than one!!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 10:55 — rebecca whitbourn (Visitor)
Eldad and Audrey Hagar, the couple who rescued Fiona, ASPCA's dog of the year, are most definitely heroes to many! Eldad has a gift in working with thrown away and abandoned animals who have lost their trust in humans due to mistreatment and being discarded like yesterday's trash. He spends many, many hours seeking out these poor needy souls in an effort to get them off the streets and into loving homes where they are finally treated with love, care, and kindness as they deserve. I have never met him or his wife in person but in viewing the many rescues that he often videos in the process, you can see the love and dedication that they have for so many that others have discarded. THEY are heroes to many people and many, many lost and lonely, once hopeless, pets!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 11:48 — Carol C. (Visitor)
I'm so happy Fiona has received this recognition. Is that photo of her? I haven't seen an updated photo in a long time - she looks amazing! Who would've thought that poor bedraggled terrified little dog could be so beautiful and healthy! Eldad and Audrey are animal heroes for sure!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 11:08 — Olga Rainey (Visitor)
I am glad Fiona received this award, she truly deserved it! She is one happy dog now, I just don't understand how someone could abandon such a sweet dog, or any dog for that matter. Responsible dog owners are for life, the life of the dog. If you can't be one you should not have a pet.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 11:09 — Shelley Bates (Visitor)
I am friends with Dr. Betsy Kennon, who rescued Scooter and now shares this amazing cat with so many people who derive inspiration from his courage. There may be no more deserving cat to be Cat of the Year. Congratulations!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 12:15 — Babz (Visitor)
I watched a documentary about east LA's dog issues, it's so good to see some of them make it out, too bad people aren't that resiliant

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 12:23 — Jo Holland (Visitor)
WHY WASN'T THERE A VIDEO FOR SCOOTER? I GET TIRED OF DOGS GETTING THE MAJORITY OF ATTENTION. THERE ARE MANY INCREDIBLE CATS BUT THEY SELDOM FIND MUCH PR. MOST CATS DON'T ADJUST TO NEW SITUATIONS AS QUICKLY AS DOGS. THEY ALSO OFTEN ARE ATTACHED TO JUST ONE OR A FEW PEOPLE..NOT LIKE MOST DOGS THAT GO TO ANYONE THAT GIVES THEM ATTENTION OR FOOD. THAT'S WHY SO MANY CATS ARE PUT DOWN IN SHELTERS. BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED, WHEN THEY COME IN, THEY ARE TERMED "UNADOPTABLE" AND NOT GIVEN A CHANCE TO ADJUST. YOU TUBE VIDEOS HAVE BECOME GREAT AMBASSADORS TO SHOW JUST HOW AMAZING, CLEVER AND FUN CATS CAN BE. THANKS YOU TUBE

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 14:25 — Cindy (Visitor)
I agree - I would like to see organizations such as ASPCA offer and build a better reputation for cats since they are such amazing, loyal, and loving companions. I am fortunate to have spent my life with 4 of them since age 7 (I'm in my 30's now) and can vouch for how incredibly loyal & loving they are. I love dogs too, do't get me wrong. I rescue mainly dogs since they are easier to rescue but my heart is split in two when I see kitties are described as selfish and lazy. They are anything but that just scared of how humans have treated them. It's like a kid in foster care being in different foster homes... wouldn't you be scared too and your personality somewhat reserved based on that? Same with kitties. Please give them the light they deserve - they are more liked kids than dogs. When you call your kid, does he/she come immediately to see what daddy/mommy want? Not really, they take their time, right? So do precious kitties. Please give them the light they deserve. They are Amazing life companions!!!

Tue, 11/27/2012 - 06:51 — Sharon (Visitor)
i am a witness to kittens being turned away by the Sonoma Co. Humane Society. I person came in with kittens and this hissed at the staff and they said the were to ferrel. I think they blew it and I hope the person was able to find help some where else. I was angry, they could have won these kittens over. They were at least two weeks old. I hate to think what could've happened to them.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 12:24 — Jo Holland (Visitor)
WHY WASN'T THERE A VIDEO FOR SCOOTER? I GET TIRED OF DOGS GETTING THE MAJORITY OF ATTENTION. THERE ARE MANY INCREDIBLE CATS BUT THEY SELDOM FIND MUCH PR. MOST CATS DON'T ADJUST TO NEW SITUATIONS AS QUICKLY AS DOGS. THEY ALSO OFTEN ARE ATTACHED TO JUST ONE OR A FEW PEOPLE..NOT LIKE MOST DOGS THAT GO TO ANYONE THAT GIVES THEM ATTENTION OR FOOD. THAT'S WHY SO MANY CATS ARE PUT DOWN IN SHELTERS. BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED, WHEN THEY COME IN, THEY ARE TERMED "UNADOPTABLE" AND NOT GIVEN A CHANCE TO ADJUST. YOU TUBE VIDEOS HAVE BECOME GREAT AMBASSADORS TO SHOW JUST HOW AMAZING, CLEVER AND FUN CATS CAN BE. THANKS YOU TUBE

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 12:25 — Jo Holland (Visitor)
WHY WASN'T THERE A VIDEO FOR SCOOTER? I GET TIRED OF DOGS GETTING THE MAJORITY OF ATTENTION. THERE ARE MANY INCREDIBLE CATS BUT THEY SELDOM FIND MUCH PR. MOST CATS DON'T ADJUST TO NEW SITUATIONS AS QUICKLY AS DOGS. THEY ALSO OFTEN ARE ATTACHED TO JUST ONE OR A FEW PEOPLE..NOT LIKE MOST DOGS THAT GO TO ANYONE THAT GIVES THEM ATTENTION OR FOOD. THAT'S WHY SO MANY CATS ARE PUT DOWN IN SHELTERS. BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED, WHEN THEY COME IN, THEY ARE TERMED "UNADOPTABLE" AND NOT GIVEN A CHANCE TO ADJUST. YOU TUBE VIDEOS HAVE BECOME GREAT AMBASSADORS TO SHOW JUST HOW AMAZING, CLEVER AND FUN CATS CAN BE. THANKS YOU TUBE

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 12:27 — Lori Sanchas (Visitor)
I made the mistake of watching the video at my desk in the office and I starting crying. How could anyone ever treat a dog or any other animal like that. Thank you thank you for giving Fiona her life back and for the family that adopted her. She is a blessed dog.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 12:43 — Cissy (Visitor)
I'm just so grateful that the ASPCA was not in charge of Fiona's recue, she wouldn't have lived until the next day if they were. How are you folks doing on that 90%+ kill rate in the ONE and ONLY shelter you operate?

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 12:54 — Theresa (Visitor)
What a worthy winner, and a very lucky dog. Bless her rescuers.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 13:00 — Amanda (Visitor)
I watched Fiona's rescue video very soon after it was published and, as always when watching Eldad's videos, I wept. Tears of sadness at first - that people can be so very cruel and heartless but then ... tears of joy as the story developed. Eldad and Audrey at Hope for Paws along with their friends at the Bill Foundation and others work so hard and with so much love, they never never fail to impress me. I love them all and follow their efforts avidly, sharing their videos and posts lovingly. I live in the UK and will never get to meet these people that I have grown to love but I am so utterly thrilled that they get some much needed credit and attention through Fiona's win. Bless you all!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 13:04 — Jessica (Visitor)
ASPCA didn't make the Fiona video. That was a video her rescuer put together and posted. Not to diminish the incredible work of Scooter's rescuers, but it is not the ASPCA's fault their is no video available of Scooter. For those of you curious to read more about the brave little cat please follow the link www.post-gazette.com/stories/sectionfront/life/pet-tales-paralyzed-therapy-cat-inspires-patients-256581/

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 13:35 — Liz Cardenas (Visitor)
Beautiful story, a true lesson of love and compassion. Keep the good work in favor of our four legged friends!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 13:44 — Alida du Preez (Visitor)
An amazing story....this blind doggy is surely the bell of the ball....God bless all concerned in saving his life!!!!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 13:45 — Claudette Possani (Visitor)
REALLY AWESOME STORY OF THOSE PETS FIONA AND SCOOTER, THANK YOU SO MUCH AUDREY AND ELDAD FOR YOUR CARE OF ANIMALS, BLESS YOU TWO, NOTHING IS MORE TOUCHING THAN SEE HER RUNNING AROUND WAGING HER SHORT TAIL OF HAPPINESS......LOVED THAT VIDEO (2ND PART OF COURSE) PLS KEEP THE GOOD WORK IN FAVOR OF ANIMALS, GOD BLESS YOU!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 13:53 — Jane (Visitor)
I was deeply moved by this.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 14:21 — Joyce Lepper (Visitor)
Years ago I adopted an adult, female Cocker. She evidently thought she was a hunting dog because she kept her nose to the ground constantly. She was such a joy and when she grew old and became blind I worried about her. She knew her way around the house and yard, however, so seemed happy enough. Then I discovered when I put a leash on her she would go to the end, put her nose to the ground and follow some scent on the run. She seemed to trust I would not let her get hurt even in unknown areas. We went camping and she loved to 'hunt' and play in the ocean! She's been gone quite a while but I still miss her and think of her fondly often.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 14:46 — APRIL (Visitor)
FUNNY THING I KNOW EXACTLY WHERE THAT DOG WAS FOUND , ON MANCHESTER AVE IN INGELWOOD , I TRAVELED THAT WAY FOR YEARS GOING TO HOLLYWOOD PARK TO WORK , SMALL WORLD

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:15 — Rita (Visitor)
THATS WHAT RESCUE IS ALL ABOUT. GOD BLESS THE CARETAKERS OF ANIMALS, THEIR LOVE AND HUMANITY WILL NEVER GO UNRECOGNIZED. YOUR BEAUTIFUL FIONA, INSIDE AND OUT!!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:11 — Paula Santos (Visitor)
Animals have feelings and rights too! I love animals!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 18:08 — Terrie Parsons (Visitor)
thank you for loving her (Fiona) she is amazing and I love her too :)

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 18:23 — Nancy Holbrook (Visitor)
Yes, thank you to all involved with rescuing our wonderful, loving pets. I too would have liked to see a picture of scooter. I just took in a pathetic gray cat. He was nearly blind,still has to have medications 2X's a day for his eyes. His mouth so infected, he had to have all his teeth pulled from canines back on top and bottom. He had an enfected tail that required surgery, all his shots and neutered. All in all nearly a $1,000. and I am on social security. He is so appreciative and happy now, follows me everywhere. I have 3 cats now. I am a recent widow and they are such a comfort to me. Fiona's story is such a beautiful ending as is Scooters. Wish I could contribute more for animal rescue.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 18:35 — Betsy and David (Visitor)
We love all animals, and at present keep dogs, cats and horses. All flesh and blood should be our responsibility. We were disappointed not to see pictures/video of Scooter and cat, and much as we love dogs, why should they unsurp other animals. But anyway,keep up the good work. Betsy and David Borthwick

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 19:21 — Dhyan Story (Visitor)
I want to reiterate what a lot of others have already commented about and that is, it seems, an unequal amount of time and space has been allotted to Fiona and nothing to the Cat of the Year. I, for one, am extremely curious to see this cat in action as there aren't too many therapy cats that I know of. I am also very disappointed by the apparent bias you are showing against cats and for dogs. I send my $$ to support you and would like to equal reports and/or good news of BOTH dogs and cats.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 19:40 — Pauletta Lechman (Visitor)
Ithinkitisgreat this dog and cat won,and the young man that started things to stop horseslaughter iswonderful also.Keep up the good work

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 19:40 — Pauletta Lechman (Visitor)
Ithinkitisgreat this dog and cat won,and the young man that started things to stop horseslaughter iswonderful also.Keep up the good work

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