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2004 Hero Awards
FACCS Honors Some Special Heros
- Six Amazing Animals were Honored for Their Heroic Impact on Human Lives in Maricopa County -
FACCs
has created the Hero Awards to recognize and honor the impact
local animals have had on human lives through truly heroic
efforts of service or personal survival. Each year we recognize animals for
their heroic impact on Maricopa County residents. The winners are selected from
hundreds of dogs, cats, horses, and birds nominated by pet owners or people in the community for their
heroic efforts of service or stories of personal survival. Each was judged for their heroic efforts in
acting to save or protect the life of a person, for performing services within the community, or having to
overcome their own devastating circumstances to survive.
FACCS has dedicated this
event to pets who have shown great and unusual courage, instinct, forethought and loyalty
in their actions to help or save another animal or human being
or themselves. There are amazing stories in our community
of animal courage and we want to hear them all. No act of
bravery is too small or insignificant. We encourage everyone
who has a story to share to bring it to our attention.
Read about our 2004 Heros...
Animal Survivor category: Grady and Spirt; Animal Hero category: Bandit Whiteman and Lulu; Service to the Community category: Stella and police canine
Jake.
Animal Survivor
Grady
Four years ago, Grady was doused by several youths with industrial strength drain cleaner containing sulfuric acid. Despite this horrific abuse and ensuing treatment, countless hours of surgery and pain, Grady has shown nothing but love. Today, missing an eye and ear as a result of the chemical burns, Grady is full of life, lives with four dog brothers and sisters and a cat sister, and loves people unconditionally. She survived against all odds.
Spirit
A one year-old cat found by the side of the road with a badly shattered femur and BB lodged in the wound, Spirit beat the odds in a throw-away culture thanks to a number of rescue organizations, volunteers and veterinarians. Beyond just surviving, she has thrived, raised a family and gave a second chance to an orphan kitten found abandoned in a dumpster.
Animal Hero
LuLu
A St. Bernard, born “imperfect” with cleft pallet was to be put down by a breeder. Years later, she would save the life of her rescuer and many others by barking to warn of a late-night motel fire. In owner Paul Murphy’s eyes, and the eyes of other guests that night, LuLu was a hero. LuLu just recently passed away.
Bandit Whiteman
Bandit was staying with her grandparents while her family was away when her Grandmother, Norma, collapsed, hitting her head on the ceramic tile floor and knocking her unconscious. Sensing that something was wrong, Bandit became frantic. She searched out Norma’s husband John and uncharacteristically bit him in order to get his attention. She led him to Norma who had not only suffered a serious brain hemorrhage, but was choking on a dental appliance lodged at the back of her throat. Bandit’s actions saved Norma’s life.
Service to the Community
Police Canine Jake
A 2 ½ year-old German Shepard, Jake has been working the streets of Phoenix for the past 18 months. Jake has completed 280 searches and been involved in the apprehension of 43 felony suspects. Also a certified narcotics dog, Jake has located approximately $12 million in illegal drugs.
Stella
A five year-old brindle Boxer, Stella was found by the side of the road with a broken leg, a BB in her knee, mange and tapeworm. Today, Stella works as a therapy dog at Odyssey Hospice. Owner Sandy Kramer said she believes Stella shows unique compassion because of her own emotional and physical pain, and has seen her take away the fears from patients through a gentle spirit.
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