Seven Amazing Animals were Honored for Their Heroic Impact on Human Lives in Maricopa County

BANNER AND SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

STORMY
Stormy is a Delta certified therapy rabbit that works with patients at Hospice of the Valley in their new Pet Connections Program.  He was nominated by the Director of the progam, Katie Howland O’Brien. Stormy was a rescued bunny, having been found in a rainstorm, soaking wet and only 2months old.  Usually, bunnies in this condition contract pneumonia and die.  Not Stormy!  He was nursed back to health with the help of two “Mr. Mom” cats, who have left Stormy a little “species confused”!  Katie tells us that he is the most gentle and loving of animals, helping Alzheimer patients to smile and communicate in a non-verbal way.  Everyone at the facilities; staff, patients and family members, look forward to Stormy’s visits and the way in which in enriches everyone’s quality of life.  Stormy belongs to Stephanie Schmidt who also provides a home for other bunnies, dogs and cats.

STELLA
Stella is a 4-5 year-old German Shepherd/Rhodesian Ridgeback who was adopted by Annie DeChance from MCACC when she was 18 months old.  She immediately presented a problem when she got home because she was very dog aggressive with other dogs in the neighborhood.  A good dog behaviorist helped Stella and her owner overcome this problem through training.  Stella was enrolled in agility training classes, but was having difficulty recovering from her exercises.  That is when Annie discovered that Stella had two bullets/pellets lodged in her hind end and one between two ribs.  No wonder she had behavior issues!  After a bout with an undiagnosed disease caused spikes of fever, Stella has gone on to be a top agility dog and will be participating in the World Championship of Dog Agility in Scottsdale in early November.

GABRIEL
Gabriel is a 2 ½ year old cattle dog mix who suffer the first 6-9 months of his life
at the hands of an abuser.  When he was turned into cattle dog rescue, his body shown numerous current and healed fractures.  His right shoulder was so badly shattered that his leg had to be removed.  His eye sockets suffered blunt force trama resulting in Gabriel being 99% blind.  After his recovery with his new pet mommy, Amanda Schlichting, Gabriel has become a happy, healthy ambassador for all who have disabilities.  He has a special relationship with the Amanda’s niece, Silvia, who was born without an arm.  Gabe, the SuperHero of the family, has taught Silvia that it is what you are inside, not what limbs you might be missing, that counts and that you can be all that you want to be.

MOLLY
Molly is 4 ½ year old Golden Retriever, now owned by Amy and Joe Barrett. She was a rescue dog that was placed by Arizona Golden Retriever Connection with Amy and Joe.  She immediately became a beloved family pet, but particularly bonded with Amy.  Amy, home alone, was spreading rocks on a very steep embankment on one side of their property when she tumbled to the bottom.  Molly, who was terrified of the embankment, rushed down to Amy’s side and started tugging Amy up the steep slope. Slowing, but surely, Molly inched Amy to the top. When they reached safety, she stayed right next to Amy until her husband returned and Amy was taken to the hospital.  Amy suffered a broken breatbone, 4 broken ribs and two partially broken ribs in her fall.  During Amy’s recovery, Molly stayed at Amy’s side, providing comfort and company.

MIRACLE
Miracle is a 3 year-old lab mix who saw the dangers of fire and worked to protect her mistriss, Cher Johnson. When a brush fire on Cher’s remote property grew out of control, Miiracle refused to obey the commands for her to get out of the way and continued to jump on Cher, pushing her further and further from the flames.  Normally a well-mannered dog, Miracle even ripped a hole in Cher’s blouse in her attempts to keep her out of harm’s way.  Later when the fire department arrived, Cher noticed that Miracle’s fur was singed on her side facing the fire.  Miracle and Cher were treated to steak fajitas later that night to celebrate her bravery and their shared good fortune in being alive and well.

REX
Rex is a member of the United States Air Force stationed at Luke Air Force Base.
He is currently in Iraq and hopefully will be back stateside by the evening of Hero Awards.  If not, a representative from the Air Force and another dog will be there it accept his award in his stead.  Rex sounds like a wonderful animal.  He is an eight year old German Shepherd, who as well as being a patrol and explosive detector dog, is a pleasant and gentle dog who enjoys being an ambassador for the Air Force with Make-A-Wish children and at schools.  While on duty, Rex fearlessly led the troops through great peril to find a bomb maker who was subsequently arrested.  His actions saved many and he was recognized by the Air Force for his valor.  Rex has also searched two high schools after bomb threats and complete over 300 search missions.  He has even served with the Secret Service, protecting a United Nations Summit in New York.  Rex is handled by Sergent Andrew Nichols.

BRYAN ALBUE (person Hero)

Cat Man Extraodinare!