TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1985 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
PRISCILLA Pig Inducted February 1985 Owned by Victoria Herberta
Priscilla was not your ordinary pig, in more ways than one. Kept as a pet by Victoria Herberta of Houston, Priscilla followed her owner around on a leash as if she were a dog.
One day when Victoria took Priscilla with her to meet with friends at a Houston-area lake, Priscilla decided to enjoy a swim in the water. About that time, 11-year-old Anthony Melton, a non-swimmer, waded too far out into the lake, lost his footing at a dropoff ledge, and began to struggle.
Luckily for Anthony, Priscilla was swimming by within arm’s reach. Anthony managed to grab the piglet’s harness, and the two went under. Then Priscilla's snout and ears broke the surface of the water, and, miraculously, they stayed up. Determined to get to shore, the terrified child clinging to her harness, Priscilla struggled toward safety, dragging Anthony with her until his feet touched bottom. The 45-pound pig towed the child, who was almost twice her body weight, over 150 feet to the shoreline.
Priscilla was named the first member of the Texas Animal Hall of Fame (formerly Texas Pet Hall of Fame) for her remarkable feat. She was also awarded the prestigious William O. Stillman Award by the American Humane Society. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1985 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
ZEUS German Shepherd/Alsatian mix Inducted August 1985 Owned by Senior Officer Dave Koschel
One night in 1984, Austin police dog Zeus knocked down a fleeing car theft suspect just seconds after he was unleashed by his owner, Austin Police Officer Dave Koschel. As the two struggled, the suspect shot Zeus with a .357 magnum revolver. Despite the wound, the dog attacked again, leaping on the suspect’s arm just as the suspect fired at Officer Koschel at point-blank range.
Koschel said later that had Zeus not attacked the second time, the assailant’s bullet would not have struck him in the leg but in the torso area not covered by his bulletproof vest.
Zeus recovered and helped capture 106 felons before his death in February 1986 from an unrelated disease. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1986 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
LEO Poodle Inducted February 1986 Owned by Lana Ca!ahan Nominated by Dr. Wi!iam Hoegemeyer
Sean Callahan, 11, was playing in August 1984 when he came across a coiled rattlesnake. As the snake rose to strike the boy, Leo, a standard poodle, jumped between the boy and the snake.
The dog absorbed six bites around the head and left eyelid while Bud Callahan pulled his son away. “If Leo hadn’t jumped in the way, the snake would have struck my son at head or chest level and killed him,” he said.
The dog not only survived the attack, but eventually recovered the sight in his battered left eye. In addition to Texas Animal Hall of Fame honors, Leo received the Ken L. Ration Medal and appeared on “Good Morning America.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1986 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
POOCH Mix Inducted August 1986 Owned by Mr. and Mrs. Pleas Fortune Nominated by Dr. Chester Studdard
Pleas Fortune, a Gilmer farmer, had just parked his tractor in a shed in 1981 when it lurched forward as he dismounted, pinning him under one of the drive wheels. His wife could not hear her husband in the shed, but looked up from the house to see their dog Pooch racing toward the house.
“He was leaping great heights and yelping frantically while at the top of each leap,” she said. When she did not follow him to the shed, the dog turned back to the house and persisted until she followed him and found her husband.
The family and their physician say Fortune’s injuries would have been more extensive had the dog not have brought help so quickly. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1987 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
PRINCE Miniature Poodle Inducted February 1987 Owned by Doris and O.A. “Buddy” Rial
Doris and Buddy Rial were asleep in their Abilene home in December 1985 when a crack in the den fireplace set the walls of the home on fire, filling the rooms with smoke. Because of recent back surgery, Doris Rial was asleep in a separate bedroom with Prince, her miniature poodle.
Around 2 a.m., Prince began barking, scratching and pushing her with his nose. Even with the dog's effort in the smoke-filled bedroom, Mrs. Rial had trouble rousing herself.
"I could feel him but could still not wake up," she says. "Finally he bit me on the left shoulder, and the pain brought me to."
Mrs. Rial rushed to her husband's bedroom, where she found the couple's Chinese pug trying to wake up Buddy Rial. Everyone escaped safely.
Abilene firefighters called the blaze a “killer fire,” one in which the house filled with deadly smoke but no flames could be seen. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1987 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
SCHNEIDER German Shepherd Inducted August 1987 Owned by Helen and Preston Perry Nominated by Drs. Steve Daniels and Dan Nowland
Preston and Helen Perry and a ranch hand were checking cattle on their Rockdale ranch in April 1987. Mr. Perry stepped out of his pickup truck and found an angry rattlesnake at his feet.
Schneider, a 14-year-old German shepherd, jumped from the truck and in front of the snake. The dog was struck once on the nose, but shielded Mr. Perry long enough for a ranch hand to kill the five-foot rattlesnake.
Mrs. Perry says that the snake probably would have killed her husband, a retired rancher, if not for the dog. Schneider survived the attack and was hospitalized for just five days. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1989 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
YOGI German Shepherd Inducted August 1989 Owned by Mrs. Pat Morgan Nominated by Dr. Jim Wilson
Pat Morgan discovered an intruder in her home around midnight on July 21, 1987. She alerted the police department before the man attacked her and began to choke and beat her severely.
As the assailant began to choke her, Mrs. Morgan thought of her 3-year-old German shepherd, Yogi, who was just outside in the screened-in porch, and began calling him. She was beginning to lose consciousness when she heard the dog break through the door and hit her attacker.
After chasing off the intruder, Yogi held Abilene police officers at bay until Mrs. Morgan could help restrain him.
“I firmly believe that had this dog not done what he did, I would not be alive,” said Mrs. Morgan. "I sleep much better now knowing that I have a wonderful, brave, loving pet who cares for me as much as I care for him." TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1991 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
CHELSEA Golden Retriever Inducted August 1991 Owned by Mr. Chris A. Dittmar Nominated by Dr. Deanna Ernst
On the night of Feb. 15, 1990, Chris Dittmar and a neighbor were approached by two young men outside Dittmar’s Houston home. The two men pointed handguns at Dittmar and his neighbor and asked them to step away from the house.
At that moment Chelsea, who had been resting at Dittmar’s feet, sprang up and lunged at one of the gunmen. The assailant jumped back and fired two shots at Chelsea, hitting her once in the shoulder. While Chelsea had distracted the gunmen, Dittmar and his neighbor ran into Dittmar’s garage and closed the door. The two assailants fled.
Dittmar emerged from his house with a shotgun and began searching for Chelsea. He finally found the dog two blocks from the house, limping badly and bleeding at her shoulder. Dittmar carried Chelsea back to his home and then rushed her to an emergency veterinary clinic. Chelsea recovered fully after the bullet was removed from her chest in surgery almost two weeks later.
“I believe she attacked those two gunmen because she smelled fear and set about to protect her family,” Dittmar said. “If it hadn’t been for her actions, the consequences could have been severe.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1993 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
TOM-TOM Quarter-horse/Thoroughbred cross Inducted November 1993 Owned by the Da as Police Department Nominated by Dr. Je ey Watkins
Tom-Tom, a horse in the Dallas Police Department’s Mounted Unit, was honored for his gallant service during a student protest in which he was struck by a car and for his inspirational recovery.
On Sept. 19, 1991, Tom-Tom and his rider were hit by the car of a high school student who was participating in a protest of a DISD teacher layoff. His rider was thrown across the hood. Tom-Tom wasn't so lucky.
"The car just went under the horse and scooped it up," said a witness. "He fishtailed around the corner and was barreling down the street. I don't think he could stop."
Tom-Tom was limping and in obvious pain. After an examination, he was given only a fifty-fifty chance of recovering. However, after surgery at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine to repair his injured left rear leg, Tom-Tom recuperated courageously.
Tom-Tom eventually returned to the force, working in the West Dallas Riding Program, a Dallas Police Department’s project to teach kids to ride and take care of horses. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1996 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
DALLAS Belgian Shepherd Mix Inducted November 1996 Owned by Truman W. Smith Children’s Care Center Nominated by Dr. Thayne Pittman
The hall’s first “companion” inductee, Dallas was nominated to the Truman W. Smith Children’s Care Center in Gladewater by Texas Hearing and Service Dogs. The center, dedicated to the long-term care of medically fragile or terminally ill children, houses about 120 children, whose conditions and prognoses vary. A resident of the center, Brandon First, was chosen to be Dallas’ caretaker and the two of them quickly became best friends. Brandon, 17 at the time of induction, suffers from epidermis bullosa, a congenital condition that causes his skin to blister severely, internally and externally. Dallas provides Brandon with moral support, especially during daily whirlpool treatments, and sleeps in his room at night, while Brandon makes sure Dallas is fed, given water and taken outside.
Dallas also became friends with everyone else at the center. He is gentle with the smaller, more profoundly affected children, and more active and playful with the larger ones. With permission, he loves to get in bed with the children and snuggle up to them. Dallas’ story of tender attentiveness and endless affection for Brandon and the center’s other residents has brightened their often difficult lives and been a shining example of the strength of the human-animal bond. As one of Dallas’ trainers described him, he is truly an “angel in disguise.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1996 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
PRISSY Siamese cat Inducted December 1996 Owned by Sondra Schieberle Nominated by Dr. Wi!iam Campaigne
Because of work and a family crisis, Seguin resident Sondra Schieberle had not slept in 48 hours when she came home on Sept. 11, 1995. She started to heat some grease in her kitchen to put it in a container, and then went to her bedroom, where she fell asleep on the bed.
A grease fire began in the kitchen and began spreading to other rooms. Mrs. Schieberle’s cat, Prissy, began to knead on the chest and lick the face of the slumbering Mrs. Schieberle to try to wake her.
The cat’s actions and frantic meowing woke her owner, allowing Mrs. Schieberle enough time to escape and summon help.
Firemen later reported that if Prissy hadn’t woken her owner up, Mrs. Schieberle and the house might not have survived.
"My husband has never been much of a cat lover, but since the fire he has had a totally different attitude toward Prissy," said Mrs. Schierberle. "She is definitely my hero." TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1997 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
MAGNA Mix Inducted October 1997 Owned by Father Roy Snipes Nominated by Dr. David Heflin
When Father Roy Snipes arrived in Mission, Texas in 1992, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church was struggling. Attendance was down and, to Snipes, services sometimes seemed too sterile. That’s when Magna, Snipes’s faithful dog, began attending Mass services.
At first some older church members objected to a dog’s presence in a worship service. But, despite the objections, she continued to attend—and so did many other people who welcomed her friendly nature and wagging tail. Attendance is now excellent and many visitors take photographs as Magna leads the procession in and out of church during each Mass service.
Snipes greatly appreciates Magna’s contributions. As he puts it, Magna brings in the attendees, and it’s up to him to keep them there.
“Religion can get so formal and stuffy, and Magna helps us break out of that,” Snipes says. “One lady told me, ‘I always felt uneasy bringing my babies to church, but when I saw Magna, I said if Father Roy can bring his dog, I can bring my babies.’”
Magna makes her presence felt in the community in many ways. Whether it is participating in a wedding, complete with her own formal outfit, or joining Snipes on a visit to a school or nursing home, Magna has a remarkable ability to make friends and put smiles on the faces of those she meets. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1997 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
PINK Golden Retriever Inducted October 1997 Owned by Mark Muhich Nominated by Dr. Jackie Cole
On the afternoon of Sept. 10, 1996, Galveston artist Mark Muhich and Pink went to an isolated beach on Galveston Island. They ran for a mile, swam in the surf and then Mark did sit-ups and yoga stretches, while Pink waited and chewed a stick.
No vehicles are allowed on this stretch of beach, but on that day a truck was driving toward Mark from the east, going west toward the bright setting sun. The driver apparently didn’t see Mark, who was stretched out flat in the sand. Because of total deafness in his left ear, Mark was unable to hear the approaching truck’s motor.
Out of the corner of his eye, Mark saw Pink bolt quickly. He turned to see what she was after and saw that she had positioned herself directly in front of the truck, which was moving at about 35 miles per hour. Pink’s quick action caused the truck to swerve sharply, only about 10 feet away from Mark.
Mark remembers, “Pink’s legs were broadly spread, her hair bristled, her jaws set tightly and her path took her straight into the truck’s path. As it was, the wheels missed her only by inches. I don’t know if the driver ever did see me; he never stopped.
“I said to Pink, ‘Pink, you saved my life.’ I’ll never forget the brave resolve that blazed in her eyes.”
Dr. Jackie Cole says, “Pink is a classic golden retriever in temperament—gentle, kind, serving. She is the embodiment of the old phrase, ‘sweetness and light,’ which is why her heroism on that evening is even more remarkable. That she would attack a speeding vehicle, forcing it to hit her or move is extraordinary and a clear example of heroism.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1998 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
LEO German Shepard Inducted October 1998 Owned by Sgt. Scott Sewe! Nominated by Dr. David Black and Dr. J.D. Norris
Leo was imported from Amsterdam and is known as a dual purpose dog because he is trained in both patrol duties and narcotics retrieval. Patrol duties include criminal apprehension, tracking, and searching both buildings and articles of clothing and transportation.
He's certified to detect many substances such as cocaine, marijauna, heroin and methamphetamines. His certifications include organizations like the U.S. Police Canine Association, the Texas K-9 Police Association and more.
Leo's work speaks for itself:
936lbs of marijuana, valued at $959,148. 163.5lbs of cocaine, valued at: $1,557,991.50 1 firearm 16 vehicles 28 defendants $148,854 in cash
Perhaps the pinnacle of his work was in October 1996 when Leo's search of a van led to the discovery of more than 2 million dollars. This was the largest seizure ever to be recovered from a passenger vehicle in the United States.
Leo also does many demonstrations for children in schools both in Sulphur Springs, Hopkins and surrounding counties. He's well known for having great interaction with the kids and, the more attention he gets, the better. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
1998 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
MOLLY Dachshund/Pug Cross Inducted October 1998 Owned by Tracy and Diane Norre! Nominated by Dr. Tim Eberhart
Dr. Tim Eberhart has seen a lot of dogs during his nine years of practice, but none quite like his patient Molly. The dachshund-pug cross owned by Tracy and Diane Norrell of Canton is something special.
Dr. Eberhart explains: “Molly has one of the busiest social calendars of any dog and all of the engagements are charity appearances. Each week, the Norrell’s take Molly to nursing homes in Canton and Tyler and to hospitals in Tyler to entertain the severely challenged patients with chronic- to terminal illnesses. She brings smiles to patients who have not smiled in many weeks.”
One of the most remarkable things about Molly is her love of being handled by people, even strangers who are rough with her. Dr. Eberhart says, “Many of the people Molly visits are less than gentle to her and a few have even caused some pain to her, but she has never growled or snapped at them. She is always friendly and entertaining.”
Dr. Eberhart says Molly is one of the most intelligent dogs he’s ever met. Molly and her owners have at least fifty tricks that they incorporate into skits to cheer people up on their visits. For instance, Molly will get a tissue paper for someone who cries. Another unusual trick is if she is given a number between 1-9, she will bark that number of times.
“Some of the tricks she does are unbelievable,” Dr. Eberhart says. “She’s never been trained by anyone other than her owners. One can tell she gets great pleasure out of the routines.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2000 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
AUSTIN Golden Retriever Inducted November 2000 Owned by Officer Jim Minton of the Austin Police Department Nominated by Dr. Everett Simmons
A 3-year-old search and rescue dog for the Austin Police Department, Austin was found as a puppy and rescued from the woods east of Houston by hunters. He was then turned over to the Golden Retriever Rescue Group of Houston. Texas Hearing and Service dogs purchased Austin and provided testing and training before donating him to the Austin Police Department in January 1999. Austin is currently certified in Advanced Tracking, Area Search, and Evidence Search. He also is trained to search for missing children and adults. This includes missing aircraft and crash victims, missing Alzheimer’s patients, hunters, or hikers.
Dogs like Austin are valuable members of search and rescue teams. Their extraordinary sense of smell allows them to quickly locate missing persons even when hidden from view. One notable example of Austin’s value took place at the Texas A&M bonfire collapse of Nov. 18, 1999. Austin and his handler, Officer Jim Minton, responded to a call for help quickly, and once on site, Austin was able to maneuver among the dangerous, unstable log pile to help identify where victims were.
Officer Minton says, “Austin just shows that you can find a stray dog and turn him into a hero, which he is.”
Austin’s veterinarian, Dr. Everett Simmons of Burnet Road Animal Hospital in Austin, nominated the dog for the Texas Animal Hall of Fame. “Austin is a very intelligent dog,” says Dr. Simmons. “He is one of my most well-mannered patients, and one who does his job well.”
Officer Minton says he sometimes wonders if Austin was really lost when the hunters found him as a puppy. Says Minton, “Maybe Austin was just looking for his calling, because he has certainly found it.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2000 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
CIDNI Catahoula Leopard/Australian Shepherd mix Inducted January 2000 Owned by Lloyd and Linda Lamere Nominated by Dr. George Ro endorff
On the night of Oct. 1, 1998, Lloyd Lamere fell asleep on his couch in the living room of his and Linda’s Round Rock home. However, at about 1 a.m., his dog, Cidni, started persistently pulling on his shirt sleeve, licking him and making noises to wake him up. When he awoke, he found smoke and flames all about. He quickly rushed Linda, their son, Scott, and Cidni out of the house.
It was not a moment too soon. The house was completely destroyed by the fire, and firemen informed Lloyd that if Cidni had not woken him up and they’d stayed in the home another 30 seconds, they might not have survived.
Lloyd and Linda have since moved into a new home, and not surprisingly Cidni’s stature in the household has risen.
“Cidni is a remarkable dog and our outlook on her has certainly changed since the fire. She now has the run of the house. She can do whatever she wants,” Lloyd says.
Weighing 35 pounds, Cidni is intensely loyal and protective. In fact, she recently attacked a person who was trying to rob Lloyd when he was parked on the side of the road.
“She’s a heck of a nice part of the family,” Lloyd says. “She’s not just a pet. She’s a part of the family.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2000 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
DAKOTA Golden Retriever Inducted November 2000 Owned by Michael Lingenfelter Nominated by Dr. Harold Krug
Six years ago Dakota was found by representatives of the Greater Houston Golden Retriever Rescue Group, chained to a stake and near death from heartworm infestation and neglect. They rescued the dog and took it to a veterinarian for care. Dakota’s heart actually stopped beating temporarily before the dog was revived and started on a treatment program to clear him of the heartworms. In a remarkable story straight out of the movies, Dakota survived, became a highly trained therapy dog and went on to save the life of his current owner, heart attack victim Michael Lingenfelter.
After being taken in by the rescue group, Dakota was entered into a special training program for therapy dogs, before being donated to Michael Lingerfelter. At the time, five years ago, Michael Lingenfelter had given up on life. After two heart attacks and other major health problems, he couldn’t work, he couldn’t write his name, and he didn’t care.
But then, Dakota entered his life, performing therapy dog duties as part of Lingenfelter’s mental and physical rehabilitation. After just over a year, Dakota started saving Lingenfelter’s life. He developed the ability to detect when a certain enzyme is secreted by Lingenfelter’s body indicating an immenent heart attack. Dakota alerts Lingenfelter, reminding him to take his medication in time to avert major problems. Dakota has also alerted two of Lingenfelter’s co-workers, warning them of imminent heart problems.
Lingenfelter says Dakota’s enthusiasm, helpfulness, companionship, and ability to alert him to heart problems gave him the security and motivation to restart his career and become an active member of society again.
“Dakota gave me back my life,” Lingenfelter says. “I never thought angels came with brown eyes and a furry tail, but this one did.”
Dakota’s amazing story has already attracted the attention of national and international media and authors, and Hollywood movie producers have even contacted Lingenfelter expressing interest in the dog.
Dakota’s veterinarian, Dr. Harold Krug of Campbell Village Veterinary Clinic in Dallas, nominated the dog for the Hall and says, “I’ve been in practice for 30 years and have never seen a dog with Dakota’s obvious talents. He’s just a well-trained, laid-back, easy-going puppy dog, which makes him perfect for what he does. Dakota and Mike’s relationship is a dramatic example of the human-animal bond.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2000 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
OLWIN Golden Retriever Inducted November 2000 Owned by Dr. S. Je ey Wilkerson Nominated by Dr. Kathryn Dittman
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes those we expect the least from perform the most extraordinary acts, especially animals. Dr. S. Jeffrey Wilkerson and the staff of the Harlingen-based Institute for Cultural Ecology of the Tropics found this to be true. When a flood put their lives in danger, a four-year-old golden retriever named Olwin showed them the strength of the human-animal bond.
It began on Oct. 5, 1999, when Veracruz, Mexico, the site of the institute’s research facility, was struck by one of the worst storms on record. Flood waters gradually engulfed the facility, until Dr. Wilkerson, the other five staff members and three dogs were forced to evacuate in a small boat. As they floated among the flood waters, a surge of water overturned the boat. While most of the group were able to cling to a patch of vegetation, Olwin and a teenage assistant were swept to the other side of the torrent. Panicked, the assistant grabbed on to Olwin, who somehow summoned the energy to swim through the rushing waters and pull her safely back to the group. Unfortunately, an exhausted Olwin was then carried off by the current downstream into the darkness. When the rain finally ceased, the crew returned to find the remains of their institute and began searching for Olwin. “Inquiring, offering rewards, placing announcements, and searching brought no results,” Dr. Wilkerson said. On the sixth day following the flood, Olwin reappeared. Even though she appeared to be injured and dirty, she possessed the energy that was characteristic of the golden retriever. “How she oriented in this maelstrom of disaster and physical stress can only be ascribed to a deep seated instinct, something hidden within her and inherited from her prehistoric ancestors,” Dr. Wilkerson said.
For several months Olwin seemed fine until suddenly in May 2000, her condition worsened. Dr. Wilkerson rushed the dog north to her veterinarian, Dr. Kathryn Dittman of Harlingen’s Altas Palmas Animal Clinic. “When I saw Olwin she was exhibiting signs of heart failure,” said Dr. Dittman, who nominated Olwin for the hall of fame. Dr. Dittman said she found the condition peculiar because Olwin tested negative for heartworms.
Concerned about the dog’s condition, Dr. Dittman sent Olwin to the Texas A&M University Veterinary Hospital in June. Olwin was diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis, which led to the inflammation of the tissue sack around her heart. “Her case was kind of unusual,” said Dr. Dittman. “Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection that usually infects the lungs and the bones, not the heart.” Despite the 18 days Olwin spent in the hospital and the operation performed on her, she died on June 20. “Olwin was a great pet to work on,” said Dr. Dittman. “She was a really personable and really friendly golden retriever.” Dr. Dittman said she was saddened by Olwin’s death because she knew how attached Dr. Wilkerson was to Olwin. She said she treated Olwin for three years and Dr. Wilkerson often called her long distance to ask her questions pertaining to Olwin and his other pets. “Olwin’s exemplary strength came not from sinew and bone, but from her spirit,” said Dr. Wilkerson. “That was Olwin’s essence and that is how we will remember her.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2000 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
RODNEY Shipperke mix Inducted January 2000 Owned by Lynn Tripp Nominated by Dr. Sarah Huskey
The human-animal bond is a remarkable thing. Sometimes an animal can communicate more through its attitude and actions than a person can with countless spoken words. Dallas resident Lynn Tripp’s dog Rodney is an example of this.
Tripp adopted Rodney, a shipperke mix, from an animal shelter in November 1995. Then one-year-old Rodney was looking for a home, having been returned to the shelter several times by previous adopters. Rodney needed love and a lot of attention. Tripp provided both. After a year of bonding and extensive training, Rodney passed the screening and probation period in the Paws Across Texas Organization and began his weekday activities as a therapy dog in January 1997. It was a natural calling for the affectionate, outgoing dog.
Rodney visits adults and children with rehabilitation needs, psychiatric problems, special needs, and patients recovering from major surgeries. Wherever he goes, he lovingly refuses to be ignored. As Tripp puts it, “He is a ‘me dog’—'pet me, love me, play with me, work with me.'” Patients and their families are drawn to reach out to Rodney, and he responds.
Tripp explains, “Whether it is a stroke patient needing to work on moving a hand, arm or leg, or an unhappy adolescent needing to communicate with someone who gives them his undivided, individual attention, Rodney’s tail-wagging enthusiasm and joy at doing his ‘job’ make him a very special therapy dog.”
“I’ve not seen a prouder owner, nor a more rewarding, accomplished companion,” Dr. Huskey says. “Rodney is truly a special companion, not only to his owner, but also to those he reaches out to in his therapy work. I look forward to Rodney’s yearly visits to hear Lynn proudly relate some of his recent accomplishments.”
Rodney and Tripp spend their weekends training for and competing in canine agility trials. They’ve traveled across the country for competitions. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2000 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
SWADE Labrador Retriever Inducted January 2000 Owned by Sgt. Sammy Jean Co ins Nominated by Dr. Jock Co ins
Houston police dog Swade is not just another narcotics detection dog. The labrador retriever is arguably one of the best in the country.
With his partner and trainer, Houston Police Department Sergeant Sammy Jean Collins, Swade has helped law enforcement authorities seize narcotics during his seven-year career worth an estimated street value of $68,717,964 and has seized $10,618,959 in U.S. currency. He has 584 “cold hits” or self-initiated cases on his own.
Swade and Sgt. Collins have proven their excellence in competition as well. In 1998 they won first place in the law enforcement division of the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association’s national competition. Eight-year-old Swade was also presented the organization’s Bark, Bandit, Trooper Memorial Award, which goes to the best dog over five years of age. In 1996 Swade won a silver medal in the Texas Police Athletic Federation’s K-9 Narcotic competition.
Sgt. Collins says Swade has a great personality for narcotics detection.
“Swade has a strong drive to work and play. He loves it,” Collins says.
Dr. Jock Collins, a veterinarian at Westwood Animal Clinic in Houston, nominated Swade for induction into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame. He says, “Swade is an intense, true professional at his job, and when the day is done, he is Sgt. Collins’ relaxed friend and companion." TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2001 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
ABBY Shetland Sheepdog Inducted August 2001 Owned by Jeff and Jennifer Brandt Nominated by Dr. Charles Robert (Bobby) Hart
Everyone knows the scene from the famous television series: Lassie jumps around and barks madly until someone asks, “What’s the matter, girl?” and follows her to find a person in dire need of help. While most of us think of that as fiction, Jeff and Jennifer Brandt can attest that it does indeed happen.
Last October, Jeff Brandt’s stepfather, Bill Hoover, decided to take his dog Cricket and his stepson’s dog Abby out for a walk. His health wasn’t what it used to be, and he had been having problems keeping his balance while walking. He had already fallen down a few times. On this particular day, he lost his balance as he bent over to adjust Cricket’s leash and was unable to get back up. Realizing that her grandfather was in trouble, Abby, who was off her leash, ran home to get help. Jeff’s mother, Sandra, was in the house in the kitchen. Abby ran back and forth outside the kitchen windows, barking incessantly. Sandra wondered what was bothering Abby and went outside. When Abby saw that she had gotten Sandra’s attention, she ran off in Bill’s direction. Sandra followed Abby right to Bill and helped him up. He was a little shaken, but he was not hurt.
Once she knew that everything was under control there, Abby focused her efforts on bringing home Cricket, who had disappeared during the commotion. She soon found Cricket in a neighbor’s yard. When Sandra and Bill saw them next, Abby was holding Cricket by the collar and herding her home.
“Abby did not hesitate to do what she could do to help Bill,” said Jennifer Brandt. “She is a wonderful, loving part of our family. We are proud of her heroism.”
In reward for her actions, Abby, a three-year-old Shetland Sheepdog, is being inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame. Dr. Charles Robert “Bobby” Hart of Walnut Creek Animal Clinic in Mansfield nominated her. She is one of his patients.
“Our profession is honored to care for the many ‘Abbys’ in our lives. These are the daily rewards of our career choice,” said Dr. Hart. “However, the extraordinary act of heroism and caring by Abby was a unique and wonderful exclamation point in the lives of two families.”
Unfortunately, Bill Hoover passed away on Sunday, August 5. Jennifer Brandt says he was very proud of Abby’s induction into the Animal Hall of Fame. “We wish he could’ve attended the induction ceremony,” she said. “I know he wanted to be there.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2001 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
BOUDREAUX Bloodhound Inducted November 2001 Owned by Sue and David Daniel Nominated by Dr. Gary Raiczyk
When Boudreaux was rescued from a Fort Worth shelter in 1996, he obviously felt the need to repay the favor. The 5-year-old Bloodhound has become one of the top search-and-rescue dogs in the nation, winning national and regional awards in the process.
Boudreaux, owned by Sue and David Daniel of Dallas, has been a K-9 member of Search One Rescue Team in Dallas since 1998. Search One is a volunteer search-and-rescue organization that assists in finding missing people in the north Texas area. Whether locating a missing Alzheimer’s patient or tracking down lost children, Boudreaux demonstrates remarkable search-and-rescue capabilities. For example, an Alzheimer’s patient had driven from Sherman, Texas, to Kemp, Okla. His car was found on a deserted country road, which had barbed-wire fences on either side. The local law enforcement officials immediately ruled out the possibility of the man crossing the fences due to his age and health conditions and assumed he had wandered off down the road. Boudreaux, however, insisted otherwise. After Boudreaux searched for over an hour in a heavily wooded area behind the fence, a team of searchers assisted on foot and found the man, who had been missing for three days. Boudreaux knew he was hot on the trail, and due to his expertise and persistence, he saved the man’s life.
Such rescues are not easy work, even for a dog who comes from a breed known for their searching capabilities. Boudreaux, who has his American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certificate and is a member of Therapy Dogs International, Inc., has attended numerous seminars, and Sue and David Daniel have put in many long hours of training. The training has paid off; in September 2001, Boudreaux received the ACE award for search-and-rescue dogs, a national award given by the American Kennel Club. Two weeks after hearing about that award, the Daniels heard that Boudreaux was being inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame.
“It was kind of like a double whammy,” said David Daniel.
Dr. Gary Raiczyk of Carrollton nominated Boudreaux for the Texas Animal Hall of Fame. He has treated Boudreaux for leptospirosis, which is currently in remission, and is amazed at everything Boudreaux has overcome on his way to becoming a valuable member of Search One.
“Boudreaux has always been a pleasure to work with,” Dr. Raiczyk said. “He’s really gentle, and he has a great temperament.”
Boudreaux also has been a pleasure for the Daniels, who own seven other dogs. “Boudreaux changed our lives. He has given us challenges, rewards, laughter and memories to last a lifetime,” said Sue Daniel. “We feel fortunate to be the owners of the great ‘hound from the pound.’” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2001 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
DUCHESS Domestic Short Hair Cat Inducted January 2001 Owned by Jason Wooten Nominated by Dr. Ron Sanders
Superstition and old witch tales have always given cats an evil demeanor. But when a cat saves the lives of its owners, it more than makes up for this bad reputation.
On Nov. 16, 1999, Duchess, a 6-year-old female cat, alerted her family to a fire that destroyed their home in Venus home, a Johnson County town. At 1:30 a.m., Jason Wooten and his wife awoke to the sound of Duchess pawing at their door. “She was practically banging down the door,” Wooten said. Wooten said when he opened the door he could see smoke forming at the other end of his mobile home and could feel the temperature rising. He immediately evacuated everyone from the home and called the fire department. “The smoke alarm went off about one or two minutes after Duchess,” Wooten said. When the fire department arrived they informed Wooten that it was critical that Duchess had gotten them out as soon as she did. “They said an old trailer like that goes up pretty quickly,” Wooten said. “And every second counts.”
Wooten said he became Duchess’s owner when she was found by his wife’s employer. They went to look at Duchess and decided to take her home. The Wootens have owned Duchess for two years, and said her behavior that night was very out of character. He described Duchess as typically calm. Dr. Ron Sanders of the Park Row Animal Hospital in Arlington nominated Duchess for the hall of fame. Duchess has been a patient for two years. “Obviously she has been a good pet for them,” said Dr. Sanders. Dr. Sanders said one of the explanations for Duchess’s reaction was the human-animal bond. “Animals look to us for safety, comfort and food,” said Dr. Sanders.
“Companionship” is the one word Wooten used to describe the bond between himself and Duchess. “That’s the main part." TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2001 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
KEESHA Golden Retriever Inducted October 2001 Owners Brooke and Rob Annis Nominated by Dr. Jan Treybig
Sometimes we don’t need to say a word in order to communicate with each other. One look can convey how you feel, and a simple touch can show you understand. Or, in the case of Keesha, a wag of the tail and huge grin can warm your heart more than any conversation ever would.
Keesha, a 5-year-old Golden Retriever, was inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame to honor her work as a therapy dog. Keesha entered her owner Brooke Annis’s life in 1996, shortly after Brooke’s husband, Rob, was diagnosed with a rare and incurable neurological disorder. At age 2, Keesha earned certification as a therapy dog, and, as a result, she was allowed to remain with Brooke in Rob’s hospital room. She greeted Rob by jumping on his bed and licking his face until she elicited his laughing protestations. She slept on his bed with her head on his stomach. The staff at the hospital noticed the way she cheered up Rob and soon requested that she visit and entertain other patients. After Rob died in March 2000, Keesha’s loving spirit gave Brooke the emotional support and comfort she needed at that difficult time. Keesha also contributed to Brooke's physical well-being, as the two of them stayed active by competing successfully in dog obedience events. Keesha obtained one of the highest titles available, Utility Dog Excellent (UDX), and captured many blue ribbons along the way.
Keesha shares her love with family and strangers alike. In her official therapy dog visits, Keesha’s compassion has taken many forms. In an early childhood program for the mentally challenged, Keesha helped the children learn right from left, up from down and in from out. As Keesha responded to their commands, the children would happily copy her movements, learning in the process. In a classroom for emotionally challenged students, Keesha taught forgiveness by approaching a boy while grinning and wagging her tail after the boy had hurled a ball directly into Keesha’s face, striking her between the eyes. At a nursing home, Keesha was able to reach an elderly woman who had not responded to anyone for quite awhile. When the woman’s listless hand was placed on Keesha’s soft fur, the fingers began to move as she stroked Keesha’s back.
Keesha gains friends even when she’s not on duty. At local pet stores, she spontaneously begins to perform her bag of tricks to con the counter clerks out of more than one free cookie. She brought comfort to an elderly couple in a park in Colorado who had recently lost their pet. She even greets her veterinarian with a thump of the tail and a trick or two for the staff.
In May 2001, Keesha developed a neurological disease secondary to a brain tumor. She has undergone radiation therapy in an effort to shrink her tumor and improve her quality of life. Although the treatments put her hearing at risk, the tumor is now only one-tenth the size it was in May. Thanks to many concerned veterinarians, Keesha now enjoys many of her former activities. These include swimming, retrieving, carrying three balls in her mouth at the same time, and performing over 300 commands. And of course, she is still providing comfort to the humans around her.
Dr. Jan Treybig of Arlington, who nominated Keesha for the Texas Animal Hall of Fame and is currently providing her with alternative treatment therapy, feels a connection with Keesha. “Keesha looks you in the eye when greeting in a deep and concerned way,” she says. “It is a look that penetrates, inquires, touches your soul and lets you know someone cares.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2002 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
BUTTONS Miniature Horse Inducted November 2002 Owned by Tony and Leslie Cunningham Nominated by Dr. Amy Ba!ard
The therapeutic benefits of spending time with animals have been well-documented. Studies have shown that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Nursing home residents who are visited by therapy animals often feel less lonely than those who are not. In fact, it is not at all unusual to hear about a dog or cat visiting residents in a nursing home or patients in a hospital as a form of therapy. But when the visiting animal is a horse that is only 31 inches tall, well, that is a bit unusual.
Buttons (full name: Hankering Hannahs Shoe Button), an 8-year-old stallion owned by Tony and Leslie Cunningham, regularly visits nursing homes and schools. In honor of his work, Buttons was inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame on Nov. 5, 2002. "To see a nursing home resident’s face when Buttons comes through their door is an unforgettable experience,” says Dr. Amy Ballard, Buttons’ veterinarian, who nominated him for the Texas Animal Hall of Fame along with colleague Dr. Marc White. “His visits provide a welcome change from routine and a much-needed distraction from pain or infirmity.” At one nursing home, an elderly woman placed there against her will had been refusing to speak to anyone or to eat. She had been living there three months when Buttons visited for the first time. When he arrived at her room, she was sitting in a chair facing a window with her back to the door. He walked in front of her chair and stood facing her. The woman’s eyes widened as she exclaimed, “Bring him here! Oh, bring him to me!” She stretched her arms out as far as she could, trying to reach him. When Buttons approached, she threw both arms around his neck and buried her face against him, crying, “I didn’t think I’d ever get to touch or smell a horse again!” She then spoke about her childhood horses, their names, their colors, their personalities, and where she rode them. Buttons has been back to visit her several times, and the staff says her happiness lasts for weeks afterward.
Buttons also works with disabled children. One young girl had suffered multiple strokes that affected her balance, causing her to trip and fall often. When she was 4 years old, she began riding Buttons a couple of times a week, and within two months, her balance improved dramatically and her falls became less frequent. The improvements were mental as well, as she became more confident and less fearful and timid. Her doctors and parents credit her rides on Buttons for her fast and continued improvement. Sandra McCormick teaches children with disabilities and has taken her students to the TLC Miniature Horse Farm in Paris to visit Buttons many times. The effect of Buttons on these children is amazing, she says. "As I’ve sat back and observed the interaction between Buttons and my students, I could only define it as magic,” she says. “I have seen the inspiration, the awe, the confidence and the incredible glow that radiates from visitors of this beautiful, patient horse.”
Veterinarian Dr. Lyle Nottingham has also treated the miniature horse. He too has seen the magic of Buttons. "Buttons has influenced countless people during his rehabilitation facility and nursing home visits and consistently proves that interaction with animals serves to booster morale, communications and self-esteem and most importantly, improve the quality of life,” says Dr. Nottingham. “Compassion is one of the most wonderful human traits, and sometimes animals are the ones to inspire that characteristic. Buttons is one of these special animals.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2002 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
QUINCY Bloodhound Inducted November 2002 Owned by Keith Pikett Nominated by Dr. Jock Co!ins
When most people think of a co-worker, they don’t normally think of the hairy, slobbering variety who wag their tails when greeting you and demand room on your waterbed when going to sleep. As Fort Bend County Deputy Sheriff Keith Pikett can attest, however, co-workers come in all shapes, sizes—and breeds. His partner, Quincy, a 5-year-old Bloodhound, has proven to be an outstanding police service dog and an integral part of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office.
Over the last year alone, Quincy has helped solve five homicide cases, two robberies and 98 burglaries. She has been involved in everything from arson investigations to missing persons cases to drug busts. To honor her achievements and contributions, Quincy was inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame on Nov. 12, 2002.
Dr. Jock Collins, Quincy’s veterinarian, nominated Quincy for the Hall of Fame. He says the bond between Quincy and Pikett is what enables Quincy to perform her job so well. "Truly skilled in her craft, Quincy has the overwhelming desire to gratify Keith by doing what she does best—finding the person that Keith has ‘scented’ her to locate. She has the uncanny ability to concentrate on the task at nose with focused attentiveness, eliminating distractions,” says Dr. Collins. To get Quincy on the trail, Pikett “scents” Quincy on something associated with the person to be located, such as clothing, a cigarette, a cup, a doll, or a toy. Once scented, the race is on. Quincy begins to play her critical game, and she enjoys every minute of it. Pikett interprets what Quincy “tells” him through her body movements, stance, barking, pace, eye contact, head tilt, and other behaviors and follows her lead.
There are numerous examples of Quincy helping police apprehend criminals and locate missing persons. In July 2001, Quincy performed a scent pad line-up to identify a suspect in a four-and-a-half-year-old quadruple homicide investigation. The suspect’s guilt was later confirmed with a positive DNA analysis. A few months later, Quincy trailed a 3-year-old girl who had been missing for two hours, finding her sleeping in a backyard. Another time, Quincy located a suspect who had burglarized a home and severely beaten a person in the house. She trailed him through a subdivision to where he was hiding under a bridge.
Due to her excellent record, Quincy is only one of two dogs ever appointed as “expert witnesses” by the three-judge panel of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Her actions also helped secure the 2002 Officer of the Year award from the 100 Club of Houston for Pikett. As long as these two are a team, they will continue to be successful, says Dr. Collins. "Their communication skills are uncanny,” he says. “Quincy makes Keith look outstanding, and Keith makes Quincy look fantastic.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2002 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
SAYDEE Miniature Schnauzer Inducted December 2002 Owned by Virginia Hyatt Nominated by Dr. Paul Bruton
No one can say that Saydee the Shaydee Laydee isn’t devoted to her work. For over eight years, the 10-year-old Miniature Schnauzer has visited hospitals and schools as a registered/certified therapy dog. She often works six days a week, visiting at least two facilities each day, and has served over 15,000 hours in her life. Whether supplying the motivation for a recent stroke victim to use her right hand for the first time again in order to pet her or helping disabled children overcome their fear of dogs, Saydee is able to reach those who need it most. To honor her work, Saydee was inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame on Dec. 5, 2002.
Saydee belongs to Virginia Hyatt, the founder and executive director of Paws Across Texas, (PAT), a nonprofit organization. As one of PAT’s “top dogs,” Saydee is popular everywhere she goes. Children delight in seeing Saydee singing along with them or dancing in circles when she visits their schools. She chases balls thrown by a laughing disabled nine-year-old who has only recently learned how to throw objects a couple of feet. She nuzzles against a seven-year-old who is unable to move her arms or legs, provoking a smile that shows the world that even though her body may not function completely, she still experiences pleasure. The joy Saydee provides is unmistakable. During one visit, an elderly patient was exhibiting isolative behavior, depression and low motivation due to the loss of her husband and pet in the same year, not to mention the stress of her own health issues. After visiting with Saydee, the patient talked about her constantly until her discharge from the unit. The excitement on her face after Saydee obeyed a few of her commands still resonates in the mind of Larry Davis, a therapeutic recreation specialist. "I was able to see the abundance of love to give that this patient still possessed through her behavior with Saydee,” Davis says. “It was such an outstanding impression that Saydee made on this person, which gave this elderly patient one more great moment to reflect on for the rest of her life.”
Another time, a patient had recently had a stroke involving partial paralysis of her upper extremity, depression, and decreased initiation of speech. Through brushing and throwing balls to Saydee, the patient initiated movement in her upper extremity. She also smiled and spoke to Saydee. None of the therapists had ever seen this patient smile, make eye contact, or speak without prompting. "Saydee has a very gentle, friendly demeanor, which brings out the best in our patients,” says Paige Steele, a recreation therapist. “I truly believe that this patient’s responses were due specifically to the fact that Saydee displays great patience, gentleness and willingness to please.”
Dr. Paul Bruton of Southlake is proud to have nominated Saydee for the Texas Animal Hall of Fame. He knows Saydee is truly one of a kind. "Saydee is known for her exceptional charm and friendly personality. She has a well-mannered demeanor,” says Dr. Bruton. “Saydee has warmed hearts, lifted spirits, and caused people to have hope that they could do things they thought were impossible.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2003 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
ROSIE Great Dane Inducted March 2003 Owned by Brad and JoAnn Na!ey Nominated by Dr. Gina Trew
While we may not speak the same language, humans and animals definitely communicate. Animals often can tell when we’re happy, excited, sad or upset—and even when we’re in need of help. Rosie, a 2-year-old Great Dane, communicated to her owners when another person was in need of help, and to honor her actions, she was inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame.
Rosie belongs to Brad and JoAnn Nalley of Amarillo. Great Danes are known to be good guard dogs, and Rosie is no exception. "Rosie is a typical Great Dane, very loyal and very protective of us,” says Brad Nalley. “She has received her K-9 good citizen certificate and is just an all-around wonderful dog.” Last spring, Brad’s father, Addison Nalley, was living with his son and daughter- in-law. At 86 years old, his health wasn’t what it used to be, and Rosie saw she was needed and became particularly protective of him. She was always at his side, helping him maintain his balance when needed and providing some much-appreciated support. At around midnight on May 3, 2002, Brad and Joann were awoken by Rosie’s frantic barking. While it is not unusual for her to bark, her bark is typically aggressive, as if warning strangers to stay away. The bark this night was quite different and much higher pitched in tone. She was trying to communicate with the Nalleys. "Rosie was running in and out of our bedroom, jumping on and off the bed until we were finally awake. Then we heard my father calling for help,” says Brad Nalley. “As we went to check on him, we discovered that Rosie was sitting beside him, still barking. He was in serious trouble with internal bleeding and had lost a lot of blood.” The Nalleys were able to get Addison Nalley to the hospital in time, where he received numerous blood transfusions. He was soon able to return home. "We feel that if it had not been for Rosie, he may not have made it. That is why, in our book, there is no more heroic dog anywhere,” says Brad Nalley. Unfortunately, Addison Nalley died a few months later of unrelated causes. Nevertheless, he would not have had those last few precious months had it not been for the valiant efforts of Rosie, who stayed by his side until the day he died.
Dr. Gina Trew, who nominated Rosie for the Texas Animal Hall of Fame, is Rosie’s veterinarian. Only two days after the Nalleys related their remarkable story to her, Dr. Trew read about the call for nominations. She knew she had to submit Rosie’s story. "I decided that because they had just told me, it was meant to be,” says Dr. Trew with a laugh. “Lo and behold, she won.” Dr. Trew says she was not surprised to hear about Rosie’s heroic acts. "Rosie’s always wagging her tail,” says Dr. Trew. “She’s very fun-loving, well-mannered and just a great dog.” TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2007 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
AIDA Golden Retreiver Inducted February 2008 Owned by Shari Curran Nominated by Dr. Sharon Phi!ips
With her gentle demeanor and patient countenance, a beautiful 5-year-old Golden Retriever named Aida provides companionship for those who need it most. Aida and her owner, Shari Curran, have spent more than 500 hours volunteering therapeutic assistance, visiting patients in rehabilitation facilities and local hospitals. Whether it is something as simple as lying next to a patient in bed, or playing fetch with a patient who needs exercise, Aida approaches each task with energy and unconditional love for all of those she visits.
“Aida seems to be able to gauge how she should approach people when they’re sick. She will lay motionless with someone in a bed who is in a coma. She understands that she is doing something to help these people,” says Shari.
In 2006, Aida was honored by the Therapet Foundation as the Therapy Dog of the Year. Sharon Phillips, DVM, nominated Aida for the Texas Animal Hall of Fame, and she expressed in her nomination letter the special relationship that Aida and Shari have working together.
“Aida also has a very special relationship with her handler/owner. They have a very deep devotion to each other, which exemplifies how strong the human-animal bond can be.”
Shari says that, compared to many other dogs she has worked with over the years, Aida has always had a seemingly innate inclination to work with the public. “It comes very natural to her. She will run and play with children and then come back to lay down with another patient. She has the ability to adjust her energy level.”
Dogs like Aida are a treasure and the impact made upon the lives they affect is invaluable. Aida was inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame alongside owner Shari Curran. The ceremony was held February 12, 2008 at Sweet Sue’s during the East Texas VMA meeting. Dr. John Morton,TVMA Council Chair of Professional Advancement, presented the award. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2008 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
SAMANTHA “SAM” West Highland Terrier Inducted February 2008 Owned by Paul and Pau!a Manikowski Nominated by Dr. Stephanie Phi!ips
The sole pet of Paul and Paulla Manikowski of Dallas, TX is Samantha “Sam,” a spunky 9-year-old white West Highland Terrier. Dr. Stephanie Chritton has had the pleasure of working with the Manikowskis and Sam over the years. Dr. Chritton nominated Sam for the Texas Animal Hall of Fame after hearing of her heroic act that saved Paul’s life in the summer of 2006.
On June 4, 2006 Paul was outside mowing the lawn, while his wife was inside busying herself with her usual Sunday activities. Afraid of the lawn mower, but intrigued by it, Sam sat watching Paul through the french doors. Suddenly Sam began barking frantically and uncharacteristically. Upon hearing this, Paulla came to investigate what Sam was alerting her to, and found Paul collapsed on the patio in cardiac and respiratory arrest. “Had she not barked, I would not have called 9-1-1 in enough time. I was instructed on performing chest compressions over the phone to keep his airways open. If I wouldn’t have been able to do this, it would have been too late,” says Paulla. “She’s our little heroine.”
Paulla and emergency medical personnel were able to resuscitate Paul, and he was then transported to the hospital for further treatment. Seeing Paul months later after his recovery, Dr. Chritton says that the Manikowskis credited Sam with saving Paul’s life. “It was Paul and Sam’s bond as best buds that caused Sam to sense that something was terribly wrong,” says Paulla.
Paul says of his best bud, “People may think she is not a good example of a Westie because her nose is too long, her body is too long and her tail is too long, but that’s not important because she’s a damn good dog.”
Sam was inducted into the Hall of Fame during the Dallas County VMA meeting at the UT Southwestern Medical School A.W. Harris Faculty Club February 12, 2008. Her owners, Paul and Paulla, were there to accept the award presented by Dr. Ann Heymann, former President of the DCVMA. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2008 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
SIGMUND “SIG” FROG French Bu!dog Inducted March 2009 Owned by Kathy Moore Nominated by Dr. Virginia Wi!iams
Sigmund Frog Moore, or Sig as he’s affectionately called, is what nature would call a survivor. After being rescued and adopted in 2003 by Kathy and Robert Moore, Sig began his career as a professional dog counselor for middle school children.
In 2006, he added elementary schools to his resume. He is well known for his ability to easily comfort and calm special needs children who may need extra attention.
For those children who may feel self-conscious about a medical surgery procedure or scarring, Sig is quick to roll over and show his shaved tummy as a result of his cancer treatment. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2009 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
GINGER Chihuahua Inducted April 2009 Owned by Kimberly Lamb Nominated by Dr. Daryl Neans
Ginger Lamb is a 9-year-old Chihuahua who was diagnosed with an acute case of hyypoadrenocorticism, a disease that affects the ability of adrenal glands to produce hormones that help regulate a dog’s body function.
After extensive physical examinations including blood and urine samples, intravenous therapy and continuing treatments and injections, Ginger was finally able to return home. While visiting her owner Kimberly’s parents one Saturday, as is her routine, Ginger saw her owner’s father walk outside.
Soon, Ginger was leaping off the couch, barking and looking out the door. Kimberly’s father had collapsed on the porch. Emergency care was rushed over and her owner’s father is okay, thanks to Ginger. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2009 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
TURBO Rottweiler Inducted February 2009 Owned by Pat Crawford Nominated by Dr. Lynn Stucky
Turbo is a gentle and loving 3-year-old Rottweiler. Honored with the 2007 ANVIL T.R.U.E Award for Therapy Work, the 2007 Top Ten Obedience Award and other awards with the American Rottweiler Club, he is a shining example of the good that dogs can do through difficult times for children, the elderly and the disabled.
He visits residents at the Pecan Tree Rehabilitation Center and Wheeler House in Gainesville, Texas as well as the students at Valley View Elementary School in Valley View, Texas.
For the residents at Pecan Tree, he offers comfort, relief and companionship. For the elementary students, Turbo is a source of encouragement and support. He also uses the American Kennel Club Public Education Program to teach kids about pet safety and responsible pet ownership.
“We are proud to be the first, and only, I believe, school in Cooke County to have therapy dogs,” says Kathy Ramsey, counselor at Valley View Elementary.
Turbo’s owner, Pat Crawford, says she is aware of the skewed reputation of the breed due to irresponsible pet owners, but after spending just one minute with this beloved canine, it’s easy to see why he is so popular among both kids and adults. Turbo has a remarkable way of positively affecting the social skills in everyone he encounters. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2011 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
JUSTICE Ye!ow Labrador Inducted October 2011, Companion Category Winner Owned by Brian Field Nominated by Dr. Rhonda Phi!ips
Justice, a yellow Labrador who was donated to Patriot PAWS Service Dogs, is the 2011 winner in the Companion category, which recognizes those who provide a special benefit to a community or human companion. Brian Field, a disabled veteran, lost both his legs in 2007 while serving in Iraq. A single father of two teenagers, Brian had problems performing many routine activities and asked Patriot PAWS for assistance. And that is how Justice and Brian met.
Justice, whose training nickname was “Social Butterfly,” has done so much to improve Brian’s life and the lives of Brian’s children. Besides the personal impact on their home life, such as picking up dropped items, helping with household chores and helping Brian navigate the world on two prosthetic legs, Justice has also had an unforeseen social impact. Society teaches us not to stare at the disabled and the children were having a difficult time dealing with the public’s reaction to their father. Justice’s friendly face and obvious devotion to Brian became the icebreaker that changed Brian from a disabled person that people politely tried not to stare at, to one with a really cool dog that everyone wanted to meet. Justice’s presence has brought the entire family closer together.
Along with restoring independence and providing companionship, Justice has also given Brian peace of mind. When his sleep is plagued with nightmares, Justice gently nudges Brian to wake up. Her purpose in life has become to provide him with anything within her power that Brian might need and to make him feel strong and in control, a feeling he lost for a time. Nothing can make Brian whole again, but having Justice has eased his feelings of loss and restored so much of what was lost four years ago, far away in the sands of Iraq. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2011 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
KIRA Husky Inducted October 2011, Hero Category Winner Owned by Brittany Noe Nominated by Dr. Ke!y Henton
At the very young age of only 14 months, baby girl Riley has made a loyal friend she can count on for the rest of her childhood. Kira, a two-year-old female husky, is only a few months older than Riley and has already shown a remarkable devotion to her. She is TVMF’s 2011 winner in the Hero category, which recognizes an animal that has performed an incredible act of bravery or saved a human life.
On a scorching August afternoon, Riley’s mom chose to keep the family inside to play in the cool air conditioning. Somehow a copperhead snake managed to get into the house at the very spot where Riley was playing. Before the snake could strike, Kira jumped in between the snake and Riley, resulting in a bite on her muzzle. Animal Control was able to find and remove the snake from Riley and Kira’s home and the family arrived to the veterinarian within 30 minutes of the bite, as Kira’s muzzle was rapidly swelling. Even though Kira must have been in pain, while in the exam room she seemed to check on Riley by licking her face whenever she could.
Happily, Kira fully recovered.
Thanks to Kira’s bravery, Riley’s dad, who recently returned from a deployment in Afghanistan, is able to enjoy playing with his baby girl.
Riley and Kira remain the best of friends. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2011 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
MR. BOJANGLES Bloodhound Inducted October 2011, Professional Category Winner Owned by David and Sue Daniel Nominated by Dr. Miche!e Quinn avid and Sue Daniel, members of the Search One Rescue Team (SORT), were looking for another bloodhound to add to their family and search and rescue team. They came across a funny looking 14- month-old bloodhound that had a head so large he resembled a bobble head toy. Eventually his body caught up to his head and Mr. Bojanlges, has been a dependable resource of SORT since 2001. He is TVMF’s 2011 Professional category winner, which recognizes remarkable, specially trained assistance animals.
Mr. Bojangles, the crime-solving sleuth, has helped save many lives and provided police with critical information to assist in solving crimes. In one such case, a gentleman with Alzheimer’s drove away from his home in Arlington and went missing. Missing for two days, his truck was found on the highway nearly 100 miles from his home. After a search conducted by the police and helicopter didn’t find the man, SORT was called. Mr. Bojangles was presented an article of the missing man’s clothes to help track down his scent. In less than 10 minutes, Mr. Bojangles found the man alive, though disoriented, under a culvert by the highway.
One other notable case Mr. Bojangles assisted in was a murder investigation of a woman who had been found stabbed in the middle of her street. A neighbor gave information to the detective that he heard someone go over his fence about the time of the murder. Armed with this information, Mr. Bojangles was taken to the fence and smelled the jacket of the woman that the murderer was thought to have grabbed on to. Picking up the scent, Mr. Bojangles trailed down alleys and streets until his trail ended at the culprit’s house. He is currently serving life without parole.
Mr. Bojangles continues working to this day. When the phone rings, he is the first one to load up and hit the trails! TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2012 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
LAYLA Vizla Inducted November 2012, Hero Category Winner Owned by Jim and Sherri Glover Nominated by Dr. Cheryl Stanley
Layla, a Vizsla who loves to swim, is the 2012 winner in the hero category, which recognizes an animal who has performed an incredible act of bravery or saved a human life. Not only is Layla affectionate, outgoing and friendly, just like a typical Vizsla, but she also seems to have the uncanny ability to truly evaluate a situation.
On June 29, 2012, Jim Glover, Layla’s “daddy” and swimming partner, went out for a swim just like on any typical hot summer afternoon. Sherri, Jim’s wife, was enjoying her lunch when Layla began to bark ferociously at her. Sherri turned around to see Layla standing at the edge of the pool incessantly barking as her husband lay face-down and unconscious in the pool. Sherri administered mouth-to-mouth while anxiously waiting for EMS to arrive.
Jim was not expected to live. At a minimum, the doctors believed he would have some brain damage. After three days in the ICU, Jim came off of the respirator, breathing on his own, with no brain damage. Doctors told the Glovers that if he had been in the water for just 15 more seconds, he would not have survived. Thanks to Layla’s quick-thinking on her feet, or should I say paws, she not only gave Jim 15 seconds, she also gave him the rest of his life. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2012 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
LILLY Chow Mix Inducted November 2012, Professional Category Winner Owned by Scott Roya! Nominated by Dr. Heidi Hottinger
Lilly, a loyal companion and service dog to Scott Royall, is the 2012 winner in the professional category, which recognizes a remarkable specially trained assistance animal. Lilly entered Scott’s life in August 2001, shortly after the death of his beloved companion dog, Corby. Although Lilly was originally adopted from a local shelter as a pet, at the young age of six months, she decided that her future at the Royall household was to be more than just a pet; she was meant to be Scott’s service dog.
Within four months of being adopted and despite having received no formal training, Lilly seemed to instinctively know what was required of her as a service dog. Scott was born with cerebral palsy quadriplegic spasticity and is unable to speak except with computer-generated software. Since the usual verbal commands and hand signals used to communicate with a service dog were not possible, Lilly’s ability to connect and communicate with Scott was remarkable. She quickly learned how to move in sync with Scott’s large wheelchair and anticipate his every need. For 10 years, Lilly provided Scott with an independent way of life, constant love and devotion, only asking to be by his side in return.
Sadly, Lilly was diagnosed with bone cancer and then passed away in August 2011. Still by his side, even at the end, Lilly continued to show her love and devotion to Scott by training his new service dog, Arena. TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL FOUNDATION
2012 TEXAS ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
COLONEL German Shepard Mix Inducted December 2012, Companion Category Winner Owned by Bart Sherwood Nominated by Dr. Bryan Stuckey
Colonel, a Train A Dog-Save A Warrior Ambassador Therapy Dog (TADSAW), is the 2012 Texas Animal Hall of Fame inductee in the companion category, which recognizes an animal who has provided a special benefit to its community or human companions.
TADSAW is a program that aims to unite homeless, rescue shelter dogs with wounded warriors who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries or the aftermath of military sexual trauma in order to nurture a healing and rejuvenating bond between the two. The result is a positive, non- judgmental, unconditional relationship desperately needed by both.
Colonel himself is a victim of tragedy. A year ago, he faced euthanasia as a stray after being hit by a car that shattered his leg. He was ultimately rescued and has come out on the other side as a survivor – a three- legged survivor who, by his demeanor and joy of life, inspires wounded warriors through his contagious and courageous accomplishment of survival despite the odds.
Colonel exhibits a multitude of impressive qualities, including a keen sense of what to do under specific circumstances. With great affection, loyalty and an intuitive sensitivity, he is able to bring a soldier back to a new reality by simply placing a toy in their lap. A soldier who was a K-9 handler in Afghanistan found that the time spent with Colonel eased the pain of witnessing his “battle buddy” die in an IED explosion. A wife whose husband lost an arm and leg had not been able to cry and release her bottled up pain, anger and frustration until Colonel lent her a furry shoulder to cry on. Small children are able to better handle dealing with a parent who has lost a limb when they meet Colonel and exclaim, “Oh, Daddy, look! He has a drumstick too!”
An inspiration to hundreds of wounded warriors and a true angel among us, Colonel is able to quiet the horrors of war for these young men and women who fought for our country and help them once again find that a smile is possible and that a playful spirit still does exist somewhere deep inside them.