Nominate an Animal to the Hall of Fame • View the Winners • 14th Annual Luncheon
2005 Hero
“Pooh Bear” Babcock is a very busy miniature poodle. He is a certified therapy dog with a large repertoire of tricks. With his owner, Vikki Babcock of Ringwood, he participates in dog safety education and canine care demonstrations. But it is as a household pet to Vikki and her family that Pooh Bear does his most important work. When 8-year-old Jimmy Babcock suffered a diabetic seizure while sleeping, it was Pooh Bear who alerted Vikki in time to summon emergency medical treatment that saved Jimmy from serious injury or death. Since then, Pooh Bear has learned to sense Jimmy's blood sugar levels and is able to warn him when another seizure is threatening. Pooh Bear's talent and devotion bring peace of mind to Jimmy and his entire family. Pooh Bear was nominated by Dr. E. Kurt Arnold of Ringwood Animal Hospital.
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2004 Hero
“Caesar” Papworth is a 12-year-old Boxer who is the constant companion of Jim Papworth of Tinton Falls, NJ. Caesar has the rare, innate ability to sense when Jim will have a seizure, and takes measures to protect him, summon help, and then guard him when the seizure strikes. Caesar has saved Jim’s life on many occasions, and his constant companionship allows Jim to live an active and independent life. Caesar was nominated by Dr. Mary Beth Morgan of Red Bank Veterinary Hospital.
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2003 Hero
"Dino" Donow, a 9-year-old German Shepherd. Dino is a member of the Bergen County Police Department Canine Unit and will retire later this year. Dino has had a long and distinguished career, earning the title of hero numerous times by putting his life on the line to protect the life of his partner and fellow officers.
Owner – David Donow
Veterinarian – Dr. Carol Carberry
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2002 Hero
New Jersey Task Force One. This team receives an award for their search and rescue efforts during the WTC disaster. These animals fearlessly searched through burned debris, ignoring burnt paws, cuts and other obstacles to look for survivors and victims. For their unselfish and courageous efforts, the team earned induction into the Animal Hall of Fame.
The team consists of “Ana” Atlas; “Senta” Bacalaglu; “Claire” & “Blitz” Clemmo; “Chewbacca” Holmes; “Mikey” & “Osa” LoPresti; “Nutmeg” & “Sarge” Pittore; “Argus” Rolando; "Quest” Sullivan; “Piper” Whynman Owners -- Sarah Atlas; Dan Bacalaglu; Lorrie Clemmo; Alice Holmes; Laura LoPResti; Spring & Pat Pittore; Bob Rolando; Penny Sullivan; Sonny Whynman
Veterinarians -- Drs. Karen Dashfield and Martha O'Rourke
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2001 Hero
Awarded to Mattey, a 12-year-old Lhasa Apso credited with saving both human and animal lives by alerting his owner to a fire in a 200 year-old row home. One of the things that makes Mattey's efforts so notable is that the small dog has an eye condition that has left him almost completely blind.
Owner - Ellena Marini
Veterinarian - Dr. Karen Froberg
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2000 Hero
Awarded to Gerard, a mixed breed dog. A chimney failure led to near-fatal carbon monoxide poisoning for Janet Gibbons. Living alone, Ms. Gibbons had nearly succumbed to the odorless gas. Fortunately, Gerard woke her up with persistent barking. When she awoke, Gerard led her to the basement door where she discovered the faulty furnace.
Owner - Janet Gibbons
Veterinarian - Dr. Donald Shatto
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1999 Hero
Awarded to Solo, a German Shepherd. During a police standoff in Bradley Beach last year, Solo gave his life to protect his police handler while attempting to apprehend a criminal. Solo's tragic death inspired an effort to outfit K-9 dogs with bulletproof vests, and led to the recent adoption of law increasing the penalties for killing a police dog.
Owner - Sheriff's Officer Robin Eckel
Veterinarian - Dr. Sherwood Gloth
1998 Hero
Awarded to Blackball, a nine-year-old Labrador/Husky mix. While performing his normal duties of guarding the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house at NJIT, Blackball attacked a mugger, thwarting a holdup. In the course of his heroic actions, Blackball was shot in the head, narrowly missing his brain. By fearlessly preserving the lives of his "fraternity brothers" Blackball earns Hero status.
Owner - Eric Burgos
Veterinarian - Dr. Marguerite Hoey
1997 Hero
Awarded to Chelsea, a five-year-old domestic shorthair cat. Adopted from a shelter and unnaturally shy, Chelsea had never meowed until the night her Lyn fell asleep after a busy holiday gathering and forgot to extinguish her dining room table candles. Chelsea felt the fire brewing on the table and leapt onto Lyn, meowing at the top of her lungs. Chelsea's voice awakened Lyn in time to douse the flames and save everyone from harm.
Owner - Lyn Nelson
Veterinarian - Dr. Marguerite Hoey
1996 Hero
Awarded to Ginger. An intruder broke into Ginger's home. He informed Ginger's owner that he had murdered her husband, and was now going to murder her. At that point, Ginger, a 5 lb. Pomeranian who cannot hear, has only a few teeth and was in congestive heart failure, raced to the rescue. Ginger startled the intruder by biting him on the ankle, causing him to run off.
Owner - Kathy Fornataro
Veterinarian - Dr. Harold Blumenthal