2008 Awards for Excellence

Animal Professional Award - Teresa Gregory, DVM
Sponsored by Feeders Supply Company

She is often called the Patron Saint of Spay and Neuter. Growing up on a farm in Eastern Kentucky, she witnessed the harsh and sometimes cruel conditions of the animals there. Resolving to do everything she could to prevent and repair the damage caused by humans to other animals, Teresa Gregory became a veterinarian.

For the past 16 years, Dr. Gregory has worked in emergency medicine and has worked closely with animal shelters and rescue groups to provide spay/neuter services to people who cannot afford regular veterinary care. In 2007 alone, she altered over 2,000 animals, sometimes working for 12 hours straight. In addition to domestic animals, Dr. Gregory is very active in wildlife rehabilitation. The skills she brings to animal welfare are extraordinary, and her tender passion for animals is demonstrated each day.

For her unwavering dedication to the health and welfare of all creatures, please join us in honoring Dr. Teresa Gregory.

Media Advocacy Award - Brian Kehl of the Elizabethtown News Enterprise
Sponsored by Feeders Supply Company

If the story has anything to do with animals, Brian Kehl has covered it in his news career. Struggling shelters, fundraising events, heroic animals, injured pets, pets needing adoption, cruelty cases, exceptional volunteers - his in-depth stories have informed and educated the public for the past 5 years.

Obviously, it takes a true animal lover to accomplish this task so well and for so many years. Brian has empowered and inspired his community to take action on behalf of homeless animals everywhere. As a result, this community has become more aware of the animals who share our lives, and taken action to ensure their welfare.

Few journalists are as committed to animal awareness as Brian Kehl. We respect and admire his talent and dedication.

Youth Service Award - Kaitlin Cheek
Sponsored by Metal Sales Manufacturing, Sellersburg, IN

Kaitlin Cheek has been actively involved in the animal rescue community since she was 8 years old. Homeless dogs, cats and rodents are still passing through her home as she rehabilitates, nurses, trains and adopts them to loving homes.

Kaitlin has volunteered for numerous organizations, spent countless hours working with needy animals, and learned much more than the typical teenager. What matters most to her are the individual animals that have touched her heart and remain etched on her memory.

“Ellie Mae” was a horribly abused and traumatized bloodhound who ran away whenever anyone approached her. Over the course of many weeks, Kaitlin worked with Ellie in her foster home, encouraging the dog with treats, a soft voice, and calm body language. Although it seemed to take forever, the day finally came when Ellie kissed Kaitlin on the nose, sat beside her and leaned. Ellie Mae was no longer considered unadoptable.

When Kaitlin was 12 years old, she was asked to raise a service dog for Paws With a Purpose. For 18 months, Kaitlin took “Beau” everywhere she went, even to school. She taught Beau about children, crowds, crossing the street, shopping, and everything a disabled person was likely to encounter. Beau was accepted into advanced training, passed his service test, and placed with Jim Walser, who is confined to a wheelchair. After this bittersweet placement, Kaitlin accepted another service dog to train.

Kaitlin is all about the human/animal bond. She walks rescue dogs every Wednesday. She has completed a 15-hour course to help evaluate dog behavior. She is involved in monthly animal transports from Pikeville KY to Chicago. She is committed to a no-kill America and respects all animals. Kaitlin Cheek is our future, and she is a hero.

Service Animal Award - Booker
Sponsored by Purrrfect Pet Bakery

Once known by his family as an untrained, obnoxious little barbarian, Booker had a long road to becoming what he is today. Adopted as a shelter puppy, Booker is now 10 years old and has become a sleek, well-trained, social and dignified therapy dog.

In 2000, Booker earned his AKC Good Citizen certificate. He was invited to visit an adult day care facility where his owner’s father was a patient. Booker engaged the patients and nurses, made them smile, and performed tricks. Booker had found his calling.

Handsome Booker completed the Delta Society’s PetPartners program in 2001 and began performing animal-assisted therapy activities. Over the past 6 years, Booker has charmed and connected with residents of hospitals, nursing homes, homeless facilities, schools and preschools, adult day care centers, and centers for the physically and mentally disabled.

Booker has enriched countless numbers of lives and is a shining example of the special work that therapy animals perform. To Booker, this isn’t work. This is what he enjoys.

In his free time, Booker enjoys Frisbee, fetching his favorite ball, and occasional trips to Dairy Queen with his owners, Ben and Diana Cook. By his example, Booker has also trained other family members in the art of therapy and service. Booker and his family are truly special individuals.

Trooper Community Service Award
Sponsored by Jeff Seidenfaden and Trooper

Michael Blowen chucked a lucrative career as a movie critic for the Boston Globe and took an early retirement to launch his lifelong dream. After hearing the shocking news that Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner, had been slaughtered for meat in Japan in 2002, Michael created a rescue for at-risk Thoroughbred racehorses.

Michael built and established Old Friends, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is committed to the rescue and dignified retirement of racehorses that need a helping hand and a safe home. This thoroughbred paradise graces Georgetown, KY, and Michael has dedicated his life to saving these horses from the horror endured by Ferdinand and countless others prior to their deaths.

Old Friends farm is open to the public for free seven days a week, 365 days a year. With daily tours, the public can meet great champions up close. Old Friends is the only retirement facility in this country that will accept stallions, which are at a higher risk for destruction. These horses are national treasures, and Michael treats them as such.

Michael Blowen gave up his whole career to pursue his dream of caring for horses that have no voice. He now spends all of his time educating, promoting, fundraising and caring for these champions. He is adamant that these noble creatures deserve a safe and healthy retirement, and we know you will agree that Michael Blowen is himself a champion. Thank you, Michael