2009 Minnesota Animal Hall of Fame Awards

MVMA Animal Hall of Fame Awards

To celebrate and recognize the important link between animals and humans, the MVMA awarded three exceptional animals at the 2010 annual convention.  The Animal Hall of Fame added Hero, Companion and Professional animals to its list of inductees this year.

 Professional Animal of the Year (Animals especially trained to assist humans)– Cody (dog)

Cody is a professionally trained dog that provides assistance to his owner, Ms. Annie Kraft.  Ms. Kraft has been deaf her entire life.  Cody is trained to alert Annie to five sounds: an alarm clock, telephone, door knock, intruder, and smoke alarm.  Cody has made a dramatic difference in Annie’s life, and has even made Annie much more confident and independent.  It is extraordinary how Cody is able to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing.  Cody is even able to alert Annie to sounds he has not been trained for.  Cody takes his job very seriously, but is also Annie’s best friend and companion.

Congratulations to Cody in receiving the Professional Animal of the Year Award.

Companion Animal of the Year (Animals who have provided a benefit to their human companions or their community)– Lily (cat)

Lilly is an 8 year old cat.  She has been a wonderful friend at the Benedictine Health Center at Innsbruck and has taken part in the pet therapy program and in comforting patients.  Lilly has shown everyone around her the power of the human-animal bond.  Lilly has been described by patients and families at the Benedictine Health Center as an ‘angel’ and a ‘miracle’.  Her companionship has been invaluable to numerous people there.

Congratulations to Lily in receiving the Companion Animal of the Year Award. 

Hero Animal of the Year (Animals who have saved or preserved human life) – Boomer (dog)

Boomer is a K9 dog with the St. Paul police department.  Boomer was injured in April 2009 in the line of duty.  He was shot in the process of apprehending a suspect during a dangerous deployment by the police.  While fighting with the suspect Boomer was shot in the face, causing severe damage and bleeding while Boomer continued to hold onto the suspect.  It is believed that Boomer’s efforts that day saved the lives of five police officers.  Boomer bravely survived his severe injury, but was forced to retire from police work soon after.  He continues to live with Officer Patrick Murphy, and his loyalty & bravery as a K9 officer is remembered and appreciated by fellow officers and the community.

Congratulations to Boomer in receiving the Hero Animal of the Year Award.

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