Colorado Animal Heroes Awards Ceremony 2011

Tuesday, October 5, 2011 • CSU Animal Cancer Center

DENVER - Colorado’s Animal Heroes is an annual awards program of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation (CVMF) that celebrates the human-animal bond by recognizing animal heroes as well as individuals who have profoundly helped make Colorado a better place for animals and people.

In attendance this year, from the CSU Animal Cancer Center, Drs. Stephen Withrow, Christine Hardy and Bob Provopulos were honored to attend and give support to the award recipients. Several of the awardees have connections to the Animal Cancer Center and Colorado State University.

Human-Animal Bond Award
Mike Blake was presented with this award for his exceptional bond he had with his Yellow Labrador Retriever named Jake. Mike noticed a small lump near his left wrist in 2009, it was hard and growing fast. The diagnosis of cancer, specifically soft tissue sarcoma came as a shock in this otherwise healthy Yellow Labrador. Worse yet was the news the cancer had already spread to Jake’s lymph nodes. The option of amputation and chemotherapy carried a best case prognosis of only a few months. Mike then learned about the liposomal clodronate clinical trial at the ACC that showed promise against this type of cancer.

Jake and his owners enjoyed nearly two more years of adventures in Colorado thanks to this new treatment and Mike’s dedication to Jake. This treatment is now offering hope to other dogs.

Learn more about Jake’s amazing journey.

Youth Animal Advocate
Diagnosed at age 6 with a brain tumor, Allison was faced with many challenges. Upon completion of her treatment she requested a dog who became a very good friend. She had the great idea to pair dogs with other kids with cancer.Now in 2011, she is cancer free and has started a not-for-profit, with her mother and sister, called the Stink Bug Project, selling dog biscuits and using the proceeds to purchase companion dogs from the training program at the Colorado Corrections Program for other children with cancer. Right before her last chemotherapy treatment she drew a picture of a Stink Bug to help her symbolize and say “bye-bye” to the yucky side effects.

Dr. Stephen Withrow first met Allison at Sky High Hope Camp where he has been volunteering for 28 years. This is a wonderful place where some very special kids get to be just that - - kids. Children with cancer and their siblings get to experience a camp just for them run by an all-volunteer staff the second week in July. Take a look to learn about the magic of this great camp.

To purchase “Bye-Bye Stink Bug Biscuits” online and a list of participating stores or to donate, visit: www.stinkbugproject.org.

Animal Welfare Volunteer
Dr. Heather Weir has always had a strong connection to greyhounds and felt that the plight of retired racing greyhounds was now being addressed strongly enough. She is being recognized for her determination and hard work through Almost Home for Hounds, a greyhound rescue where she spends much of her time when she is not teaching at Colorado State University. She ensures that all dogs are ready for their forever home by providing the necessary veterinary care including spay or neuter, dental cleaning, vaccinations, heartworm testing and microchip placement. Her facility ensures each greyhound is very well taken care for and finds a good home. At CSU Dr. Weir is an Assistant Professor of Surgery and is primarily responsible for teaching veterinary students the basic surgical skills they will need to enter practice such as spay and neuter operations.

Human Hero Award
Colorado State University’s own Dr. Temple Grandin was recognized for her outstanding achievements in improving food animal handling. As a young woman with autism, she developed a unique bond with animals. “Animals saved her,” Grandin says. In turn, she has vastly improved the lives of food animals with her insights into behavior and the innovations in humane livestock handling. She has built her career over more than 20 years lecturing on animal behavior and currently teaches at Colorado State University.

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