Byram bloodhound chosen for NJ Animal Hall of Fame induction
STANHOPE — Ripley, a 9 1/2-year-old bloodhound with a long career as a search and rescue dog, was nominated for the 21st Annual New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association Animal Hall of Fame by Michael Flora and Dr. Carlos Abdul-Chani of Byram Animal Hospital in Stanhope.
In addition to Ripley, the NJVMA Animal Hall of Fame committee has selected a black lab, two cats, a red-tailed hawk, and a Hereford calf for induction into the Animal Hall of Fame.
"It is an honor to acknowledge those animals and people that inspired us to share their stories and to recognize the role that veterinarians play in strengthening the human-animal bond," said Dr. Peter Falk, Chair of the Animal Hall of Fame Committee.
"This year's inductees are exemplary animals that have made significant contributions to those around them," he added.
A loyal friend and dedicated service dog, a highly-skilled search and rescue dog, a pair of loving therapy cats, a handicapped red-tailed hawk, and an abandoned Hereford calf will all be honored on March 13 with induction into the Animal Hall of Fame.
"Because of the internet and social media, stories involving the human-animal bond now reach well beyond state and even national boundaries, and have the potential to prompt action on a global scale," Dr. Falk said.
RIPLEY: Ripley, 9½, is a female bloodhound with a long career as a search and rescue dog. Along with assisting local law enforcement, Ripley participates in demonstrations for community service and outreach organizations. Ripley was nominated by Michael Flora and Dr. Carlos Abdul-Chani of Byram Animal Hospital in Stanhope.
MERRY AND DEAN: Merry, 12, and Dean, 5, are certified therapy cats. This loving pair of domestic shorthair cats work with the therapy group Creature Comforts and visit senior living facilities throughout the state, including the Woodlands Senior Living Center in Plainfield, NJ. Merry and Dean were nominated by Christine Clairmont and Dr. Nicole Cilli of Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls, Monmouth County.
FORTY-SUE: Abandoned at birth, Forty-Sue, 7 mos., was given a second chance at life after being donated to Future Farmers of America. She is now a part of the family at Phillipsburg High School's Agricultural Education Program. Forty-Sue was nominated by Greg Babbitt and Dr. Bruce Frey of Alpha Veterinary Care, Warren County.
TROOPER: Trooper, a red-tailed hawk, was left with one eye after an injury he received as a young bird. Now, at 22 years old, Trooper is an integral part of the educational program at the Avian Wildlife Center in Wantage. Trooper was nominated by Giselle Smisko and Dr. Karen Bullock of Wantage Veterinary Hospital, Sussex County.
TYAK: Tyak, 7, is a black Labrador service dog. Tyak assists Bryan Rebimbas, a 14-year-old with cerebral palsy and autism, with daily activities, and offers unwavering companionship. Tyak was nominated by Marissa and Anthony Rebimbas and Dr. Charlotte Read-Kydd of Flemington Veterinary Hospital, Hunterdon County.
The New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (NJVMA), founded in 1884, is a professional association representing the state's licensed veterinarians.
The NJVMA is dedicated to advancing the veterinary profession in New Jersey. For more information, visit njvma.org
The Animal Hall of Fame was established by the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association to publicly celebrate the human-animal bond. More than 100 animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and birds, have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Visit the Hall of Fame page at njvma.org/animal-hall-of-fame/ for more details, including video footage of past award winners.