On Tuesday, September 1, 2009, a
noble heart was stilled. Hero died as he lived, with dignity and grace, and
surrounded by love.
The measure of a life does not depend on the number of legs walked on, but by the legacy left behind.
Hero’s legacy is his life spent in service to his community as a representative of the Albany Humane Society and his work as a Delta Society Pet Partner®. He spent 13 of his 14 years on this earth bringing smiles to the sick, the lonely and those left behind. He was always eager and happy to visit his friends, rest his great yellow head on a knee and listen. He cared for everyone without judgment. Given a second chance by the humane society, he helped raise awareness of homeless animals, promoted spaying and neutering, and taught children to be kind to all living things. A cancer survivor, Hero raised awareness of pet health.
Founder and lead dog of Paws Patrol from 1996 until 2009, Hero was named the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association Hero Dog of the Year in 2004, Delta Society Beyond Limits Pet Partners® Award in 2005 and awarded the Pedigree Paws to Recognize Canine Hero Tribute in 2006; the same year he beat cancer. Thanks to everyone in Albany and around the country who voted for him.
In April, 2010, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital CEO Joel Wernick dedicated a brick at the annual Paver Project ceremony in memory of Hero, Phoebe’s first dog volunteer.
A public memorial celebration of the life of our adopted shelter dog was held at the Albany Humane Society on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 5pm, with a blessing of the animals by Father Cross from Church of the Holy Spirit in Dawson. Many joined us and brought their pets to be blessed.
Those wishing to honor Hero's memory are asked to make a donation to the Albany Humane Society or the Delta Society® (www.deltasociety.org).
Our hearts are broken by the loss of our Hero, but our spirits are lifted knowing that this gentle soul left the world just a little bit better for his presence in it. As long as shelter dogs are adopted and the Delta Society Pet Partner® teams he left behind keep volunteering; the world will continue to be just a little bit better every day. Marty & Jeff Harris
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Paver ceremony Brick
Dedicated by CEO Joel Wernick