Nominate an Animal to the Hall of Fame • View the Winners • 13th Annual Luncheon

Inductees: Companion Category

2005 Companion
When Liz Bungo of Morris Plains got her Rottweiler, Katie, 12 years ago she had little idea what an impact the dog would make on her life. Seven years later Liz received a devastating diagnosis – breast cancer. Throughout months of treatment and recovery even the most supportive friends and family could not be there every minute. But Katie could. This previously active dog refused to leave Liz's side for more than the few moments it took to go outside once or twice a day. When Liz could take walks, Katie slowed her pace to match. When Liz was too weak to carry even the mail, Katie learned to do that, too. To this day, Katie rarely takes her eyes off Liz. The bond between them is evident to all. Now, Liz is repaying Katie for that devotion. In the last year and a half Katie has survived surgery for a cancerous jawbone, chemotherapy; a fractured vertebra and pancreatitis. Through it all Liz has been there for Katie, as Katie was for her. Katie was nominated by Dr. Renee Al-Sarraf of Animal Emergency and Referral Associates in Fairfield.

2004 Companion
“Sherlock” Queenan, a 14-year-old Beagle owned by Cathy and Ed Queenan and their family, of Cranford, NJ. Sherlock has been a constant in the ever-changing life of a family wracked by the loss of a son and grandfather, and a welcoming presence when the Queenans opened their home as a host family for children from developing countries with serious medical problems. Sherlock was nominated by Dr. Ronald Swist of the Westfield Animal Hospital.

2003 Companion
“Baxter” McCarthy, a five-year-old Pekingese. Baxter was abandoned after being hit by a car, leaving him permanently paralyzed in his back legs. Now able to get around thanks to a doggie cart, Baxter demonstrates an incredible zest for life, participates in charity work, and teaches others about unconditional love, forgiveness, joy and acceptance.

Owner -- Pam McCarthy
Veterinarian – Dr. Jennifer Feeney

2002 Companion
Awarded to “Murphy”, an 8 year old African Grey parrot who illustrates that the human-animal bond is a powerful motivator. She provides comfort and motivation to her owner, Linda, on her “bad days” as Linda has multiple sclerosis. She also gives Linda’s mom, Florence, who is afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease, reason to get up in the morning and smile. Murphy’s personality, antics and sensitivity have even helped Florence eliminate her need for medication to control her mood swings and depression. Murphy is the first bird to ever be inducted into the NJVF Animal Hall of Fame.

Owner: - Linda Schiavello
Veterinarian: - Dr. Warren Briggs

2001 Companion
Awarded to Sheena, a three-year-old lab and golden retriever mix. Sheena is the constant companion of 82-year-old Virginia Uhl whom she showers with love and offers friendly greetings each morning. Sheen was also able to help Virginia lift herself up one day from the ground when she fell outdoors. Family members say that Sheena gives Virginia purpose each day.

Owner - Doreen Schiano
Veterinarian - Dr. Don Shatto

 
2001 Companion (Posthumous)
Awarded to Chie, an Arabian horse, owned by Mary Lee Fulcher. Together they shared a special bond and served together as volunteers for the Gladstone Equestrian Association.

Owner - Mary Lee Fulcher
Veterinarian - Dr. David Migliaccio

2000 Companion
Awarded to Thor, a three-year-old German Shepherd. Thor is a trained assistance dog and constant companion to Cynthia Good, who is confined to a wheelchair. With Thor's help and devotion, Cynthia is able to manage her household alone. Thor's chores include carrying the laundry basket, getting the phone, turning the lights on and off, and opening doors.

Owner - Cynthia Good
Veterinarian - Dr. Suzanne Smith

1999 Companion
Awarded to Casey, a four-year-old Golden Retriever. Casey is the constant companion to Andrew Huzar, who is confined to a wheelchair. Casey's devotion to Andrew helps him enjoy activities such as kayaking and touring the rugged hills of western New Jersey, and playing in the yard.

Owner - The Huzar family
Veterinarian - Dr. Suzanne Smith

1999 Companion (Posthumous)
Awarded to Bagel, a Bichon Frisse. Bagel exemplified the loyal qualities that make dogs "man's best friend." Bagel was a faithful watchdog, cheered a husband and a son through recuperation from surgeries and helped a young child overcome his fear of dogs.

Owner - The Sachs family
Veterinarian - Dr. Cheri Smith

1998 Companion
Awarded to Pumpkin, a four-year-old pitbull mix. Suffering from malnutrition and with a fractured pelvis, broken jaw and both front legs crushed, Pumpkin was abandoned and left to die in 1994. Overcoming her horrific injuries, she brings joy to all who know her.

Owner - Deborah Cullere
Veterinarian - Dr. Jerome Berkowitz

1997 Companion
Awarded to Ginger, a 10-year old English Setter. Ginger is the constant companion of Joan Boucher, who is severely crippled by cerebral palsy. Ginger is with Joan 24 hours a day and will help her get up from the floor when she is not able to manage as well as retrieve items for her. In addition to providing physical assistance, Ginger gives Joan a healthy attitude and complete devotion, demonstrating the true meaning of "companion."

Owner - Joan Boucher
Veterinarian - Dr. Sandra Fargher

1996 Companion (Posthumous)
Awarded to Medusa, a 10 year-old black and tan Doberman. She dispelled the myth that Dobermans are aggressive, dangerous dogs through her service in helping human companions cope with terminal illness of the loss of their own pets. Medusa's unconditional love, her devotion to humans, and her uncanny ability to sense the needs of her human companions earned her this award.

Owner - Kathy Priest Esser
Veterinarian - Dr. Mark Esser

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