Every year the ASPCA honors incredible heroes—both animal and human—who demonstrate great commitment and compassion toward furry friends, our lifesaving work to rescue and assist those who need us most, and toward the betterment of animal welfare across the country. These heroes are all doing exceptional work in advancing the ASPCA’s mission of providing effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals. And in honor of all that they do to help our nation’s animals, we honored this year’s Humane Awards recipients at the 2019 Humane Awards Luncheon with Chuck Scarborough as our host. 

Read more about each of the winners below!

ASPCA Kid of the Year: Brady Snakovsky

When 10-year-old Brady Snakovsky of Strongsville, Ohio, learned that Ohio’s K9 officers could not afford potentially lifesaving, but expensive ballistic vests, he knew he had to help the brave dogs who protect and serve the public. As a result, Brady and his mom founded Brady’s K9 Fund and he committed himself to raising funds to protect the animals who so loyally protect his community. He has provided 126 vests so far and raised nearly $130,000.

ASPCA Equine Welfare Award: Tinia Creamer 

Tinia founded Heart of Phoenix (HOP), which focusses on rescue, rehabilitation and equine law enforcement training. HOP has developed innovative methods to increase equine adoption and improve the welfare of at-risk equines in this severely under-resourced area. Under Tinia’s passionate watch, HOP has saved the lives of nearly 500 horses.

ASPCA Cat Advocate of the Year: Hannah “Kitten Lady” Shaw

With nearly one million Instagram® followers, Hannah has become an influential hero for vulnerable cats, kittens and animal shelters known as “The Kitten Lady.” Hannah creates and shares her knowledge and expertise to help individuals and animal shelters elevate their efforts to save more cat lives. Hannah and her partner Andrew Marttila also operate Orphan Kitten Club, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which provides rescue and adoption services to orphaned kittens in the San Diego area. 

ASPCA Dog of the Year: Sweet Pea

A former dogfighting victim, Sweet Pea was rescued in 2015 by NJ Aid for Animals in Camden, New Jersey. Despite her brutal past, Sweet Pea maintains a friendly and playful disposition and in 2018, she was named the Official Face of Dogfighting Awareness for New Jersey. Sweet Pea’s caregiver, Kathy McGuire, oversees the Sweet Pea Fund, which raises funds for dogfighting victims and other abused and abandoned animals. Sweet Pea is an advocate for misunderstood pit bulls and survivors of dogfighting and her efforts, and the efforts of her caregiver, are helping to bust dangerous myths and stereotypes. 

ASPCA Public Service Award: Sully of America’s VetDogs

An extraordinary  Labrador Retriever, Sully was former U.S. President George H. W. Bush’s official service animal, bringing not just assistance but love and joy to the former President in the last months of his life. Trained and placed by service dog provider America's VetDogs after his Presidential service, Sully was appointed to the rank of hospital corpsman second class and now works with patients at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

ASPCA Henry Bergh Award: Felines and Canines’ Hunter Stephenson Rescue Center

Chicago-based Felines and Canines created a rescue center, The Hunter Stephenson Rescue Center, named in honor of a young animal lover who died tragically. The Center provides medical care, housing and emotional support to vulnerable cats and dogs in the Northern Alabama area to prepare them to move from overcrowded and under-resourced facilities to parts of the country where their chances of adoption are dramatically improved. Since July 2018, they have assisted nearly 2,900 dogs and cats. 

ASPCA Presidential Service Award: Isaac Mizrahi

Isaac is a world-famous fashion designer, author, performer and television icon. A long-time ASPCA supporter, he is equally a powerful voice who has shown a committed passion for animal rescue. For many years, including 2019, Isaac hosted the ASPCA Bergh Ball, a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts to save and rescue homeless, abused and neglected animals across the country.

Congratulations again to all our 2019 honorees! We hope they continue to inspire compassion and commitment in others to advocate for our furry friends and animals in need.