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Cassius: NJVMA Hall of Fame HERO

Serving New Jersey & S.E. PA

Kibbles and bits of praise for special canines

by Joan Lowell Smith

Wednesday March 12, 2008, 4:06 PM

A favorite upbeat event is the annual New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association's animal Hall of Fame Awards luncheon.

Attendance at the gathering, held on March 2, the final day of the organization's annual convention at Hamilton Park Conference Center in Florham Park, was the highest ever -- with more than 350 people crammed into the ballroom. Extra tables and chairs were necessary to accommodate the overflow.

Barry Adler, the association’s outgoing president, summed up the reason for the event: "We honor animals that exemplify the strength and value of the human-animal bond."

For 13 years, veterinarians have nominated animals they deem worthy of an award in the categories of hero, companion, therapy and professional.

On the program Suzanne Smith, founder and chairwoman of the event, began by introducing emcee Brian Voynick, host of "Pet Stop" on News 12 New Jersey.

Next on the agenda was Kim Farina of Madison , who represents Hill's Pet Nutrition, the main sponsor of the awards. Farina asked the assembled vets and their guests: "Did you know that half of those participating in a survey said if stranded on a desert island, they'd prefer the company of their animal to their human?"

The question drew peals of laughter from the audience before she settled down to extol the emotional benefits of owning a pet and the unconditional love a pet provides.

Following Farina, Voynick introduced the keynote speaker, another Smith .¤.¤. me. I focused on the powerful impact veterinarians have on clients and pets -- by reflecting on vets who have cared for my pets. After my remarks, which neither cleared the room nor brought audible snoring, it was time to salute the winners.

EDITED…..due to length of article complete article may be viewed here:  http://www.nj.com/homegarden/homestories/index.ssf/2008/03/kibbles_and_bits_of_praise_for.html

Hero: Cassius Clay, a brindle pit bull, received top honors for saving 16 other dogs' lives -- as a frequent blood donor. Nominated by Larry Wolf, of Willingboro Vet Clinic, the friendly pit is owned by Jennifer Nixon of Willingboro .

Accepting the award, Nixon said, "Everyone loves him when he comes to give blood every three months." Cassius remains still for five minutes while blood is drawn, without a problem, she said.

For his reward, Nixon said with a laugh, "No orange juice for him. We take him to McDonald's for a cheeseburger!"

Again, I was allowed to pet the sweet dog, which was another reminder that pit bulls make wonderful pets when treated with love and kindness.

Joan Lowell Smith's "Concerning Animals" column appears every Thursday in The Star-Ledger.

PHOTOS <LEFT

AND

RIGHT> TAKEN

AT THE INDUCTION CEREMONY

PHOTOS: <LEFT

Needle being

inserted at the beginning of Cassius' Blood Donation

RIGHT>

Needle just removed.  Pressure is being applied to the donation

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