To celebrate the enduring link between animals and people, the MVMA has awarded 3 exceptional animals. The Minnesota Animal Hall of Fame added Hero, Companion and Professional Animal inductees. This was a great opportunity to promote public awareness or contributions domestic animals give and showcase extraordinary patients and clients.

   Our recipient of the Hero Award is Sam owned by Officer Andy Stender. The Hero Award is

given to animals that have saved or preserved human life. Officer Stender was called to go in to an active crime scene with his dog Sam. Sam was trained for this kind of work and led the way. In the process of the work, Sam was stabbed in his shoulder and was transported to the College of Veterinary Medicine for surgery and special care. Sam recovered from his injuries but was disabled to the point he was no longer able to work and retired from active support with his partner Officer Stender. Retirement was not easy for Sam or Officer Stender. A new canine partner was trained and Officer Stender continued his ongoing work on crime scenes. 

   A video of Sam was shown. Sam received the MVMA Hero award for his act of bravery and his focus on the task that had to be done. The award was presented posthumously since Sam died in 2002. Congratulations Sam and Officer Stender!

   Our recipient of the Professional Animal Award is Heidi, a horse owned by Wendy Pressnall. The Professional Animal Award is given to animals that are especially trained to assist humans.

   Heidi is a 27-year-old Arabian mare who has trained, competed and served in a variety of equestrian activities. Heidi has served for the last ten years on the Dakota County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol. Her calm demeanor and willingness to work has made her an exemplary mount.

   She has always been the first horse on the patrol chosen whether for public relations or search and rescue. She stands quietly when swarmed by adoring children at events and leads the way through rough terrain and obstacles. With her help, several other horses have managed the difficulties inherent in the training and work required of a patrol horse. Heidi showed her outstanding abilities when she took first place in the difficult obstacle course competition at the 2000 Three Rivers Mounted Patrol Training and Competition, despite the fact that this was her first competition of this type and she competed against many professional mounts.

   Heidi and her owner, Wendy Pressnall, have been a team for 24 years, literally since the two were born. Wendy has shown Heidi and competed through 4-H in English, Western Pleasure, Jumping and Gaming. Following in the footsteps of her mother, Wendy has been a member of the Mounted Patrol for 6 years. The Mounted Patrol is a unique service to the Sheriff acting as an extension of the eyes and ears of the department. On horseback, a mounted team can cover more distance than an officer on foot can and the visibility added by being on horseback is significant. Congratulations Heidi and Wendy!

Inducted into the Minnesota Animal Hall of Fame for the Companion Animal Award is Sonnata, owned by Diane Moyer. The Companion Animal Award is given to animals that have provided a benefit to their human companions or their community.

   Sonnata is a wonderful dog that is truly an ideal companion for owner Diane Moyer, and for the community. Her gentleness, love and compassion are easily demonstrated as soon as you come in contact with her. People are immediately attracted to Sonnata and she welcomes their greeting with much love, eagerness and humility.

   Sonnata has been a registered therapy dog with Therapy Dogs, Incorporated since 1995 and has been on numerous visits to nursing homes, hospitals, memory care homes and schools where she has provided the ill, the aged and students with lots of unconditional love, smiles, companionship and tricks.

   Sonnata has been a volunteer in Heritage Animal Hospital’s Community Outreach Programs: “Friends of the Elderly & Fuzzy Friends for Kids” for 2 years, participating in regular nursing home and school visits. In addition, she recently assisted Dr. Silverstein in a special educational presentation at Camp Greenwood in Buffalo. This presentation helped the Cadettes earn their “Silver Award”. Of course, Sonnata was wearing Diane’s “vintage” Girl Scout sash with its merit badges and beret.

   Diane and Sonnata are an outstanding team who epitomize the human animal bond and their service to the community. Congratulations Sonnata and Diane!