October 10, 2025 • 18 mins
On location at the Plaza Hotel in NYC with this year’s recipients of the ASPCA’s Humane Awards, definitely one of the most heartfelt events in animal welfare!
EPISODE NOTES: Live from the ASPCA 2025 Humane Awards
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EPISODE NOTES: Live from the ASPCA 2025 Humane Awards
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rappaport-to-the-rescue-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667849/support.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
This is Pet Life Radio. Let's talk Pets.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Rapaport to the Rescue with award winning animal advocate, best
selling author, journalist and pet products creator Jill Rappaport.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Welcome to Rappaport to the Rescue. I'm Jill Rappaport on
location for such an incredible, heartwarming event, definitely one of
my favorite of the year. It is the ASPCA Humane
Awards year nineteen and I have to tell you that
there is not a dry eye in the house after
(00:42):
these awards are presented. It is so heartwarming honoring people
and animals who have truly changed the landscape and have
helped saved countless animals all over the country. So while
we come back, I'm going to give you a little
sneaky of what's going on here and we will interview
(01:03):
the winners of this year's nineteenth annual ASPCA Humane Awards.
You must stay tuned for this, so please get out
your box of tissues. You are gonna need it.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
You know the expression cats have nine lives? Well, what
if you can give them one more? But give them ten?
Movement is on a mission to help give cats an
extra life. How with Spae and Neoter Spain or Nootering
your cat helps them live a longer, healthier life, and
it helps control free roaming cat populations too. Learn more
(01:41):
about the benefits of spee and neoter and meet Scooter,
the neutered cat at give Them ten dot org. That's
give them ten dot org.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Let's talk past.
Speaker 3 (01:54):
Let's done talk radio Headline.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
Radio atlin radio dot com.
Speaker 3 (02:06):
Welcome back to Rappaport to the Rescue. You. I'm Joe Rappaport.
You heard the intro. This is one of the most heartwarming,
amazing animal events of the year, the ASPCA Humane Awards.
You're nineteen and I am so thrilled and honored to
be with the one and only legendary newscaster Chuck Scarborough. Now,
you have been the base for this event for.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Years, shut a long long time, and this is my
favorite event of the year. This is such a special
event because this is looking around the nation at who
is doing the best job with animals and special animals
that deserve our praise and thanks, and just to see
these videos that are put together, bring these people together
and honor them for their wonderful work. This year is
going to be a special one. I think we have
(02:45):
some really great honoisis.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
You know we say that every year, and every year
I use up more tissue.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
I don't I know.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
This is definitely a two tissue lunch.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
And not only animals and people, but kids.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
We have a little boy this year, and make your
rope Bollia cheer up. Just tell me this. But this
little boy, as far as possession, was a skateboard. His
most cherished possession, loved his skateboard. And he was out
in the park and he saw some boys abusing a kitten,
tossing it around, and he walked up there, tried to
get them to stop, and finally offered them his skateboard
(03:19):
to trade for the kitten. Oh to the kitten home,
And I think it's just the most remarkable thing for
an eight year old to do.
Speaker 3 (03:26):
Unbelievable, the insight about animal welfare, and the kitten was
in really bad shape and the family paid for all
of the injuries to make the kits the great shape again.
It's just the best feel good story, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
And you go late year old boy to a two
time super Bowl champion who have an epiphany on his
honeymoon and is doing great things for animals. So there
are some pretty natural moments today.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
Well, Chuck, you are just incredible em seeing this event
every year. Your heart and soul is in it.
Speaker 1 (03:54):
This is such a great organization because it has vin
since eighteen sixty six, has been fighting this battle against
amy cruelty and it's out there on the front lines,
both rescuing animals, getting their perpetrators the justice and they're rehabilitating.
The end, it's getting them reintroduced into society. Most of
them can be.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Yeah, absolutely, all they need is that second chance for
a new life. Chucks Garborough, thank you so much, so
great to see you and again knock them dead. And
now this is such an honor for me to be
with the Dogs of the Year. This is such a
coveted award for dogs who have truly made a difference
in animal welfare. And this year we get a Twofer.
(04:31):
It's Realpie and Vivian. Sadly Vivian has passed away, but
their pet parents Michelle pick is here and I know
this is such an incredible day for you.
Speaker 5 (04:43):
It really is. What an amazing honor this is to
have the ASPCA honor our dogs, those Dogs of the
Year and all the work that the ASPCA does, all
year lung is incredible. So for them to recognize our
sweet dogs is pretty amazing.
Speaker 3 (04:58):
Tell us about Ralphie and Vivian and why they were
selected for this very coveted honor.
Speaker 5 (05:04):
Absolutely, Well, there are both therapy dogs. They've done a
lot of work in a variety of different areas. So
Vivian has supported several individuals through their breast cancer treatment
and been an incredible support for for them along the way.
She was actually raised in prison. They were both rescue dogs.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Both.
Speaker 5 (05:22):
I've done clinical and non clinical animals to sed intervention
work as therapy dogs with Rowan University and support first
responders and students in crisis and a little bit of everybody.
So it's been pretty amazing along the way. Vivian was
also used to visit at the Philadelphia around McDonald House
for kids that were terminally ill and supported them through
(05:44):
that as well.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
Well, you know, I'm just looking at Ralphie. He's so beautiful.
How is Ralphie doing since the loss of Vivian. He
is handling it.
Speaker 5 (05:53):
He certainly has gotten a little bit clingier with us
that he just wants to be with us at all times,
which works out well because he it's the big spot
in the bed now. But he certainly has adapted, but
it's been an adjustment.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
Yeah, it's so sad. But Michelle, what you are doing
is such incredible work. Why did you want to do this?
Why did you want to get these dogs involved in
such an important cause?
Speaker 5 (06:16):
Well, really, it's what the dogs want. It's important that
they like the job that they have. I could want
it for them all I want, but the most important
thing is that this is what they love, and being
therapy dogs is something they absolutely.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
Love to do.
Speaker 5 (06:29):
They love to interact with people, whether they've met them
before or not. They're very empathetic, and I guess maybe
that's part of it too, is I'm a very empathetic person,
So it works out well to be able to feel
good about being there for others. And so having this
opportunity through the ASPCA to honor them really is a
great opportunity to get the word out too that this
(06:50):
is what rescue dogs can bring to your life into
other people's lives as well. So it's really a special
honor so beautifully put. And I know that Vivi is
looking down from heaven thinking good for us.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
Right, it really is.
Speaker 5 (07:05):
She has been absolutely incredible. So to be able to
honor her at the end of her life for all
the work that she's done throughout her life, and as
an extra special honor that she was there for my
best friend Kristen Dedanovias, she bought breast cancer and the
two of them I love dearly, so for them both
to be sort of looking down now and seeing this
(07:28):
special honor today is pretty wonderful.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
Congratulations and thank you so much. Michelle. Well Now, I
am really excited to introduce you to this Citizen Hero
Award recipient because this wonderful guy and I have so
much in common. We are all about the seniors. Steve
Grig First of all, congratulations and so great to see you.
We specialize in all, don't we.
Speaker 6 (07:52):
Absolutely yes, absolutely, I've been adopting senior dogs for about
fourteen years now.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
Tell us about this honor well deserved. This man has
opened up his heart and home to super seniors. We
are bonded over there, right, absolutely, absolutely yeah.
Speaker 6 (08:07):
I started adopting seniors about fourteen years ago, and from
the first one on it was like a game changer
for me. It's just like I knew that's what I
wanted to do. These dogs are so grateful and bring
so much joy to my life.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
And you left the business world, I believe were you.
I didn't count.
Speaker 6 (08:22):
I was an accountant and I retired last year and
then I moved from Denver to Ohio and I bought
a big old mansion that needs restoring, and that's what
I've been doing. And it's great because there's so much
room for the dogs and me and you know, out
in the backyard, and the dogs love it and I
love it.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
And on Instagram, you can't watch one of your videos
without tearing up. Tell us about how many super seniors
you have right now?
Speaker 6 (08:45):
Right now? I have nine. I just had a little
one pass away about a month ago, and I've already
adopted the one in his honor. So yeah, I've got
nine dogs and a pig and cats and chickens and
turkeys and everything else.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
And all about the seniors, All about the.
Speaker 6 (08:59):
Seniors, Bold go Old.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
That's absolutely true.
Speaker 6 (09:03):
Yes, yes, I mean I couldn't have this many dogs
if they weren't seniors. But they're calm and they're relaxed.
They're just ready to do what you want to do.
So it's easy to have a bunch of them.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
I always say they'd rather lay on the couch than
eat the couch. I love that for that, all right,
that is perfect. What about this honor today? This is
one of the most coveted awards.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
Yeah, it's very humbling, but this is what I would
be doing anyway. You know what I mean, because it
makes me so happy.
Speaker 6 (09:27):
But I'm glad that getting this award hopefully will make
more senior dogs get appreciated and recognized and hopefully adopted.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
Yes, Steve, you're amazing. Thank you well from the man
who saves the super seniors to this year's Kid of
the Year award. You heard Chuck Scarborough talk about this
amazing young.
Speaker 4 (09:45):
Man Zay and Berry.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
I can't even believe that you're eight years old, zay
In and look at this award. How are you feeling today?
He's nine? Now, Oh you're nine, Okay, nine years old? Well,
you're all grown up. How does it feel to receive
this amazing award from the ASPCA?
Speaker 7 (10:02):
I feel good?
Speaker 3 (10:03):
What makes it so special for you, Zayan? I get
have my own cat and I got to hang out
with him, that's right, And it was all because of
this cat that you saved that was being mishandled by
other young children, and you had the wherewithal you knew,
Zam that that was not right for Yes, how did
(10:26):
you tell those young kids don't do that to that cat?
I d that I gave them my skateboard. You gave
up your skateboard to educate these young kids about what
the right thing to do is for animals. Why was
that important for you so he could have a good
life and grow up and have a peaceful life and
(10:46):
not get hits throom Ah, Zayan, You're amazing. And now
the cat and you took care of them medically. Now
I'm here with Zan's mom, Rihanna Berry. You must be
so proud. What an amazing example that this young man,
your son, nine years old, has set. Yes, Yes, very
proud of him, very proud of him.
Speaker 8 (11:07):
And how about the fact that he came up with
this idea when he saw this cat being abused. What
do you think it was about him that made him
think I've got to give up something that means so
much to me to save this animal. I honestly don't
even think he thought of that. It was more saving
the kid. He's an animal lover, he's a people lover.
He just you know, materialistic stuff to them is nothing
(11:29):
compared to a living thing. You know, to him, animals
are family. We have animals, They've grown up with animals,
so to them, it's family.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
And what about this cat? What happened because of your son?
This cat is amazing, it is it is his best friend.
He's lovers to everybody. He's great to have around. And
he wouldn't have been here if it wasn't for your son.
Speaker 7 (11:50):
No, I don't think he would have made it the
way he was when we got him and rescued him,
and the respiratory infection, of how severe his breathing was
and his eye damage.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
I mean he did lose his eye because of it.
Just amazing. You know, if it wasn't for Zane, the
cap probably would not.
Speaker 4 (12:07):
Have made it.
Speaker 3 (12:08):
Saying you are a true hero and congratulations again on
this major award today. Well from a super kid to
a super athlete, this year's Public Service Award goes to
none other than a two time Super Bowl champion, Logan Ryan.
What is this award like to be able to receive
one of the most coveted awards in animal welfare?
Speaker 4 (12:31):
You know, it's amazing and it's truly surprising. I didn't
lobby for it. I just was going about my business
in terms of see something, do something. That's kind of
how my story comes about, of helping animals while being
a player. Making that my call is highlighting everyone that
works in the field. And I just hope people know
that this awards for all the shelter workers and the
volunteers out there, but.
Speaker 3 (12:52):
Somebody of your set you can really raise awareness. And
that's so important because when people see you do it,
logan yeah, and then it reminds them what they should
be doing.
Speaker 4 (13:02):
I think everyone can make a difference. I don't win
the award if it's not for my wife. My wife
took a job as a shelter worker, making very little,
you know, very minimum to low wage, working hard hours,
seeing tough things every single day, sweeping kennels quite literally.
So I would just volunteer some of my time to
spend with her and take pictures of the animals and
help them get adopted it and then my kids volunteer
(13:23):
as well. So I don't care if you want two
Super Bowls or you're seven years old like my son is.
You can still make a difference for animals lives.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
And how about without their players. Have you convinced your teammates.
Speaker 6 (13:34):
To do the same.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
Absolutely, they know they better adopt and don't shop, or
I won't talk to them never again. I guess some
rough tat Absolutely. So I've fielded a lot of phone
calls on dog whispering advice. I think they think I'm
an animal trainer.
Speaker 1 (13:48):
My wife is.
Speaker 4 (13:49):
I put the phone on her on the phone, but
I've had a lot of questions from where to adopt,
to how to teach my dog, you know, how to
lay down, and all those things in between. So I
think everyone in the NFL I thought I was their
dog whisper.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
Well, isn't it good to know that after this career
you're could have a second one.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
There you go, right, and this is a lifelong passion.
This doesn't stop. And we still volunteer at our local
shelter in Tampa monthly with our kids.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
What a stellar example you are and what an example
you've set for so many across this country. Congratulations. Nice
meeting you too. And now the recipient of the ASPCA
Henry Berg Award this year, going to the South Carolina
Law Enforcement Division sled Ronde Devil. Great to have you
here in congratulations. How are you feeling, Oh, it.
Speaker 4 (14:36):
Feels pretty good. It's nice to get recognized for the
hard work of the agency. Yes, we have a dog
fighting unit, but it's a unit that relies upon every
other unit within SLED that participations in the investigations. To
you for successful welcome.
Speaker 3 (14:49):
The numbers of animals you've said. I almost want to
say to you, I wish one day you're on a
business because we don't want to have to see this
go on anymore.
Speaker 4 (14:58):
Oh no, absolutely, I mean, you know you do some
of these in word does get out and like a
true criminals, they change your habits, they change the way
they do things, and it's this matters thing on top
of them.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
And you know, work gets out to the community, and
you know, we get more and.
Speaker 4 (15:10):
More tips from people who will see something that's not
right and they'll they'll send a tip our way.
Speaker 3 (15:14):
What is the thing you're the proudest of everything you've
done with animals and animal welfare. What's the thing that
really resonates with your heart.
Speaker 4 (15:22):
I think if you can take one of those dogs
and rehabilitate it and adopted, that help where the dog
has a chance to live in real life rather than
one being chained up or used for fighting.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
Continued amazing work. I know that it's so heard warming
and it's also very emotional redraining for you well Ron,
congratulations again and continues success for you and Sled.
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
And finally, the President and CEO of the ASPCA, Matt Orshaker. Matt,
this is by far my favorite event every year. There
is never time I don't leave without going through many tissues.
Speaker 4 (15:59):
I think it's the animals, right, the stories, the love
of the companionship that they bring into our lives. It's inspiring,
it's motivating. It reminds us of how important connection is.
That reminds us of how important love and compassion is,
and that's what this event's about. It's about demonstrating love
for animals and animals love for us and the power
of that human animal bond. And quite frankly, it's not
(16:22):
that hard because there's so many examples of incredible people
doing incredible things on behalf of animals. It's inspiring and
it gives me lots of hope that we are going
to solve this problem and there will be a day
when dog fighting is eradicated. There will be a day
when puppy bills are gone. There will be a day
when animals take their rightful place in our society and
are treated with the reverence, the respect, and the love
that they deserve.
Speaker 3 (16:43):
And you know, Matt, the times we're living in now,
this world, A country is so divided, but animal welfare
is the one area that knows no divide.
Speaker 4 (16:53):
I'm so glad you said that. I mean, we have
one of our winners today is the South Carolina Law
Enforcement Division. Henry brick Master, who is the governor South Carolina,
is as red as they come. And he's the first
governor that I know of who has committed resources and
himself to ridding the state of South Carolina of dogfighting.
So that just tells you this is not a left issue,
This is not a right issue. This is a human issue.
(17:15):
And in many ways, I hope it has the power
to bring this country back together because because I think
a lot of people are very worried about the ideological
division that is kind of consuming our entire country.
Speaker 3 (17:27):
But isn't it nice to have an event like this
where we don't have to think left right. We're just
for the animals, which is always what's.
Speaker 4 (17:35):
Right, We're just for the animals, and we say a
lot of the ASPCA. We put the animals at the
center of every decision we make, and we won't make
a wrong decision. And that's what we do with this event.
Speaker 3 (17:44):
Well, Matt again, congratulations, Thank you, Joe. Well, that's a
wrap for this year's ASPCA Humane Awards, and I've got
another special note for you. You know little Zayan Berry
who gave up his skateboard to save that kitten. Well,
at the end of his speech, after he accepted his award,
Matt Burshatker came on stage and presented Zaean with a
(18:07):
brand new skateboard, and the tears continued to flow. The
fact that they find these true heroes, whether it be children, adults,
and the animals. Of course, the stories are amazing and
it just goes to show you how much goodness.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
There still is all around.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
I hope you enjoyed this very special edition live on
location from the Plaza Hotel in New York City, and
please open up your hearts and homes to an animal
in need. I'm Joe Rappaport. Thank you so much for
tuning in.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
Let's Talk Beats every week on demand only on petlive
radios dot com
This is Pet Life Radio. Let's talk Pets.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Rapaport to the Rescue with award winning animal advocate, best
selling author, journalist and pet products creator Jill Rappaport.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Welcome to Rappaport to the Rescue. I'm Jill Rappaport on
location for such an incredible, heartwarming event, definitely one of
my favorite of the year. It is the ASPCA Humane
Awards year nineteen and I have to tell you that
there is not a dry eye in the house after
(00:42):
these awards are presented. It is so heartwarming honoring people
and animals who have truly changed the landscape and have
helped saved countless animals all over the country. So while
we come back, I'm going to give you a little
sneaky of what's going on here and we will interview
(01:03):
the winners of this year's nineteenth annual ASPCA Humane Awards.
You must stay tuned for this, so please get out
your box of tissues. You are gonna need it.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
You know the expression cats have nine lives? Well, what
if you can give them one more? But give them ten?
Movement is on a mission to help give cats an
extra life. How with Spae and Neoter Spain or Nootering
your cat helps them live a longer, healthier life, and
it helps control free roaming cat populations too. Learn more
(01:41):
about the benefits of spee and neoter and meet Scooter,
the neutered cat at give Them ten dot org. That's
give them ten dot org.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Let's talk past.
Speaker 3 (01:54):
Let's done talk radio Headline.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
Radio atlin radio dot com.
Speaker 3 (02:06):
Welcome back to Rappaport to the Rescue. You. I'm Joe Rappaport.
You heard the intro. This is one of the most heartwarming,
amazing animal events of the year, the ASPCA Humane Awards.
You're nineteen and I am so thrilled and honored to
be with the one and only legendary newscaster Chuck Scarborough. Now,
you have been the base for this event for.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Years, shut a long long time, and this is my
favorite event of the year. This is such a special
event because this is looking around the nation at who
is doing the best job with animals and special animals
that deserve our praise and thanks, and just to see
these videos that are put together, bring these people together
and honor them for their wonderful work. This year is
going to be a special one. I think we have
(02:45):
some really great honoisis.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
You know we say that every year, and every year
I use up more tissue.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
I don't I know.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
This is definitely a two tissue lunch.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
And not only animals and people, but kids.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
We have a little boy this year, and make your
rope Bollia cheer up. Just tell me this. But this
little boy, as far as possession, was a skateboard. His
most cherished possession, loved his skateboard. And he was out
in the park and he saw some boys abusing a kitten,
tossing it around, and he walked up there, tried to
get them to stop, and finally offered them his skateboard
(03:19):
to trade for the kitten. Oh to the kitten home,
And I think it's just the most remarkable thing for
an eight year old to do.
Speaker 3 (03:26):
Unbelievable, the insight about animal welfare, and the kitten was
in really bad shape and the family paid for all
of the injuries to make the kits the great shape again.
It's just the best feel good story, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
And you go late year old boy to a two
time super Bowl champion who have an epiphany on his
honeymoon and is doing great things for animals. So there
are some pretty natural moments today.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
Well, Chuck, you are just incredible em seeing this event
every year. Your heart and soul is in it.
Speaker 1 (03:54):
This is such a great organization because it has vin
since eighteen sixty six, has been fighting this battle against
amy cruelty and it's out there on the front lines,
both rescuing animals, getting their perpetrators the justice and they're rehabilitating.
The end, it's getting them reintroduced into society. Most of
them can be.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Yeah, absolutely, all they need is that second chance for
a new life. Chucks Garborough, thank you so much, so
great to see you and again knock them dead. And
now this is such an honor for me to be
with the Dogs of the Year. This is such a
coveted award for dogs who have truly made a difference
in animal welfare. And this year we get a Twofer.
(04:31):
It's Realpie and Vivian. Sadly Vivian has passed away, but
their pet parents Michelle pick is here and I know
this is such an incredible day for you.
Speaker 5 (04:43):
It really is. What an amazing honor this is to
have the ASPCA honor our dogs, those Dogs of the
Year and all the work that the ASPCA does, all
year lung is incredible. So for them to recognize our
sweet dogs is pretty amazing.
Speaker 3 (04:58):
Tell us about Ralphie and Vivian and why they were
selected for this very coveted honor.
Speaker 5 (05:04):
Absolutely, Well, there are both therapy dogs. They've done a
lot of work in a variety of different areas. So
Vivian has supported several individuals through their breast cancer treatment
and been an incredible support for for them along the way.
She was actually raised in prison. They were both rescue dogs.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Both.
Speaker 5 (05:22):
I've done clinical and non clinical animals to sed intervention
work as therapy dogs with Rowan University and support first
responders and students in crisis and a little bit of everybody.
So it's been pretty amazing along the way. Vivian was
also used to visit at the Philadelphia around McDonald House
for kids that were terminally ill and supported them through
(05:44):
that as well.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
Well, you know, I'm just looking at Ralphie. He's so beautiful.
How is Ralphie doing since the loss of Vivian. He
is handling it.
Speaker 5 (05:53):
He certainly has gotten a little bit clingier with us
that he just wants to be with us at all times,
which works out well because he it's the big spot
in the bed now. But he certainly has adapted, but
it's been an adjustment.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
Yeah, it's so sad. But Michelle, what you are doing
is such incredible work. Why did you want to do this?
Why did you want to get these dogs involved in
such an important cause?
Speaker 5 (06:16):
Well, really, it's what the dogs want. It's important that
they like the job that they have. I could want
it for them all I want, but the most important
thing is that this is what they love, and being
therapy dogs is something they absolutely.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
Love to do.
Speaker 5 (06:29):
They love to interact with people, whether they've met them
before or not. They're very empathetic, and I guess maybe
that's part of it too, is I'm a very empathetic person,
So it works out well to be able to feel
good about being there for others. And so having this
opportunity through the ASPCA to honor them really is a
great opportunity to get the word out too that this
(06:50):
is what rescue dogs can bring to your life into
other people's lives as well. So it's really a special
honor so beautifully put. And I know that Vivi is
looking down from heaven thinking good for us.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
Right, it really is.
Speaker 5 (07:05):
She has been absolutely incredible. So to be able to
honor her at the end of her life for all
the work that she's done throughout her life, and as
an extra special honor that she was there for my
best friend Kristen Dedanovias, she bought breast cancer and the
two of them I love dearly, so for them both
to be sort of looking down now and seeing this
(07:28):
special honor today is pretty wonderful.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
Congratulations and thank you so much. Michelle. Well Now, I
am really excited to introduce you to this Citizen Hero
Award recipient because this wonderful guy and I have so
much in common. We are all about the seniors. Steve
Grig First of all, congratulations and so great to see you.
We specialize in all, don't we.
Speaker 6 (07:52):
Absolutely yes, absolutely, I've been adopting senior dogs for about
fourteen years now.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
Tell us about this honor well deserved. This man has
opened up his heart and home to super seniors. We
are bonded over there, right, absolutely, absolutely yeah.
Speaker 6 (08:07):
I started adopting seniors about fourteen years ago, and from
the first one on it was like a game changer
for me. It's just like I knew that's what I
wanted to do. These dogs are so grateful and bring
so much joy to my life.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
And you left the business world, I believe were you.
I didn't count.
Speaker 6 (08:22):
I was an accountant and I retired last year and
then I moved from Denver to Ohio and I bought
a big old mansion that needs restoring, and that's what
I've been doing. And it's great because there's so much
room for the dogs and me and you know, out
in the backyard, and the dogs love it and I
love it.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
And on Instagram, you can't watch one of your videos
without tearing up. Tell us about how many super seniors
you have right now?
Speaker 6 (08:45):
Right now? I have nine. I just had a little
one pass away about a month ago, and I've already
adopted the one in his honor. So yeah, I've got
nine dogs and a pig and cats and chickens and
turkeys and everything else.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
And all about the seniors, All about the.
Speaker 6 (08:59):
Seniors, Bold go Old.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
That's absolutely true.
Speaker 6 (09:03):
Yes, yes, I mean I couldn't have this many dogs
if they weren't seniors. But they're calm and they're relaxed.
They're just ready to do what you want to do.
So it's easy to have a bunch of them.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
I always say they'd rather lay on the couch than
eat the couch. I love that for that, all right,
that is perfect. What about this honor today? This is
one of the most coveted awards.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
Yeah, it's very humbling, but this is what I would
be doing anyway. You know what I mean, because it
makes me so happy.
Speaker 6 (09:27):
But I'm glad that getting this award hopefully will make
more senior dogs get appreciated and recognized and hopefully adopted.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
Yes, Steve, you're amazing. Thank you well from the man
who saves the super seniors to this year's Kid of
the Year award. You heard Chuck Scarborough talk about this
amazing young.
Speaker 4 (09:45):
Man Zay and Berry.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
I can't even believe that you're eight years old, zay
In and look at this award. How are you feeling today?
He's nine? Now, Oh you're nine, Okay, nine years old? Well,
you're all grown up. How does it feel to receive
this amazing award from the ASPCA?
Speaker 7 (10:02):
I feel good?
Speaker 3 (10:03):
What makes it so special for you, Zayan? I get
have my own cat and I got to hang out
with him, that's right, And it was all because of
this cat that you saved that was being mishandled by
other young children, and you had the wherewithal you knew,
Zam that that was not right for Yes, how did
(10:26):
you tell those young kids don't do that to that cat?
I d that I gave them my skateboard. You gave
up your skateboard to educate these young kids about what
the right thing to do is for animals. Why was
that important for you so he could have a good
life and grow up and have a peaceful life and
(10:46):
not get hits throom Ah, Zayan, You're amazing. And now
the cat and you took care of them medically. Now
I'm here with Zan's mom, Rihanna Berry. You must be
so proud. What an amazing example that this young man,
your son, nine years old, has set. Yes, Yes, very
proud of him, very proud of him.
Speaker 8 (11:07):
And how about the fact that he came up with
this idea when he saw this cat being abused. What
do you think it was about him that made him
think I've got to give up something that means so
much to me to save this animal. I honestly don't
even think he thought of that. It was more saving
the kid. He's an animal lover, he's a people lover.
He just you know, materialistic stuff to them is nothing
(11:29):
compared to a living thing. You know, to him, animals
are family. We have animals, They've grown up with animals,
so to them, it's family.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
And what about this cat? What happened because of your son?
This cat is amazing, it is it is his best friend.
He's lovers to everybody. He's great to have around. And
he wouldn't have been here if it wasn't for your son.
Speaker 7 (11:50):
No, I don't think he would have made it the
way he was when we got him and rescued him,
and the respiratory infection, of how severe his breathing was
and his eye damage.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
I mean he did lose his eye because of it.
Just amazing. You know, if it wasn't for Zane, the
cap probably would not.
Speaker 4 (12:07):
Have made it.
Speaker 3 (12:08):
Saying you are a true hero and congratulations again on
this major award today. Well from a super kid to
a super athlete, this year's Public Service Award goes to
none other than a two time Super Bowl champion, Logan Ryan.
What is this award like to be able to receive
one of the most coveted awards in animal welfare?
Speaker 4 (12:31):
You know, it's amazing and it's truly surprising. I didn't
lobby for it. I just was going about my business
in terms of see something, do something. That's kind of
how my story comes about, of helping animals while being
a player. Making that my call is highlighting everyone that
works in the field. And I just hope people know
that this awards for all the shelter workers and the
volunteers out there, but.
Speaker 3 (12:52):
Somebody of your set you can really raise awareness. And
that's so important because when people see you do it,
logan yeah, and then it reminds them what they should
be doing.
Speaker 4 (13:02):
I think everyone can make a difference. I don't win
the award if it's not for my wife. My wife
took a job as a shelter worker, making very little,
you know, very minimum to low wage, working hard hours,
seeing tough things every single day, sweeping kennels quite literally.
So I would just volunteer some of my time to
spend with her and take pictures of the animals and
help them get adopted it and then my kids volunteer
(13:23):
as well. So I don't care if you want two
Super Bowls or you're seven years old like my son is.
You can still make a difference for animals lives.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
And how about without their players. Have you convinced your teammates.
Speaker 6 (13:34):
To do the same.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
Absolutely, they know they better adopt and don't shop, or
I won't talk to them never again. I guess some
rough tat Absolutely. So I've fielded a lot of phone
calls on dog whispering advice. I think they think I'm
an animal trainer.
Speaker 1 (13:48):
My wife is.
Speaker 4 (13:49):
I put the phone on her on the phone, but
I've had a lot of questions from where to adopt,
to how to teach my dog, you know, how to
lay down, and all those things in between. So I
think everyone in the NFL I thought I was their
dog whisper.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
Well, isn't it good to know that after this career
you're could have a second one.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
There you go, right, and this is a lifelong passion.
This doesn't stop. And we still volunteer at our local
shelter in Tampa monthly with our kids.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
What a stellar example you are and what an example
you've set for so many across this country. Congratulations. Nice
meeting you too. And now the recipient of the ASPCA
Henry Berg Award this year, going to the South Carolina
Law Enforcement Division sled Ronde Devil. Great to have you
here in congratulations. How are you feeling, Oh, it.
Speaker 4 (14:36):
Feels pretty good. It's nice to get recognized for the
hard work of the agency. Yes, we have a dog
fighting unit, but it's a unit that relies upon every
other unit within SLED that participations in the investigations. To
you for successful welcome.
Speaker 3 (14:49):
The numbers of animals you've said. I almost want to
say to you, I wish one day you're on a
business because we don't want to have to see this
go on anymore.
Speaker 4 (14:58):
Oh no, absolutely, I mean, you know you do some
of these in word does get out and like a
true criminals, they change your habits, they change the way
they do things, and it's this matters thing on top
of them.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
And you know, work gets out to the community, and
you know, we get more and.
Speaker 4 (15:10):
More tips from people who will see something that's not
right and they'll they'll send a tip our way.
Speaker 3 (15:14):
What is the thing you're the proudest of everything you've
done with animals and animal welfare. What's the thing that
really resonates with your heart.
Speaker 4 (15:22):
I think if you can take one of those dogs
and rehabilitate it and adopted, that help where the dog
has a chance to live in real life rather than
one being chained up or used for fighting.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
Continued amazing work. I know that it's so heard warming
and it's also very emotional redraining for you well Ron,
congratulations again and continues success for you and Sled.
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
And finally, the President and CEO of the ASPCA, Matt Orshaker. Matt,
this is by far my favorite event every year. There
is never time I don't leave without going through many tissues.
Speaker 4 (15:59):
I think it's the animals, right, the stories, the love
of the companionship that they bring into our lives. It's inspiring,
it's motivating. It reminds us of how important connection is.
That reminds us of how important love and compassion is,
and that's what this event's about. It's about demonstrating love
for animals and animals love for us and the power
of that human animal bond. And quite frankly, it's not
(16:22):
that hard because there's so many examples of incredible people
doing incredible things on behalf of animals. It's inspiring and
it gives me lots of hope that we are going
to solve this problem and there will be a day
when dog fighting is eradicated. There will be a day
when puppy bills are gone. There will be a day
when animals take their rightful place in our society and
are treated with the reverence, the respect, and the love
that they deserve.
Speaker 3 (16:43):
And you know, Matt, the times we're living in now,
this world, A country is so divided, but animal welfare
is the one area that knows no divide.
Speaker 4 (16:53):
I'm so glad you said that. I mean, we have
one of our winners today is the South Carolina Law
Enforcement Division. Henry brick Master, who is the governor South Carolina,
is as red as they come. And he's the first
governor that I know of who has committed resources and
himself to ridding the state of South Carolina of dogfighting.
So that just tells you this is not a left issue,
This is not a right issue. This is a human issue.
(17:15):
And in many ways, I hope it has the power
to bring this country back together because because I think
a lot of people are very worried about the ideological
division that is kind of consuming our entire country.
Speaker 3 (17:27):
But isn't it nice to have an event like this
where we don't have to think left right. We're just
for the animals, which is always what's.
Speaker 4 (17:35):
Right, We're just for the animals, and we say a
lot of the ASPCA. We put the animals at the
center of every decision we make, and we won't make
a wrong decision. And that's what we do with this event.
Speaker 3 (17:44):
Well, Matt again, congratulations, Thank you, Joe. Well, that's a
wrap for this year's ASPCA Humane Awards, and I've got
another special note for you. You know little Zayan Berry
who gave up his skateboard to save that kitten. Well,
at the end of his speech, after he accepted his award,
Matt Burshatker came on stage and presented Zaean with a
(18:07):
brand new skateboard, and the tears continued to flow. The
fact that they find these true heroes, whether it be children, adults,
and the animals. Of course, the stories are amazing and
it just goes to show you how much goodness.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
There still is all around.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
I hope you enjoyed this very special edition live on
location from the Plaza Hotel in New York City, and
please open up your hearts and homes to an animal
in need. I'm Joe Rappaport. Thank you so much for
tuning in.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
Let's Talk Beats every week on demand only on petlive
radios dot com
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