Frances Singer-Hayward, Jane Berry and Wayne Pacelle in front of HSUS banner Photo: Michelle Riley

Washington, DC - Late potcake star AMIGO was honored by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) which named  “The Amigo Humane Recognition Awards” after him at a special Humane Law Enforcement Dinner and Award Ceremony held in Washington DC. It was a most fitting tribute to the beloved potcake who devoted his life to making the world a better place for animals by raising awareness to the tragic plight of so many. AMIGO, with his touching rags to riches story, was a magnificent example of what can happen when ‘someone cares’ and was able, during his lifetime, to put a ‘face’ to many tragic issues facing animals throughout the Islands and elsewhere.  

Taking his message abroad, AMIGO became very involved with HSUS, partnering with them in the BEKIND Campaign and appearing with Wayne Pacelle (HSUS Chairman) in Public Service Announcements. AMIGO’S very last effort before he died was to appear in an anti dog fighting PSA along with rap impresario Russell Simmons, and Mr. Pacelle.  

Surrounded by large beautiful photos of AMIGO on moniters, Frances Singer-Hayward, Amigo’s ‘partner and human’ along with HSUS President and Chairman Wayne Pacelle presented the awards in his name in what she termed “a room filled with heroes” from all parts of the United States, including those in law enforcement who had risked their lives saving animals, prosecutors who fought to put animal abusers behind bars and politicians who devoted themselves to passing animal protection laws…..some of the heinous criminals involved in animal abuse  given as much as thirty five year sentences as a result of those present and  HSUS’s relentless efforts to act to get legislation passed to protect animals.  

Frances Singer Hayward talks of AMIGO and what he meant to her Photo: Michelle Riley

Ms. Singer-Hayward in her speech about AMIGO, told of how she found him as a tragic stray potcake but how with love and nurturing he became a ‘Superstar’ in the Bahamas as the star of the Grand Bahama Humane Society’s “Crusade Against Animal Suffering,” poster dog for its Spay/Neuter Campaign. and her ‘partner’ in fighting animal abuse through education and awareness raising. She spoke of how deeply she had loved him and how he would forever be the inspiration behind her passionate work on behalf of animal welfare in order to fulfill his mission. Her talk touched the hearts of many in the audience, who told her afterward how moved they were by his story.  The weekend ironically marked the second tragic anniversary of his untimely death from cancer.  

Ms. Singer-Hayward later stated  “ that I can only hope that as part of AMIGO’S legacy, The Bahamas will follow suit and continue to join the merciful global trend of enacting Animal Protection Laws with appropriately stiff punishments. Laws dealing with Animal Protection  are now becoming more and more  powerful,  mainstream and expected” and  If AMIGO, through his story and his work can in any way help to inspire the passage of such laws in The Bahamas,  he will, in his own sweet way,  have truly made a difference.”

Frances Singer-Hayward and HSUS President Wayne Pacelle speak of "Amigo"Humane Recognition Awards Photo: Michelle Riley

Frances Singer-Hayward applauds "Amigo Humane Recognition Award" recipient Jane Berry Photo: Michelle Riley

THEY LOVE AMIGO - Frances Singer Hayward and HSUS President Wayne Pacelle share fond memories of brave and heroic potcake Photo: Michelle Riley