Frances Singer-Hayward, Jane Berry and Wayne Pacelle in front of HSUS banner Photo: Michelle Riley
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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
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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
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Frances Singer-Hayward applauds "Amigo Humane Recognition Award" recipient Jane Berry Photo: Michelle Riley
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THEY LOVE AMIGO - Frances Singer Hayward and HSUS President Wayne Pacelle share fond memories of brave and heroic potcake Photo: Michelle Riley
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