Jonny Justice ASPCA Dog of the Year

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Honoring those with a dogged determination to make a difference in the world for pets and people in need, the 2014 ASPCA Humane Awards Luncheon– which will take place on November 13th at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City– will include recognition of a Pit Bull who has triumphed over his own painful past to bring comfort to others.

One of 49 dogs who were saved from the nightmare of Michael Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels in 2007, Jonny Justice’s road to his emotion recovery began with help from Cris oven and Jennifer Long, fosters who soon became the dog’s forever family. Noticing his nurturing nature with children, in 2008 Jonny became a therapy dog, and today the kind-hearted canine brings much-needed smiles and solace both to terminally ill children receiving medical treatment and their families, and helps little ones practice their language skills in reading programs.

Along with Jonny Justice’s efforts, this year’s ASPCA Humane Awards Luncheon will also shine a spotlight on the contributions of the Cat of the Year, a friendly feline named Studley who has found his calling as a therapy cat  at the Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington; the ASPCA Tommy P. Monaghan Kid of the Year recipient Annika Glover, an 11-year-old battling a cancerous brain tumor who chose to help animals in need through the Make-A-Wish program; ASPCA Presidential Service Award honoree Congressman Jim Moran, who championed a number of animal welfare issues during his 12-year term in office; ASPCA Henry Bergh Award winner Lori Weise from Downtown Dog Rescue in Los Angeles, and ASPCA Public Service Award recipient Commissioner William J. Bratton and the New York City Police Department.

Photo Credit: ASPCA