Denver (September 29, 2009)

Since joining the American Humane Association’s Animal Protection Division, Tracy Reis has traveled to rescue and shelter more than 12,000 animals with American Humane’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services™ team. On Thursday, Oct. 8, she will be recognized as a “Human Hero” during the Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation’s (CVMF) 2009 Colorado Animal Heroes Awards Presentation. The Human Hero Award recognizes an individual who has made a notable contribution to the health and welfare of animals.

Over the past three-and-a-half years, Reis has been directly responsible for emergency responses to 11 major incidents, including the Gulf Coast hurricanes, Colorado blizzards, Midwest floods and Texas wildfires, as well as hoarding cases and puppy mill seizures throughout the United States. As program manager for American Humane’s Animal Emergency Services Division, Reis has led her teams of Red Star Animal Emergency Services™ volunteers in the field to rescue and shelter more than 12,000 animals from dangerous, toxic, cruel or inhumane conditions. That number includes 2,096 dogs and puppies, 383 cats and kittens, 29 horses, approximately 9,469 pigs and piglets, 38 exotic birds, 154 small mammals, 20 motherless fawns, 16 chickens, 14 rabbits, nine goats, four sugar gliders, two cows, two turtles, one frog, one groundhog and one llama.

“Tracy’s empathy, compassion and genuine love for animals, people, children and their families make her a standout in the world of animal rescue and sheltering,” said Debrah Schnackenberg, vice president of American Humane’s Animal Protection Division. “She is a true hero to those who are fortunate enough to work with her, and she serves as a genuine and caring role model to anyone who meets her. She exemplifies in every way the spirit of the CVMF’s Human Hero Award.”

American Humane’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services is available to help communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, thanks to a team of Animal Emergency Services volunteers. These individuals are animal lovers committed to rescuing animals and making sure their needs are met during times of crisis. Headquartered in Denver, American Humane's Red Star Animal Emergency Services helps communities prepare for disasters before they strike. Once they occur, American Humane's Animal Emergency Services is on the scene to assess animals in need, care for injured animals and reunite animals with their families. For more information about Red Star Animal Emergency Services, visit www.americanhumane.org/redstar.