To honor those distinguished among the animal kingdom that
exemplify the
strength and value of the human-animal bond;
To recognize the outstanding contributions animals make to
human lives in
the El Paso community;
To heighten public awareness of the human-animal bond.
Would you like to submit an animal from the greater El Paso, Texas area that you feel is worthy of this award?
To learn more please click here: Animal Hall of Fame Official Application
2007
Barnaby Jones
Officer K-9-1 – El Paso Police Department’s First Commissioned Canine
Since time eternal, man’s success relies on the assistance of animals, especially dogs. One of the most outstanding police canines, Barnaby Jones served six years as the first commissioned canine officer of the El Paso Police Department (EPPD), and another year after retiring from the force. His 1976 commission followed 16 weeks of intensive training and exceptional reviews in Baltimore to prep him for El Paso Officer K-9-1. Carefully selected for his supreme temperament, physical condition and breeding, Barnaby proved to be an excellent tracker. Named after the famous television detective portrayed by Buddy Ebsen, he received recognition from the actor himself, who acknowledged Barnaby’s efforts by sending him a collar and dish with his name.
The El Paso K-9 pioneer could be as fierce as needed, persuading prisoners and suspects to surrender and comply with police orders with his daunting presence. His intelligence and advanced obedience training taught him to carefully subdue and hold prisoners, not to injure. Often, just the sight of a large, potentially threatening animal is enough to make force unnecessary. Together with handler, patrol partner and trainer Richard Edens, Barnaby Jones helped flush out burglars, sniff out stolen property and aided in narcotics/bomb searches. Canine units thrive across the nation based on early successes like Barnaby’s. They’re invaluable, economical, efficient assets in crowd control, emergency situations, officer protection, patrol back-up and arms/explosive/narcotics detection, among others. Called excellent deterrents, canine officers help maintain situations while saving wear and tear on police personnel.
An astounding performer, Barnaby Jones and his subsequent canine comrades can do more than a human and in less time, according to Edens, who wrote a research paper on K-9 effectiveness that helped convince the EPPD to incorporate the units. "Dogs do not rationalize like a person, and that makes people afraid of them. In most cases, a criminal will be more afraid of a dog than he would a policeman. A dog can do a job in 15 minutes that would take 100 men an entire day."
Living together with Edens as constant companions, Barnaby Jones was all business on the job, but enjoyed family life like any other loved pet at home—enjoying attention and playing with children. Barnaby passed away in 1981 from arthritis complications and age-related ailments. He was nine years old, but his early legacy lives on in the El Paso Police Department’s indispensable K-9 Unit that now totals more than 15 canine teams.
2006
Humpy the Alligator
Desert Denizen and San Jacinto Plaza’s Witness to History
2005
Puffy Little Cloud
Internationally Renowned Weather Dog Sparkled Rain or Shine
Sweet, precious and platinum with a wardrobe housing hundreds of hats and weather oriented outfits, Puffy Little Cloud spent the late 1970s and early 1980s televising outdoor conditions for all of west Texas, southern New Mexico and northern Mexico. A Lhasa Apso puppy adopted at the Humane Society, Puffy soared into the national spotlight when she was the bridesmaid at the wedding ceremony of Howell Eurich and Gail Gordon, all of them part of KDBC-TV 4’s award-winning weather trio. The pampered weather pooch instantly became the subject of a National Enquirer feature with a four-color photo spread. Subsequently, a San Francisco news service sent out 2000 press releases to radio and TV stations nationwide, catapulting Puffy to celebrity status as El Paso’s own weather dog.
Every evening, KDBC-TV viewers raced to their TVs to watch Howell, Gail and Puffy do weather reports like no other station in the country. Donning everything from raincoats and slickers to stylish shades and snowsuits, Puffy and the forecasts garnered fame and fans around the world. Puffy received more than 50 pieces of mail daily, including a letter from international TV and movie star Benji, and a marriage proposal from Ernie, a love-lorn Shitzsu from England. The National Humane Society even nominated Puffy for a Patsy Award, the animal kingdom’s equivalent of the Oscar. Countless viewers created darling costumes tailored especially for Puffy in hopes of seeing their forecasting canine in the spiffy threads.
When Howell and Gail had to leave town on business or vacation, Puffy would stay with Frank Jordan, the station’s director of engineering. Frank and Jean Jordan cared for Puffy as their own, but like all fame and fortune, it wasn’t going to last. Howell and Gail made the difficult decision to separate and eventually Gail left the Sun City. After Howell died tragically, Puffy was orphaned. However, with the permission of Howell’s
kids and the Humane Society, the Jordans officially adopted Puffy, who began her leisure years as a household family member, relinquishing the bright lights of stardom and tedious grooming for the appeal of warm beds, blankets, doggie doors and her new “brother” Bhutan, the Jordan’s other Lhasa Apso. Puffy lived out the rest of her life basking in the love of the Jordans in her new Upper Valley home, leaving a happy trail of meteorological memories and stellar forecasts in her wake. From pampered pooch and toast of the town to retired grand duchess and former sophisticate, Puffy served as a priceless goodwill mascot for El Paso’s hundreds of thousands of residents as well as a beacon of joy for all of her families.
2004
Extraordinary Educator and Wonderful Companion
Mercedes the Horse Brought Glory of Black Army Regiments to Life
El Paso, Tex.--Written and televised history makes much ado about the courage and bravery demonstrated by the fighting, stabilizing units of the 19th Century U.S. Army. Yet, little regard is given to an often forgotten but critical aspect of that protecting force: the Buffalo Soldiers, fearless fighters of hostile groups who worked in virtually every other aspect of protection and service for more than 80 years.
Highly revered by the Cheyenne who admired their strength, agility, fighting skills and compassion, they were dubbed the Buffalo Soldiers in honor of their culture’s staple, which was critical to their survival, and because of their similar revered traits. Refusing to forget their contributions and determined to generate awareness today, one man with a beloved horse vowed in 1998 to make sure the people he reaches are told about the Soldiers.
Ulysses Davis of El Paso, Texas, spends much of his free time dedicating his talents and personal resources to the history of the Buffalo Soldier. In the first years of reenactments, Davis rode his mare, Mercedes, and captured hearts everywhere they went. For more than three years, Davis, his family and the palomino quarter horse/thoroughbred caravaned nationwide to schools, rodeos, parades, fairs and special events sharing their living history presentation. From the Billy the Kid Days’ parade in Lincoln, New Mexico and El Paso’s 200-year-old cemetery Concordia for the “Walk Through History,” to the six-day-long “Last Great Cattle Drive of the Millennium,” Davis and Mercedes performed dozens of times annually.
These events gave them a chance to explain about the Soldiers and demonstrate their extensive contributions. Together they posed for historical statues, helped dedicate the new main facility of El Paso’s U.S. Post office, performed complex cavalry maneuvers and rode with the Governor of New Mexico.
“It’s so important for people to understand the past,” said Davis. “Mercedes was an extraordinary educator, faithful companion and a tireless performer. She made an impact wherever we went. Many people will now remember who the Buffalo Soldiers were because of their exposure to Mercedes. It’s important to our culture, our heritage and to the real history of America.”
After succumbing to colic in 2000, Mercedes was honored by horse lovers and the community who raised and donated hundreds of dollars for Mercedes’ vet bills. Today Davis and the thoroughbred Lincoln continue Mercedes’ legacy to spread the word about the American Buffalo Soldiers.
Edie “Sum
Hope”
2003 Companion Canine Extraordinaire
Only animal lovers understand the profound effect that
companion pets have on the lives of their family members.
Rescued by the Greyhound Adoption League as a retired
racer with a less than stellar performance record, “Sum Hope” (her
track name) was reborn in 1997 to her new mom, Diane Stowe, as Edie (her call
name). In her first year of domestic life. the female, fawn colored canine
didn’t know how much impact her track name would have on her human family.
Diane had heard that retired racing greyhounds make
excellent pets in spite of the sad lives many of them endure on the racing
circuit. Like other former racers, she was exceedingly thin with a bare bottom
from excessive crating. In addition to a furred friend, Diane was seeking a
partner for outdoor pursuits, especially walking. Together they exercised
faithfully, building strength and emerging fit and healthy while making friends
everywhere they went. Edie more than lived up to her breed’s reputation as a
well behaved, beloved pet.
However, those breezy days soon ended, with Edie’s
patient manner and track name put to the real test. Shortly after the holidays,
Diane’s husband was diagnosed with cancer. They were quickly overwhelmed with
countless physician visits, radiation treatments and operations. Heartbroken
with worry and grief, the rising medical bills, household expenses and
never-ending phone calls exhausted them.
In hopes of finding a way to sort through the confusion
and mess, Diane placed Edie’s comforter next to her desk. Not only did she
develop a system to deal with the mounting piles of paperwork, she had a true
companion to lift her spirits and offer hope even on the darkest days.
However, her husband’s condition continued to worsen, with the cancer surgery
leaving him badly disfigured and blind in one eye. When he returned home, Edie
brought calm, acceptance and unconditional love to everyone. She immediately
recognized him, head bandages and all. Through her devotion and acceptance, she
made it clear she was there to help him recover and heal, remaining vigilant by
his side, yet anxiously awaiting Diane’s return from work. Edie is the first
to greet their day and the last to settle down for the night.
When Edie runs for fun in the yard or park, Diane
says it makes her heart leaps with delight. As she claps and encourages her, she
speeds into a blur, flashing into something quite magical and
divine--celebrating the joy of being alive. For a dog that wasn’t fast enough
for the racetrack, she gave her family “Sum Hope” for the most important
race of all—the human one.
Edie continues to astound her family with her
understanding, intelligence and beauty, reminding them to live each day to the
fullest, one moment at a time. Edie taught her family to realize that all good
things take time, including the healing of the heart, body and soul. Despite the
many challenges her family has faced, Edie’s loving presence has shown them
how to be grateful for all their blessings and to remember the real key to
happiness--to always have “Sum Hope.”
JUSTICE · 2002
U.S. Customs Service Narcotic Detector Dog
(Posthumously Recognized)
To protect and to serve on America’s Frontline. It’s a motto not only for law enforcement, but for the canines trained to detect illegal drugs. A 75-pound Golden Retriever, Justice spent seven years working with U.S. Customs Service Canine Enforcement inspectors at El Paso ports of entry and cargo lots. A vital part of Customs’ anti-smuggling program, Justice helped inspectors stop thousands of pounds of narcotics from entering the United States, while the “evidence” helped federal prosecutors convict countless felons.
Through Justice, the general public gained a greater understanding of the role the U.S. Customs Service plays in border enforcement, and the special contributions of its canines—the dogs with jobs. Out of about 60 drug sniffing dogs employed by the U.S. Customs Service at the El Paso port of entry, Justice received the “Top Dog” honor from 1996 until his retirement in May 1998, when he was named the agency’s National Dog of the Month.
Rescued as a puppy from the pound’s death row to star in Chuck Wagon dog food TV commercials, Justice was recruited for his intelligence and even temper to join the Customs Canine Enforcement ranks. He spent 12 weeks in Front Royal, Virginia, training to alert handlers of narcotics presence. Trained in positive response, Justice participated in more than 130 drug seizures, resulting in the confiscation of more than 6,180 pounds of marijuana, 380 pounds of cocaine and 2.5 pounds of heroin. Contraband of this magnitude easily exceeds a street value of more than $10 million—drugs that did not make it to the schools, playgrounds and neighborhoods of El Paso.
In addition to profiles in numerous national and international newspaper and television stories about Customs Canines, he appeared in a 1991 nationally broadcast story on drug sniffing dogs that aired on ABC’s World News Tonight with Peter Jennings and was regularly featured in local media stories focusing on border drug intervention. Justice often demonstrated his abilities before thousands of school children in “Just Say No to Drugs” campaigns, as well as to adults at civic group meetings, regional trade fairs and conventions. He also drew attention to the remarkable efforts of the Customs Canine Enforcement Branch by participating in Red Ribbon Week and El Paso Thanksgiving parades and other community events.
Following his retirement with honors, Justice enjoyed the life of leisure with the family of his handler, Supervisory Canine Enforcement Officer Roberto “Bobby” Hernandez. After four years spent reflecting on his career stopping bad guys at the border, Justice died a few months ago knowing that he left the world a far better place than the one that planned to destroy the once homeless puppy. He leaves a lasting legacy of the incalculable worth of thousands of animals available for adoption every year at El Paso area humane and rescue organizations. Justice proved that with proper love and the right training, the rewards are boundless—and people can make a friend for life.
Recognized
Posthumously
Grade.
Part quarter horse, part draft horse. To the hundreds of riders and volunteers
who Pearl served at Therapeutic Horsemanship of El Paso, that means Grade A.
Pearl
spent 15 years working New Mexico trails, carrying hunters and campers through
the wilderness and assisting in search and rescue missions. He even saved a
drowning mule or two. His consistent strength and steadiness marked his long
history of reliable gentleness and remarkable unspookability.
With
his strong back, sure footing and supreme nature, Pearl retired from the Gila
and began his next career with Therapeutic Horsemanship. For more than 10 years,
he provided Hippotherapy, recreational riding and horsemanship services to the
area’s disabled children and adults at a therapy facility and camps for
special needs children. He also participated in parades, equestrian shows and
Special Olympics.
The
dedication and commitment to his job that Pearl demonstrated each day, year
round, allowed the emotionally and physically disabled to receive the unique
benefits that can only be found through therapeutic riding. Pearl patiently
addressed the challenges of his unusual work to provide high quality therapy
services.
Maintaining
the requested stride and gait necessary for the rider on the trail, Pearl played
games with moving and stationary objects while carrying the rider through an
obstacle course. He performed the often difficult maneuvers required at shows
and special events with little or confusing direction from the rider or leader.
He
was often on the move, traveling well to many equestrian centers and trails
while cooperating with other horses to perform and provide therapy services.
Regardless of the physical or behavioral difficulties or discomfort the rider
may be experiencing that may not allow him/her to respond appropriately, Pearl
always recognized and greeted the rider with affection. He instilled in them a
sense of confidence, well being and self-esteem by always cooperating and
performing for riders, staff and volunteers. He carried first place winners in
the Southwest Quarter Horse Association Open Shows and served in annual camps for
El Paso Candlelighters, Jewish Community Center and El Paso Diabetes Association.
Pearl
possessed a patient and reliant attitude even under the sometimes stressful
conditions that befall the therapy horse: delayed feeding time; heat and cold;
trailer-travel to unfamiliar arenas and trails; handling by new and different
volunteers and riders, tack, riding equipment and therapy tools; standing
patiently for long periods so that a disabled rider may mount, possibly from a
wheelchair or with a crowd of volunteers, instructors and therapists.
It was all taken in stride as part of his job. With these ever-changing conditions, Pearl once reflected on his long successful career:
“As a therapy horse,
I had the privilege
of carrying the most special load
there is. Just moving these old legs
at a walk or a trot around the arena
or down the trail gave these special
boys and girls a chance to gain their own independence and get the therapy
they needed while having a great time. It was hard work for all of us to help these
riders get the most out of
their ride, but it was good work and I am proud to have called myself a therapy
horse.”
— PMRL
Pearl, the Horse
Clancy, the Life Saving Boxer
2000
Clancy the fawn-colored Boxer knew he could lose his own life
when he
raced to the rescue of his beloved mistress, Carrol Bella, in 1991. He
remembered the severe injuries he received years earlier in another mountain
lion attack.
As federally licensed wildlife rehabilitators, Charles "Cheeter"
and
Carrol Bella care for injured and orphaned animals in their Northeast El Paso
compound. For almost 30 years they've understood the risk involved in dealing
with black bears, alligators, wolves and big cats, to name a few. During
routine care one brisk fall day, Carrol was feeding and watering a large,
mature mountain lion named Chief when she left to answer the phone. The cage
door failed to completely latch and Chief was suddenly free. Waiting in a
predatory crouch for unsuspecting Carrol's return, Chief leapt for Carrol's
throat.
Instinctively she turned her right shoulder to the raging
lion. The
impact's weight and velocity knocked Carrol to the ground while Chief's
powerful jaws drove his fangs through several layers of sweatshirts and
T-shirts into her shoulder's flesh. Gnawing on her, she lay helplessly pinned
and screaming while a nearby pet Rottweiler retreated, yelping and hiding in
terror.
That's when Clancy sprang to Carrol's rescue, shoving the
lion off her
chest and biting him back. As Chief released his death grip, Carrol had a
fleeting moment to scramble away and find help from Cheeter, working in his
shop nearby.
Together the Bellas returned to the scene, where Clancy
maintained a hold
on Chief, yet his eyes were glazing from sheer exhaustion. Managing to get
Chief back to his cage, the Bellas focused on Carrol's hemorrhaging shoulder.
After administering stitches, followed by weeks of antibiotics and countless
bandage changes, physicians marveled at Carrol's recovery. Without Clancy's
heroic intervention, she would have died.
Clancy succumbed to bone cancer in his cervical spine in
1997, leaving
the Bellas heartbroken but blessed for sharing part of their lives with him.
True animal heroes are a rare find. Clancy's story illustrates the crucial
role companion animals play in our daily lives. The El Paso Animal Hall of
Fame proudly recognizes Clancy for his heroic acts committed out of
unconditional love and desperate need to protect his family at all costs. He
remains alive in the loving hearts of all who knew him.
1999
Job Corps Center’s Charlie
El Paso, TX--Dwelling naturally in the desert or on a soft sofa, El Paso’s animals have enriched lifestyles by sharing their lives, their talents and their love. Whether saving a life, stopping crime, serving as a personal companion, performing for audiences or educating the public, El Paso’s animals teach the importance of respecting all creatures and treasuring the time we spend together.That’s why the El Paso Veterinary Medical Association posthumously chose Charlie, the mascot of the David L. Carrasco Job Corps Center, to be the 1999 inductee into the El Paso Animal Hall of Fame. Designed to recognize the contributions of El Paso’s animals, Charlie was chosen for his countless contributions that enriched the lives of thousands of El Pasoans.
The pure white German shepherd mix dedicated 11 years of his life to the love and support of staff and disadvantaged youth enrolled in the Job Corps programs. Officially adopted as Center Mascot on Sept. 21, 1985, Charlie became a significant part of Center life. His abusive history prior to joining the Center served as a weekly symbol to the Orientation class. His story was told to new students, who compared the cutting of the large chain that had embedded itself under the flesh of Charlie’s neck, to whatever obstacles had hindered the realization of the students’ full potential.
Charlie was recognized during the El Paso Animal Hall of Fame’s official induction ceremony on Tuesday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Marriott as part of the El Paso Veterinary Medical Association’s 14th Annual Veterinary Community Involvement Awards Banquet. He was also recognized at a later dedication ceremony at the Animal Hall of Fame’s permanent location at the El Paso Zoo’s Memorial Rose Garden, near the Asian Exhibit.
Charlie’s former steward, Job Corps Executive Director Mary Young, will receive a plaque at the dedication ceremony from the EPVMA (sponsors of the El Paso Animal Hall of Fame) and members from City Council and County Commissioners. A matching foundered plaque will be on permanent display at the zoo.
"The most needy of the Center’s student population gravitated to membership in the Charlie Club, which was responsible for all aspects of his care," said Dr. Jim Koschmann, Animal Hall of Fame chairperson and one of its founders. "Student relationships with Charlie proved invaluable in developing their full potential. They related to Charlie, who like them came from the school of hard knocks. If no one else could break through, Charlie would bring out their soft side. When young men came in acting tough, staff left them with Charlie. If they started petting him, they knew the student would make it."
Like many of the Center’s students, the almost fatally injured dog overcame his obstacles and transformed into a happy, healthy, star attraction at Job Corps. On Oct. 1, 1996, Charlie left his extended Job Corps family, a victim of crippling arthritis of the spine. He is buried on the Center’s athletic field, his favorite place to run.
"The Hall of Fame lets the entire community as well as out of town visitors learn about the great contributions animals have made to El Paso’s past and present," said Koschmann. "Big or small, short or tall. Wild or domestic, furred or feathered. They deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Charlie will forever live in the hearts of all who knew him."
El Paso Animal Hall of Fame inductees are selected from nominations received by a selection panel consisting of members from the EPVMA, animal welfare agencies and the public.
Categories include Hero, an animal that has performed an incredible act of bravery or saved a human life; Companion, an animal that has provided a special benefit to its community of human companions; and, Professional, a remarkable specially trained assistance, performance or education animal. Application forms are available from participating veterinary hospitals, pet supply stores and animal service organizations.
For more information about the dedication ceremony, the EPVMA awards banquet, nominating an animal for consideration of inclusion in the El Paso Animal Hall of Fame, or for an official application, call (915) 584-3459.
MONA THE ELEPHANT
1998
Since 1956, Mona has been the top featured educational attraction as the
mascot of goodwill at the El Paso Zoo. Hundreds of thousands of El Pasoans and
out-of-town visitors learn about the natural elegance and charm of elephants by
watching Mona’s 20+ commands and behaviors.
Voted one of Texas’ Top Billed Beasts in the June 1990 issue of
Texas Monthly, Mona celebrates her 47th birthday this year. At four tons,
she’s never been bred and is too mature to start now.
Her new home in the recently unveiled Asian Exhibit gives Mona (an Asian
elephant) seven times the space of her former digs, with 48,000 sq. ft., two
yards (one as an exhibit and one for exercise/workouts) and access to an
eight-foot deep pool for relaxation and swimming.
With relatively poor eye-sight and hearing, elephants have very thick
skin that’s sensitive to insect bites and the sun. That’s why they bathe
themselves in dirt or sand to provide sun and bug protection. With one-finger
trunks, Asians can perform a variety of tasks, from hauling logs to picking up
quarters off the ground. They can live up to 80 years, but lifespans depend on
teeth. When sets of teeth are used up, elephants starve to death.
Asian ears, smaller than African ears, work like air conditioners with an
intricate network of blood vessels running close to the surface. By flapping
they can cool the blood supply, and themselves.
About 15,000 endangered Asian elephants remain in the wild. Sought for
the ivory tusks of males, the Asians are rapidly losing their habitat to man.
Conservation efforts and breeding programs in zoos have led to great success in
raising young Asian elephants in captivity.
The El Paso Animal Hall of Fame proudly recognizes Mona for her countless
contributions that enrich the lives of El Pasoans and our visitors.
Would you like to submit an animal that you feel is worthy of this award?
To learn more please click here: Animal Hall of Fame Official Application