From heroic rescue dogs and miniature therapy horses to an emotional tribute to a young animal lover, the ASPCA’s 160th anniversary celebration honored the remarkable bonds between humans and animals.
New York City’s philanthropic community gathered on October 8 for the ASPCA’s 2026 Humane Awards, an inspiring luncheon recognizing extraordinary individuals, four-legged heroes, and organizations whose dedication to animal welfare is transforming lives across the country.
Marking a milestone year for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), which celebrates its 160th anniversary in 2026, the annual awards brought together animal advocates, nonprofit leaders, law enforcement professionals, and supporters united by a shared mission: creating a more compassionate world for animals and the people whose lives they touch.
With beloved television journalist Chuck Scarborough serving as master of ceremonies, the afternoon delivered moments of inspiration, heartfelt emotion, and even a little equine magic, courtesy of two miniature therapy horses who proved that some of the biggest heroes come in the smallest packages.
A Legacy of Compassion and Philanthropy
Opening the celebration, ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker reflected on the organization’s enduring mission and the importance of addressing the systemic challenges facing animals.
“Helping the animal in front of us is essential, but if we want to change the future for animals, we also have to change the conditions that put them at risk in the first place,” Bershadker told attendees.
His remarks underscored a philosophy increasingly resonating throughout the philanthropic world: meaningful impact requires more than immediate assistance. It demands long-term investment, advocacy, education, and systemic change.
Scarborough, who shared affectionate anecdotes about his own pets, Henry and Emma, reminded guests that the ASPCA’s legacy has been sustained by generations of veterinarians, volunteers, donors, shelters, and advocates since its founding in 1866.
Small Horses, Big Hearts: Aiden and Pearl Steal the Spotlight
Among the afternoon’s most charming honorees were Aiden and Pearl, two miniature therapy horses from HorseAbility who received the ASPCA Equine Welfare Award.
For more than a decade, the pair has traveled throughout New York, bringing companionship and comfort to patients in hospitals, residents of nursing homes, students, and individuals undergoing rehabilitation.
Aiden, a 16-year-old gelding, and Pearl, an 18-year-old mare, have become beloved ambassadors for the healing power of animals, confidently navigating elevators, wheelchairs, and medical equipment as they connect with people facing physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges.
Accepting the award on their behalf, HorseAbility Founder and Executive Director Katie McGowan captured their special appeal.
“They bring smiles, comfort, connection, and a little bit of magic everywhere they go.”
Remembering Lulu: A Young Life That Continues to Inspire
Perhaps the afternoon’s most poignant moment came with the posthumous presentation of the ASPCA Kid of the Year Award to Eloise “Lulu” Peck, an eight-year-old animal lover who tragically lost her life during the devastating Texas floods near Camp Mystic in July 2025.
Named after the beloved literary character Eloise at the Plaza, Lulu possessed an extraordinary love for animals and a generous spirit that belied her young age.
Her compassion was perfectly captured by a sign at her lemonade stand that read, “Lemonade is $5. Dogs Drink Free.”
Her parents, Missy and Tim Peck, accepted the award in her honor, sharing an emotional tribute that moved the audience.
“Please remember Lulu. Say her name. Remember her when you see a dog or a cat or a horse that needs a home. Remember her when you have the opportunity to be kind,” Missy urged.
Through the Living for Lulu Foundation, established by her family, Lulu’s legacy continues to inspire kindness, compassion, and advocacy for animals in need.
It was a powerful reminder that philanthropy is not defined by the size of a gift, but by the lasting impact of generosity and the lives it touches.
From Shelter Dog to National Hero: Canyon’s Extraordinary Journey
Another standout honoree was Canyon, the ASPCA Dog of the Year, whose remarkable transformation from abandoned stray to elite search-and-rescue canine embodied the extraordinary potential of second chances.
Originally rescued in Mississippi and brought to the Hancock County Animal Shelter in 2021, Canyon demonstrated exceptional intelligence and determination that caught the attention of a professional canine handler.
After specialized training, he earned certifications in human remains detection and wilderness operations, ultimately deploying to some of the nation’s most devastating disasters, including the Maui wildfires, Hurricane Helene, and the 2025 Texas floods.
During the Texas disaster, Canyon spent more than 90 days searching along the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic, helping provide answers and closure to grieving families.
His handler, Christy Bormann, used the occasion to emphasize the untapped potential of shelter animals.
Her hope, she explained, is that Canyon’s journey will encourage shelters and rescue organizations to recognize the extraordinary capabilities that may exist in animals waiting for a second chance.
New York’s Finest: Detective Kyle McLaughlin and Kelly
Bringing a distinctly New York flavor to the celebration, NYPD Detective Kyle McLaughlin received the ASPCA Public Service Award for his extraordinary partnership with Kelly, a rescued Standardbred horse.
A 13-year veteran of the NYPD Mounted Unit, McLaughlin has patrolled the city’s five boroughs alongside Kelly since 2020, demonstrating the unique role horses play in community policing and public safety.
The pair attracted national attention in April 2026 after pursuing a suspected purse thief on horseback through Manhattan’s Upper West Side, leading to an apprehension captured on body-camera footage.
Yet behind the headline-making pursuit is a bond built on trust, loyalty, and mutual dependence.
“Words can’t describe what Kelly means to me and how much I depend on Kelly to protect myself and perform the duties we do everyday,” McLaughlin shared.
Championing Change in Agriculture
The afternoon also recognized Craig Watts, recipient of the ASPCA Farm Animal Welfare Award, for his advocacy on behalf of farm animals and agricultural workers.
A former contract poultry farmer who helped expose animal welfare concerns within industrial farming, Watts now serves as Director of the Contract Grower Transition Program at the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project.
His work focuses on helping farmers transition toward more sustainable and humane agricultural practices, demonstrating how animal welfare advocacy can intersect with responsible business practices and broader systemic reform.
Canine Heroes on the Front Lines
Rounding out the honorees was Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD), recipient of the prestigious ASPCA Henry Bergh Award, named for the organization’s founder.
Established in the early 1990s, the nonprofit has become a leader in avalanche search-and-rescue operations, bringing together highly trained canine teams, ski patrols, law enforcement, and emergency responders.
Accepting the honor, C-RAD Director of Operations John Reller spoke movingly about the extraordinary partnership between humans and working dogs, whose skills and instincts can make the difference between life and death in extreme conditions.
He also emphasized the emotional rewards of these partnerships, describing the compassion, loyalty, and companionship that dogs offer their human counterparts.
The Enduring Power of Giving Back
As the luncheon drew to a close, the ASPCA’s 2026 Humane Awards offered a compelling portrait of philanthropy in action.
From grassroots advocacy and innovative animal-assisted therapy to disaster response and charitable foundations preserving the legacies of loved ones, each honoree demonstrated that compassion can create meaningful change in countless ways.
For the philanthropic community, the afternoon reinforced an enduring lesson: true legacy is measured not simply by financial success or influence, but by the positive impact one leaves behind.
And after 160 years of championing animal welfare, the ASPCA continues to prove that investing in compassion can yield some of society’s most extraordinary returns.
To learn more about the ASPCA and support its animal welfare initiatives, visit aspca.org.
