LEWISTON – U.S Senator Mike Crapo awarded Idaho Animal Rescue Network with the “Spirit of Idaho” award on Thursday, October 27 at Fur Family Cinema to honor the life-changing work Director Jenna Redheart, local law enforcement, and the community of volunteers did to rescue and save the lives of 25 Great Danes from a home in Lewiston, Idaho.
The Spirit of Idaho Award was created by Crapo in 2000 to honor the acts of service by Idahoans for their commitment to improving their community and serving their fellow citizens. Idaho Animal Rescue Network has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure these genital giants will have a life full of love moving forward.
When accepting the award, Redheart became emotional with the overwhelming gratitude she has for the community and the plethora of volunteers, veterinarians, and local businesses that came forward and helped when the non-profit needed it most. She also explained she is thankful for Senators like Mike Crapo for recognizing issues such as animal cruelty and is hopeful this continues moving forward throughout the state.
“I am very appreciative for the recognition,” Redheart said. “This shows how truly phenomenal our community is when we need them.”
Senator Crapo explained that this case came to his attention from local news reports and he is honored to give the award to hard-working Idahoans like the ones at the award ceremony. Senator Crapo explained he has a soft spot for animals. The ones he and his family have loved over the years have been the ones that find them. He mentioned near Idaho Falls is a common spot owners would drop their dogs off and he and his wife would give them the homes they needed.
“[The award] is just about people doing great things and it is so incredible,'” Senator Crapo said. “These volunteers do it because they love people, they love dogs, and they love Idaho.”
After the award was presented, Senator Crapo and his team gave each of the Great Danes in attendance, with their loving new family, a special Idaho-shaped dog treat. In return, they received endless licks as the gentle giant’s appreciation.
