REPORT FROM THE RED CROSS – Indy Otsuka will be honored as the 2012 Red Cross Animal Hero of the Year at the Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on October 13, 2012. Hawaii News Now will be recognizing this week as Red Cross Heroes Week; for more information, please go to www.hawaiiredcross.org.
In August 2008, Indy, a retired show dog, was flown from Makawao to his new owner, Liane Otsuka. Liane recognized Indy’s compassion for people and after numerous hours of training, Indy passed the American Kennel Club Good Citizen test and Tripler Medical and Temperament Training to become a certified therapy dog.
Indy began as a Red Cross Human Animal Bond program volunteer in September, 2008.
Indy regularly visits patients, families and hospital staff, and even participated in traumatic brain injury group therapy sessions at Tripler Army Medical Center. Indy also volunteers at the annual Red Cross Hats Off fundraiser, encouraging the public to make donations, and has provided comfort as a member of the Red Cross First Aid Station Team at various community events. Indy spends well over 400 volunteer hours on Red Cross activities as well as other public service activities.
Indy deserves recognition as the Animal Hero for bringing so much joy to those in need of healing, and for supporting the mission of the American Red Cross.
The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance to meet the immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it depends on public contributions to help others. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. To send a contribution, mail your check to: American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816 or make a secure online donation at www.hawaiiredcross.org or call: (808) 739-8109
It looks like he is smiling!
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