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From June 2006 ANIMAL PEOPLE:

Lewyt Award goes to Tommy:  A Strong Dog and Devoted Mom who Saved Her Puppy and Brought a Community Together

        Tommy, a female mixed breed from Nepal, is an amazing creature.  When Animal Nepal, an animal welfare organization, first met Tommy she was suffering from severe mange.   She had many open sores from scratching and infections and appeared dehydrated and severely malnourished.  Although Tommy had an owner she scavenged for food in the neighborhood.  The neglectful owner also threatened neighbors that he would soon dispose of Tommy by throwing her in the river.

        The staff of Ganjala Children's Home, located nearby, agreed to treat Tommy.  For three weeks she received food and medical care.  Soon, Tommy figured out that her caretakers drove a white car and blocked the road whenever they would try to pass.  She only let them go after receiving some food or a cuddle.  Obviously, Tommy is amazingly bright.

        Tommy's condition improved quickly, but her belly began to grow disproportionately large.  The staff soon realized she was pregnant and she gave birth to four healthy, furry puppies.  When the puppies were only two weeks old, the owner put three of them in a plastic bag and threw them in a nearby river.  None of the neighbors knew what was happening, but Tommy followed him and when she heard the cries of her babies she jumped in and managed to rescue one puppy and carry it back to her hideout. 

        Tommy now has two surviving puppies, a male and a female.  The children's home is looking for good homes for them.  To celebrate the amazing rescue event, Animal Nepal, an animal welfare organization based in Kathmandu Valley, had Tommy spayed at a local vet clinic so she will never have to go through the traumatic experience of losing her puppies again. 

        Today, Tommy looks after her pups and enjoys playing with children in the neighborhood.  She continues to block the road whenever the Ganjala Children's Home car tries to pass.  The staff does not mind; they realize Tommy is a courageous dog who deserves the extra nourishment and attention.

        The story of Tommy explains some of the hardships abandoned and neglected dogs encounter.  It also shows that with a little help the hard lives of neglected dogs such as Tommy can be improved.  In the process, Tommy has enriched the lives of her caregivers and neighbors.  Tommy and her pups are a favorite of all the neighbors who are surprised at her amazing transformation to a playful, happy dog.  Hopefully, next time a dog like Tommy enters the neighborhood, people's first thought will not be to chase the dog away, but to see what can be done to improve its health.

        The Lewyt Award for June 2006 has been presented to Tommy to honor the strength and devotion she showed in saving her young pups, as well as her ability to bring a community together.  In honor of this remarkable dog, North Shore Animal League America will present a check for $500 to Ganjala Children's Home and a matching check for $500 to Animal Nepal in recognition of their organization's rescue and care of Tommy.