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From September 2006 ANIMAL PEOPLE:

Lewyt Award goes to Toby, A True Hero who Saved His Home and Canine Siblings from a Fire

In the early morning of May 16th, 2006, Sue DesMarais of Jackson, New Jersey, noticed a strange smell in her home that she attributed to some water damage and mold in one of the spare rooms of her home caused by recent heavy rain. The 34-year-old police officer who retired early after being badly injured in the line of duty was often been called a hero for the events that led up to her career-ending injury, but this day it would be Toby, her one-year-old shepherd mix, who would take that title.

Hours later Sue was on her way out of the house to purchase cleaning supplies for the water and mold damage when Toby, a usually mellow and quiet boy began to fuss. He began biting at her pants leg and barred Sue from leaving the house. Once he was secure in knowing she would not exit the front door he drew her attention to the door of the closed off spare room. He began jumping on the door and barking. When Sue opened the door she discovered that a reading light was turned on and had fallen into a pile of laundry. A fire that had been smoldering for hours had just burst into flames. Sue's police officer training took over and she was able to extinguish the fire without incident.

While Sue was the one who put out the fire, she credits Toby for saving her home. "If I had left for the store as I intended, my house, three dogs and prized possessions would have been gone by the time I arrived home. Toby will surely be spoiled with many treats," said Sue DesMarais. She purchased the home, the first she has ever owned in January 2006.

Sue adopted Toby from North Shore Animal League America on July 3, 2005, when he was only three months old. Little did she know that this shy puppy would save her home in less than one year. Toby was extremely fearful of everyone and everything except Sue when he was first adopted. For the longest time Sue was the only person who could pet him. However, through proper positive reward training and socialization he began to let more and more people near him. Today, Toby is a bit of a celebrity and enjoys the attention he receives everywhere he goes.

The Lewyt Award for September 2006 has been presented to Toby to honor the exceptional bravery and loyalty he showed in saving his guardian and her home from a devastating fire. As a symbol of the award, North Shore Animal League America is presenting this remarkable dog and his guardian with a $1,000 check.