Like the famous Clara Bow of the bygone Elinor Glyn-Clarence Badger Production [playing opposite Antonio Moreno], Gertrude Maxwell Hurwitz was similarly honored this summer. In addition to completing a red carpet feature role in the summertime movie production at the Congress Avenue
location (G-Star Studios and School of the Arts) in June, the white carpet rolled out for her path in marriage to her charming husband, Solomon Hurwitz this July. Gertrude credits Solomon for making her feel, for the first time in her life, like the former ‘IT’ Girl star every single day. Yet, there is more to do.
Mrs. Hurwitz had become accustomed to rarely sleeping due to the many hours of work necessary as the “voice for the voiceless animals who cannot speak for themselves.” She knows she must fervently carry forward because, for the more than 80,000 homeless dogs and cats she’s saved since 1972 [when she founded Save-A-Pet Inc.], there are at least that many more each month facing euthanasia. Over 200 awards, honors and proclamations adorn her walls competing with the hundreds of formal compliments from state, county and community leaders, organizations and the media. Yet, there is more to do.
Last June 17, Mrs. Hurwitz became the recipient of the National Republican Congressional Committee’s Congressional Medal of Distinction in recognition of outstanding meritorious service. The Tribute to Gertrude before the House of Representatives in March, 2009, by Representative Virginia Foxx [representing the fifth District of North Carolina], is recorded in the Congressional Record – House, Proceedings and Debates of the 111th Congress, First Session, Vol. 155, on Page H3720. This Washington D.C. event included meeting with Vice President Dick Cheney and the Governor of Louisiana, Honorable Bobby Jindal as well as lunch with Republican Leader John Boehner. Only one individual is allowed to be mentioned or honored at this annual event, and the 2009 great honor went to Mrs. Gertrude Maxwell Hurwitz. Yet, there is more to do.
Gertrude appears in numerous television stories and commercials (i.e. AP, CNBC, CNN, FOX, HISTORY, MSNBC, A&E, HEADLINE NEWS, and DISCOVERY CHANNEL) to heighten awareness of animal welfare challenges and their viable solutions. Today, her husband Solomon joins her by holding steady her hand while guiding her safely through throngs of people who insist she step to the stage where ever people gather, to be the voice for animals. Solomon understands that her mission continues for one reason – saving animals. Where before there was one, today, with love and loyalty, Solomon stands with Gertrude in her mission, much like Antonio Moreno did for the ‘IT’ GIRL Clara Bow so many years ago. Because, there is more to do.