filled with inspiration and hope for our nation’s heroes.

Palm Beach, FL – At this year’s prestigious Pups4Patriots™ Dinner Dance, held at the exclusive Club Colette in Palm Beach, the American Humane Society proudly honored Lois Pope with the Global Humanitarian Medal. 

Lois Pope’s dedication to veterans, service dogs, and military working dogs has made a profound impact—especially in facilitating the reunification of military heroes with their beloved canine partners after service, with approximately 56% of these reunions taking place at military bases overseas, including in Germany, Japan, Korea, Italy, and more. This award recognizes Lois Pope’s steadfast commitment to ensuring our nation’s heroes receive the care, recognition, and support they so rightly deserve.

"Lois Pope has been an unwavering advocate for our nation’s heroes—both human and animal," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. "Her boundless compassion and generosity have transformed countless lives, and tonight, we are honored to celebrate her remarkable legacy."

This unforgettable evening honored Lois Pope, whose visionary support was instrumental in the creation of the American Humane Society Sanctuary in Florida, opening April 14. The night’s highlight was the announcement of the first-ever residential Pups4Patriots™ Service Dog Center. This initiative will provide life-changing service dogs to veterans facing post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries, advancing American Humane Society’s mission of compassionate care for heroes and the animals who serve them.

In addition to this exciting milestone, guests celebrated the profound impact of American Humane Society’s Pups4Patriots™ and military programs, which provide lifesaving service dogs to veterans and reunite military working dogs with their handlers. Veterans and their service dogs were in attendance as Dr. Ganzert shared powerful stories of how these programs have transformed their lives.

Leigh-Anne Kazma, whose passion and commitment—alongside her family’s enduring support—have profoundly impacted the Pups4Patriots™ program and American Humane Society’s mission to serve veterans, was honored as the Inspirational Chair.

"As a devoted supporter of American Humane Society, I am truly honored to be named the Inspirational Chair and to be part of an organization that makes such a profound impact on our nation’s heroes," said Kazma. "Tonight is a tribute to hope, healing, and the unbreakable bond between veterans and their service dogs."

As the evening drew to a close, guests were reminded of the lasting impact that dedicated advocates like Lois Pope and Leigh-Anne Kazma have on the lives of our nation’s heroes, as well as American Humane Society unwavering commitment to providing hope, healing, and a brighter future for veterans and their lifesaving service dogs.
 

For more information on American Humane Society’s programs and how to support these lifesaving efforts, visit AmericanHumane.org.