Rescue agencies or individuals active in rehabilitating or saving mistreated horses and dogs are being encouraged to contact Rio Vista Products for details on nominating candidates for their annual Hank Award program. Deadline for entries is October 2001.

In a recent interviews, Rio Vista President James Towle said, “Rio Vista is proud to acknowledge the work of those who give so much of themselves and to reward their dedication to equine and canine rehabilitation. Our Hank award recipient will receive a grant and the beautiful ‘Friends’ sculpture depicting a horse and dog together, created by Sherry Wolfenbarger Cagan, renowned artist, breeder, trainer, and recipient of the 1985 World Champion Equestrian title.”

In 2000, the Agency Hank Award winner was the Last Chance corral of Athens, OH, for their work saving 200 slaughter-bound foals. Deborah Galt, of Rustburg, VA, won the Individual Hank Award for her work with Thor, an ex-jumper whose leg had become a grotesque stump until fitted with a prosthesis.

The annual program is named after a starving horse called Hank, the first horse saved through the Rio Vista Fund. Policy for the Fund states that whenever a customer purchases any Rio Vista products, a portion of the sale is set aside for the benefit of neglected or mistreated horses and dogs. Grants from the fund are made regularly to rescue organizations that file applications on behalf of specific animals