Outstanding Humanitarians Honored 

Rancho Santa Fe, CA – Tamar Geller, best selling author and founder of, “The Loved Dog” method of training, was honored on Saturday, June 25 during the annual Benefactor Breakfast at Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. Geller is the dog trainer for celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Hilary Swank, Nicolas Cage, Ben Affleck, and Larry King.   

Geller, a former Intelligence Officer in the Israeli Army, was presented with the Center’s, “Humane Award”. Florida teenager Jacqueline Ferpes received the second annual, “Deora Bodley Junior Humane Award” named for former HWAC volunteer Deora Bodley who died on 9/11/01 aboard Flight 93.  

“Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Humane Award is our highest honor,” says HWAC Director of Development Renee Resko. “Tamar Geller is an advocate for animal welfare. She works to improve the lives of people and animals by nurturing the power of their natural bond. We honor Tamar for her extraordinary efforts to help animals” 

Jacqueline Ferpes of Lake Mary, Florida, known to family and friends as, “Mother Nature,” received the Deora Bodley Junior Humane Award. Resko explains, “Jacqueline began as a pet rescue volunteer as soon as she turned 14 then donated 566 hours of her time in the first eight months. She has helped cats, squirrels, birds, and even baby turtles, but her main focus is dogs. She washes them, walks them, feeds them and helps with medications, nail trimming and ear cleaning.  She rescued a dog hit by a car, fostered dogs in her home, and helped deliver a litter of 13 puppies!  She created a Power Point presentation to educate children about the importance of spaying and neutering and adopting pets from animal shelters.” The Deora Bodley Junior Humane Award was presented by Carol Schultz who selected Ferpes from dozens of nominees.  

In addition to a keynote address by Geller, the Benefactor Breakfast included remarks by Mike Arms, President of HWAC. Guests also viewed video presentations and took behind-the-scenes tours of the 12-acre HWAC campus.  

For more information visit Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe, call 858-756-4117.