Today we are publishing the results of the consolidated jury protocol, without revealing the final podium standings.
Dear friends, if someone starts complaining to you that they have the hardest job in the world, don't believe them! The members of the jury of the International Award "My affectionate and helpful animal" have the hardest job (and not even a job, but a voluntary social burden). After all, every year they face the same unsolvable problem: how to choose the best from a list where almost everyone deserves to be the winner?
And, of course, the seventh season of our Award was no exception. One of the judges recalled the completed protocol three times, reworked it, and sent a new version. Four jury members selected their top five from seven or more contenders. So, you can imagine the intense passions and the difficult choice.
And all because our judges literally passed the story of each hero through their hearts. Nevertheless, after heated correspondence and face-to-face debates, and even accusations of formalism by the organizing committee, our arbitrators made the choice.
And, of course, we are pleased and excited to announce the names of the winners. Please note: we're not revealing the final placements our heroes will receive. This will be announced only at the Award ceremony!
27 candidates from 15 regions of Russia, as well as from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Switzerland, Tanzania and China claimed victory in the "Our Brothers" nomination. This season, a cat and a pony will comfortably and deservedly share the podium with the five heroic dogs. The winners are listed in the order in which applications were received.
Pony Dietrich (Moscow region), who gives joy and hope to sick children and incurable patients.
Eastern European Shepherd dog Donbass (Irkutsk-Lugansk). He covered six fighters with himself and took the blow of an enemy drone.
Labrador retriever Dark (Belarus). The shaggy-haired employee of the Republican Ministry of Emergency Situations has saved nine human lives in different parts of our planet.
Half-wolf Pulya (Rostov), a dog with exceptional hearing, who has repeatedly saved his master and Russian fighters on the front line.
Husky Ita (Kaliningrad Region), which serves as a psychologist and canister therapist for children, stroke patients, and soldiers returning from the front.
Doberman Rainier (Leningrad region). Defending his master, the dog died after getting into a fight with an armed criminal.
Cat Vizha (Moscow), who showed how a homeless cat from Donetsk could become a star of the Cat Theatre in the capital.
Several more contenders among our smaller brothers were awarded Honorary Diplomas of the International Award "My Affectionate and Helpful Animal" by decision of the judges.
The winners are listed in the order in which applications are received.
Staff of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering of the University of MISIS (Moscow). They were the first in the world to create a biodegradable implant for animals, allowing veterinarians to avoid repeated operations.
The volunteers of "Mehr va Oqibat" (Uzbekistan), who rescued several dozen dogs from the slaughterhouse, whose meat was sold by knackers.
Tatiana Gorodkova (Kemerovo region). For forty years of continuous experience, the rural veterinarian has saved thousands of lives of cows, horses, dogs and cats.
Ekaterina Kudrina (Rostov-on-Don). The blind student became the author of the unique projects "Dog my eyes" and "See with my heart", which help visually impaired people interact with guide dogs.
Employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus (Minsk), who rescued over a thousand animals last year.
Ilya Zaitsev (Novosibirsk region), who, together with a friend, organized an entire operation to rescue a herd of roe deer doomed to die.
Volunteers of the Paw Patrol unit (Kazan), who rescue dogs and cats from a special military operation zone.
Ten more candidates in this category will be awarded Honorary Diplomas of the International Award "My Affectionate and Helpful Animal.”
We will announce the names and nicknames of the diplomats, as well as who will be the winner, who will be the prize-winner, who will receive special prizes, and who will receive the Prize of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Northwestern Federal District at the Award ceremony. It will be held in the most hospitable city of Russia, Zelenogradsk, on April 24 and 25.