2009 Pet Hall of Fame Hero of the year The Hero award is given to animals who have saved or preserved human life. Peaches N' Créme-Maltese Peaches N' Créme, is an eight-year-old Maltese, belonging to Marla Brabander of Iron River. Marla’s daughter Andrea, who is diabetic, had just arrived at Marla’s winter home in Texas.  Because of the long trip from Wisconsin, Andrea was tired, and immediately went to lie down for a nap. Marla also had a long day, and decided to lie down as well.   After a short while, Peaches began barking and jumping all over Marla, to wake her up. Peaches lured Marla into Andrea’s room, where Andrea was found to be in a diabetic coma. Not having any emergency shots for this type of situation, Marla immediately called 911. Thanks to Peaches’ special awareness and persistence, Andrea was quickly on her way to the hospital where she was revived. Peaches had saved Andrea’s life.       It is now common for Peaches to sense when Andrea’s blood sugar is too low or too high. When Andrea is warned by Peaches, by scratching and pawing at her legs, Andrea will check her blood, and Peaches is always right. Marla considers Peaches to be her little miracle dog.   Peaches N’ Créme was nominated by Dr. Monica Brilla of Northland Veterinary Service in Iron River.   Professional of the year The Professional award is given to animals who provide special assitance.   Chloee Lee-Labrador beagle mix  Chloee Lee is a registered service dog, as well as a certified therapy dog, belonging to Fran McGee.  Fran, who is in a wheelchair, also has limited use of her right hand, so the help that Chloee Lee provides is necessary for many everyday activities. She picks up any object that Fran might drop, gets food out of the fridge, brings Fran her cane, removes Fran’s socks, opens doors, as well as many other tasks. Fran taught Chloee to do all of these things, with the help of Twin Ports Dog Training Club. Chloee is even able to alert Fran at specific times to check her blood sugar level, due to her diabetes. Chloee is able to do all these things, despite having Addison’s disease.  In addition to all that Chloee Lee does for Fran, she also works in the Sensory Department at the Challenge Center in Superior, and is a therapy dog at Viewcrest Health Center in Duluth, Minn. It is said that Chloee can sense when a person is not well, and will then rest her head on their lap. Fran's pastor, who wrote in support of Chloee Lee's nomination had this to say: "I have found Chloee to be a good dog around people and children. She would make a wonderful pet for any family, but she is much more than that. She is a servant. Not only for Fran, but for the entire community." However, Fran describes Chloee much more simply: "Chloee is the best thing in yellow fur and four legs ever."  Chloee Lee was nominated by Dr. Monica Brilla of Northland Veterinary Service in Iron River.   Companion of the year The Companion award is given to animals who have provided a benefit to their human companions or their community.   Frankie-Dachshund    Frankie is a nine-year-old miniature Dachshund belonging to Barb and John Techel, of Elkhart Lake. Though F rancesca is her real name, she likes to go by Frankie. Frankie thinks that she is no different from any other dog, but she is special, because she is known as the Walk ‘n Roll dog.  When Frankie was six years old, she sustained a spinal cord injury. Frankie went into surgery with a thirty percent chance of walking again. For eight weeks she was confined to a crate, with strict instructions to limit her activity. However, as the weeks and months passed, it became clear that Frankie would not walk again, despite extensive rehabilitation. Considering their options, the Techels decided to order a customized dog cart. Over the past two years, Frankie and Barb have had the opportunity to bring their story of joy and hope to thousands of people around the state, and across the country. They have even written a children’s book, which has won a national award.  Most people have never seen a dog on wheels before. Children are particularly interested. Barb and Frankie have visited schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. They introduce children to the concept of disabilities in an affirming and unthreatening way. Frankie demonstrates that she is a normal dog that enjoys normal dog things. Frankie is also an excellent example of standing tall in the face of life’s challenges.  Julie Hauck, a third-grade teacher whose class was visited by Frankie said, “Frankie succeeded in overcoming her obstacles. Many students are facing their own set of obstacles, such as difficulty reading, living in a one-parent home, or wearing glasses. Frankie shows children and adults alike to never give up."  Frankie was nominated by Dr. Greg Bohn of Kettle Moraine Veterinary Clinic in Plymouth.