Nominated by Michael Baglino.

Gertrude Maxwell, 96, is the tireless pioneer and founder of Save-A-Pet, dedicated to saving abandoned, homeless pets. Clearly the voice for voiceless animals, Mrs. Maxwell devotes every waking hour toward this personal passion. Upon learning in 1972 that over 90,000 animals were destroyed in the United States monthly, this former inner city teacher and social worker founded the now Florida-based Save-A-Pet, a humane animal rights organization promoting that euthanasia for cats and dogs never be practiced. Mrs. Maxwell's major accomplishments include the establishment and maintenance of many animal shelters, hospitals, adoption centers, sanctuaries, and saving over 80,000 homeless dogs and cats. Her community fundraisers have helped pay veterinary bills, arrange for emergency air transport to veterinary hospitals, donate pets to children and senior centers, create an official Florida animal rights day, and spearhead major efforts to preserve the Everglades natural wildlife refuge. Her influence has also extended into school curriculum and government lobbying for laws beneficial to animal welfare. Immediate goals include public funding to provide for spaying and neutering services for owners proven to be in dire financial circumstances. Taking personal inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi, her efforts in mobilizing communities for this cause and at her age are an unmatched inspiration to citizens of all generations. Whether accomplished individually or institutionally, I believe we owe Gertrude Maxwell a debt of gratitude for her philanthropic and inspirational efforts.