Nominated by Jessica Seratt.

When I think of heroes one special person comes to mind, Kay McElroy, owner of Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary in Caledonia, Miss. In 1987, Kay heard about a cougar for sale named "Zack," who was being starved and beaten. Thinking the state zoo would take the animal she sold her only tractor to rescue him. When the zoo declined because their exhibits were already full, Kay had nowhere else to turn and started Cedarhill. Finally, Zack was safe. Now, 20 years later, Kay gives refuge to exotics and domestics, totaling 35 big cats, 200 domestic cats, 45 dogs and 30 farm animals - none of which are bred, used commercially or exhibited. Through Mississippi's sweltering summers and cold winters, Kay cares tirelessly for her animals. She lectures frequently on exotic animal ownership and the perils it presents. Because of Kay, students at Mississippi State Vet School have been given a unique hands-on experience treating rare animals. In 1997, Kay was instrumental in creating Mississippi's first laws governing exotics and their habitats, effectively putting an end to animal auctions and canned hunts. If not for Kay, many animals would have met their demise, continued suffering, not to mention endangered the public. It is for these reasons and a million others that I nominate Kay McElroy.