Contributed Report

Pets in Powhatan have long had an ally in 11-year-old Monica Plumb. And now the young animal advocate is being recognized on a national level.

The ASPCA has selected Plumb as this year’s winner of the Tommy Monahan Kid of the Year Award. Monica is one of ten extraordinary people and animals that will be honored for their heroic deeds at this year’s Humane Awards Luncheon on October 29, 2009 in New York City.
Monica decided to make a real difference after seeing a news story about a pet that was saved from a house fire due to the use of an oxygen pet mask.  Monica launched PetMask.com to collect online donations to purchase pet masks for fire departments, and has since purchased more than 120 mask kits for fire stations in nine different states. 
“The Humane Awards is an opportunity for the ASPCA to recognize the unique and often heroic contributions that are made on behalf of animals each and every day,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres.  “Monica exemplifies the ASPCA’s mission of kindness and compassion towards animals, and has shown tremendous potential for affecting positive change at such a young age.”

This is not the fist time Plumb has been recognized for her extraordinary efforts. In April, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals honored her with the Compassionate Kid Award.

Plumb, the daughter of William and Wendy Plumb, says her dream is to someday become a veterinarian.