2012 Clancy Memorial Award
GERRY
a 3 year-old Golden Retriever,
is the recipient of the
2012 Clancy Memorial Award. 
Gerry was given a second chance
by Sharon Jones-Gilmore.
Basically, left alone to die, this little puppy did whatever he could to survive, including eating hay and manure.
Days started off Golden for Gerry in a family with several other dogs. After being hit by a car, his young life started to spiral downwards. Besides his pelvis not being set correctly after the accident, Gerry’s little body started losing weight from many bouts of sickness. Rather than provide the medical attention he deserved, his owners requested the vets to put him down. The clinic felt Gerry could survive with proper medication and surgery and so asked the owners to surrender their rights to him. Gerry was about 15 months-old when he had surgery to remove a portion of his bowels that had become impacted so badly due to his poor diet and complications after his car accident.
Finally, good fortune fell to Gerry when Love and compassion entered his life in the form of Sharon Jones Gilmore on December 30th, 2009.  Sharon, who is a Registered Massage Therapist and an Animal Massage Practitioner, a board member of the Kindness Club, and an undisputed animal lover, operated the Love Puppy Canine Boutique on King Street.  A staff member at the Vet suggested Sharon and Gerry would make a good partnership.  Still grieving from the loss of their dog of old age, Sharon and her husband Jeff, were unsure of the new responsibility but did agree to assist with Gerry’s rehabilitation. “As soon as he walked in the door I knew we belonged together,” said Sharon.
Those initial months with any new dog are vital for the bonding process.  However Sharon took those steps literally when the day after Gerry joined their family, she fell down the stairs and fractured her back.  So Gerry and Sharon spent the first three months of their time together, both recovering in bed, while forming their forever bond. 
Gerry became the official greeter and product tester at Sharon’s store and became the face of animal welfare education not only for the SNAP Burlesque Revue, but to several Kindness Club events, as well as attending discussions at local schools.  Gerry immediately established a large fan base. 
Even though Gerry became a typical happy dog, loving his toys, treats and crawling up on Sharon’s lap for a snuggle, it was a constant labor of love for the Gilmores to maintain a healthy balance in Gerry’s life.  Sadly Gerry lost his great battle to survive last November at the age of three.  Gerry was an angel that filled many hearts with love and happiness.

To learn more of Gerry, please contact Sharon at