HSI 2009 award is for AHPPA

By Karin MacKinnon

On April 8, 2009, The International branch of the Humane Society International (HSI) in the United States, recognized Lilian Schnog with the HSI Award for Extraordinary Commitment and Achievement to improving the conditions of animals in Costa Rica.

Lilian received this international recognition by the HSI at the annual Animal Care Expo held in Las Vegas.  This is the largest trade and educational conference for animal shelters in the world.

Lilian left her native home in Holland 20 years ago to move to Costa Rica with her husband. Shortly after arriving, she noticed the animal shelter in Heredia and began to use her experience with animals as a volunteer, grooming and washing the dogs at this shelter.

Lucky for the shelter and the animals, she hasn’t left since, continuing her lifelong work with animals at AHPPA and inspiring others with her energy and enthusiasm.

The award recipients are selected by a small committee of HSI staff knowledgeable about international animal issues. This award recognizes individual animal protectionists throughout the world particularly those in developing countries. Previous award winners include recipients from Peru, India, France, and Zimbabwe all of whom exhibit true dedication to the care of animals in their countries.

This is the first time an individual from Costa Rica has won this award. The AHPPA is in partnership with the Humane Society and shares this network with countries from many other developing countries.

Congratulations again to Lilian!

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="AHPPA President (ad honorem) Lilian Schnog receiving the HSI 2009 award"][/caption]