LARGO – The SPCA Tampa Bay recently recognized humanitarians who set the standard for others through their diligent efforts to safeguard those who cannot speak for themselves. The honors were bestowed at the SPCA’s “Come As the Animal You Are” awards ceremony.
Honored as Humanitarians of the Year for their heroic efforts to save a dog’s life in January were paramedic Jeff Pyles of Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue and veterinarian Matt Facarazzo of IRB Animal Hospital.
Pyles responded to the scene where a man had set his car on fire in front of his ex-girlfriend’s Indian Rocks Beach home with their two dogs, Sweetie and Honey, inside. Sweetie died instantly, but Honey hung on to life. Pyles provided her with fluids and oxygen while receiving help over the phone from Dr. Facarazzo.
Thanks to the two men, Honey was given a chance to live, but her injuries were so severe that she died three days after the fire.
Other awards were given to SPCA volunteers Valerie Brehm, Suzi Dill and Amy Gray for their tireless efforts on behalf of animals.
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