April from Lynne and Amy - Iowa Hall of Fame

 These are adorable. The first one is from Lynne - the next two are from Amy. Short comments today because the add on is long.

I hope I remember to use Amy's idea of putting each letter on a gift tag.

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From time to time, I have a dog or cat stamp and always wish I knew which exchangers would prefer one or the other. I am pretty sure Lynne has a preference for dogs - so this is for you, Lynne. I just found out that Iowa has an Animal Hall of Fame. I wonder how many states have them and if there is a national one. Several other states pop up - so I might do more research. Although this is probably too far off topic for me to spend more time on it. (I did do a quick check and lots of states have something similar)

Four furry friends have been inducted into the 2025 Iowa Animal Hall of Fame. Nacho, Curro, Ruckus and Ranger, all dogs, received official state fame status.

The Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and Hill's Pet Nutrition inducted the four pets, who were honored for bravery and companionship. In the last 24 years, 78 animals – including dogs, cats, horses and cows – across Iowa have received the honor.

The awards have three categories: companion, hero and professional. Here are the four-legged friends who took home the prize.

Nacho and Corrin

This pair of golden retriever mixes work together to bring comfort and fun to children at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital, and were awarded in the professional category. Emily Bradley and Aly Humphrey are their handlers, both child life specialists.

Ruckus

Ruckus is a 10-year-old Dalmatian who belongs to Carl and Deb Badtram of Strawberry Point. Nominated by Dr. Ashley Vander Hart of Edgewood Veterinary Clinic in the companion category, this lovable pup has the ability to bring joy to anyone he meets.

Ranger

This West Des Moines dog won in the hero category and belongs to Kim and John Danos. The 9-year-old boxer was nominated by Dr. Dim Kendall at Ingersoll Animal Hospital. During a home invasion at the Danos household, Ranger placed himself between his owner and the threat, grabbing the intruder's arm.