Jackson Galaxy receives 2015 ‘Humane Award’ from Helen Woodward Animal Center

On July 11, the Helen Woodward Animal Center presented Jackson Galaxy (animal advocate, best-selling author, luminary for the International Remember Me Thursday campaign and host of Animal Planet’s hit show “My Cat From Hell”) with the 2015 “Humane Award.” The annual award was presented in front of an “invitation-only group of special guests” at the home of hosts and long-time Helen Woodward Animal Center supporters June and Neil Ash in Rancho Santa Fe.

Galaxy has over two decades of experience in the cat behavior world. “He began his career in the trenches of an animal shelter, working nine years on staff at Boulder Valley Humane Society where he met Dr. Jean Hofve, a respected holistic veterinarian. Together they refined her line of holistic remedies for animals and began ‘Spirit Essences’ in 1995, using the products as part of a holistic approach to health and behavior in the shelter, as well as in Jackson’s private cat consultation business. Jackson ran both companies for 16 years and eventually moved them to Los Angeles where he became an internationally known TV host and star when Animal Planet premiered “My Cat From Hell” in 2011. The show followed Galaxy as he made house calls to pet guardians and their cats, offering clients a deeper understanding of why cats act out, with insights and exercises from his unique ‘Cat Mojo’ philosophy.

“Galaxy is also a celebrated author and an award-winning co-designer of the Jackson Galaxy Collection cat product-line. He published his first book (a memoir), “Cat Daddy: What the World’s Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean in 2012” and co-authored with cat style expert Kate Benjamin, the book ‘Catification: Designing a Happy & Stylish Home for Your Cat (and You!)’ in 2014. Upon its release, it reached #1 on the New York Times Animal Bestseller list. His innovative cat products, released in partnership with Petmate Pet Products, won the Industry Recognition Award from Pet Business Magazine and the Editor’s Choice Award from Cat Fancy, ranking the line among the year’s best products for cats.

“Today, Jackson is intensifying his work for animals through the Jackson Galaxy Foundation, whose mission is to better the lives of sheltered animals by transforming the places they live and helping the people who care for them.”

The Humane Award is presented annually by Helen Woodward Animal Center President and CEO, Mike Arms, to a person or entity that has made a significant positive impact on the animal welfare world – devoting their time, energy, and resources to improving the quality of life for orphaned animals. Past recipients include Kristen Bell, Diane Keaton, Betty White, Tippi Hedren, and Linda Blair. This year’s presentation is a very personal one for Arms who championed the International Remember Me Thursday campaign. Galaxy signed on as a luminary in 2014, pledging to share the campaign’s important message on the September Day of Remembrance for orphan pets who had lost their lives without finding forever homes. His social media posts and tweets single-handedly resulted in thousands of media impressions and shares in a single day, increasing awareness and touching the lives of shelter pets waiting for rescue. He has signed on again as a luminary for the 2015 campaign.

“We are honored to present this award to such a truly outstanding individual,” said Arms, “Jackson Galaxy has dedicated himself and his life to these beautiful creatures and he has our enduring respect and unwavering friendship.”

For more information, visit www.animalcenter.org.

Photos by McKenzie Images.