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PETA 11th Annual Gregory J. Reiter Award to Twin County Humane Society

By Alysoun Mahoney | June 6, 2026 |

I am excited to announce that the 2026 People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) 11th annual Gregory J. Reiter Animal Rescue Award goes to the all-volunteer Twin County Humane Society (TCHS) in Southwest Virginia, with special recognition to volunteer Susan McGrady Hevey.

Since 2016, PETA has presented this award each year on or around Greg’s June 6 birthday, to an organization or individual doing exceptional work to rescue animals from abuse, neglect, military conflict or natural disaster.

The Twin County Humane Society works in underserved communities of Carroll County, Grayson County, and the City of Galax, Virginia, helping thousands of animals and their guardians each year. TCHS rescues and fosters cats and dogs, and provides spay/neuter services. Its owner assistance program helps community residents to keep their beloved animals at home, with services including free and low-cost vaccinations, microchips, food, housing, and medical assistance. After a recent rabies outbreak in the TCHS service area, its popup clinic administered hundreds of free rabies vaccinations in a single day.

TCHS has built a strong network of partnerships with local shelters, veterinary practices, foundations, and corporate sponsors. TCHS also partners with PETA, whose Norfolk-based mobile clinic travels to the region semi-annually to provide spay/neuter and a range of other services.

Volunteer Susan McGrady Hevey is receiving special recognition for her commitment to difficult, unglamorous field work in her community — work that often makes the difference between continued neglect and lasting change for animals. Through regular visits, Susan builds trust with guardians who may be overwhelmed, isolated, or wary of outside help. In Susan’s words, “Everyone has a story, you just have to slow down and listen.” Her approach has secured spay/neuter surgeries and improvements to animals’ living conditions, while educating guardians and providing the support they need to do the right thing for their animal companions.

More on the PETA blog at Honoring Compassion in Action: The 2026 Gregory J. Reiter Animal Rescue Award.

Previous recipients of PETA’s Gregory J. Reiter Animal Rescue Award have been:

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