I have only known Gwen for a short time yet I have yet to see a woman with so much love in her heart both for humans and animals. She founded Birch Haven Rescue in 1996, a rescue for giant breed canines and equines, with a special focus on special needs, such as blind, deaf, abused, and injured. Dogs that are not deemed adoptable have found their forever home in her haven program and have a safe place to live out their lives. Last fall, my husband and I had the absolute pleasure of attending one of the many in house events and got to meet some of the most beautiful, well behaved dogs we have ever seen. We fully expected to be led to a kennel outside the house to meet the dogs but we're totally astounded to find that they all lived in the house and were part of the Boers family. We were totally humbled by the fact that this wonderful Boers family had sacrificed so much to be able to save these beautiful animals. It humbles me to no end to see that her lovely children are the first to make sacrifices by giving up their allowances to help a dog in rescue. Gwen never ceases to amaze me at how far she will go to obtain an animal she thinks is worth rescuing regardless of how injured or abused it might be. She fights tooth and nail to be heard and there are no limits to how far she will go to save a dog in trouble. She has a big support team behind her as well that are willing to help when needed. Gwen is also involved in educating the public about responsible ownership. This is such an important part of the Birch Haven program. So many dogs are returned because their owners have no idea of how to handle them or what is needed to make their pets the best they can be and not set them up for failure. Gwendilin Boers is a friend to all, whether it be human, or animal. She is a voice for the voiceless and in my opinion, she deserves this heroic heart nomination for all the wonderful work she has done and continues to do for rescue.http://www.globalpetfoods.com/heroicheart