When Superstorm Sandy hit Long Island, countless pets were separated from their owners.
Before Pet Safe Coalition could come to the rescue, volunteers stepped in to care for the hundreds of pets suddenly left homeless thanks to Mother Nature.
At Nassau County's emergency pet shelter in Garden City, volunteers like Liz Fox, of East Meadow, lived at the shelter for weeks to ensure constant care for the more than 500 pets housed inside.
Fox says she is honored to be recognized for her efforts, but says she has already received the greatest reward - unending love from the animals she saved.
According the Pet Safe Coalition, most of the pets have been returned to their owners. The handful that went unclaimed were flown to California to be cared for by a rescue group.