VALDOSTA — The Burton Fletcher Foundation for Animals has recently honored Nancy Daniels, a 1984 Valdosta State University graduate and retired educator, with the prestigious Burton Fletcher Foundation for Animals’ “Difference Maker Award” and Proclamation.

The recognition of Daniels, presented by the Burton Fletcher Foundation for Animals in collaboration with Vienna Mayor Eddie Daniels (no relation), is a significant testament to her unwavering long-term commitment to animal rescue and welfare, the foundation said in a press release.

Daniels has been a driving force in animal advocacy for the past 19 years, the foundation said. Her dedication has led to establishing life-saving transfer networks, where dogs from middle and south Georgia’s shelters are relocated to rescues or shelters in other states for potential adoption. These include the Lowndes County Animal Shelter, Quitman Paws and Play, and the following counties: Thomas, Turner, Macon, Mitchell, Echols, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, and Chatham, among others.

“Her strategic approach, based on the better animal-to-adopter ratio in other regions, has led to the rescue of numerous animals from euthanasia.” the press release said. “This success not only underscores the profound impact of her methods on animal welfare but also inspires us, demonstrating that with dedication and strategic planning, we can make a significant difference in the lives of animals.”

This time-consuming process requires tremendous attention to personal relationships, the development of communication, networking, and, most of all, a deep and abiding love for animals, the foundation said.

She works with multiple leading animal charities nationally, including the Humane Society of Valdosta-Lowndes County, the Humane Society of Broward County, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, the Hinsdale Humane Society, the Atlanta Humane Society, and internationally, the Niagara Dog Rescue.

Daniels has personally coordinated these life-saving transport programs, ensuring the safe transfer of thousands of dogs internationally into Canada and nationally, as far north as Maine, New York, and Illinois, and west to California, and down into Florida.

The Burton Fletcher Foundation, based in Valdosta, is the only regional 501 ©(3) nonprofit that actively works to recognize outstanding leaders in animal rescue. Burton Fletcher said, “I wish we had the financial resources to recognize more individuals like Nancy. She has been an outstanding leader in animal rescue for many years, and we are delighted to honor her this year.”