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One Year After The Tornado, Celebrating Joplin's Animal Heroes (VIDEOS)

First Posted: 05/22/2012 1:46 pm   Updated: 07/27/2012 5:34 pm

On May 22, 2011, one of the worst tornadoes in US history hit Joplin, Mo., killing 161 people and destroying nearly a third of the city.

It was a devastating time. Yet, amidst the grief and widespread destruction, the city of Joplin has shown a resilience and hope that has been astounding.

On the first anniversary of the tornado, the city will come together in a "walk of unity" as they remember the steadfast togetherness that has kept them strong and the heroes that helped saved lives.

But Joplin's heroes come in many sizes: male and female, young and old, on two legs and on four.

Here, we celebrate the animal heroes of the Joplin tornado -- pets who have worked tirelessly to save survivors or to retrieve victims, as well as animals who've bravely endured the challenges of the disaster, offering hope to a city in recovery.

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Hailed a hero for her tireless search and rescue efforts in the aftermath of the Joplin tornado, Lily spent two straight weeks combing through the rubble for survivors even though she was unwell.

According to the Joplin Globe, the dog developed a life-threatening immune deficiency just weeks before the tornado hit. During the search, she was still on medication.

Yet, her owner Tara Prosser told OzarksFirst.com that the brave dog would not slow down her rescue effort.

"She's worked without complaint. She got nails in her feet. She get cuts on her legs. I only heard her yelp one time," Prosser said.

In recognition for her selfless determination, Lily was recently nominated for the American Humane Association's hero dog award.

For more information, visit Lily's Facebook page.
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On May 22, 2011, one of the worst tornadoes in US history hit Joplin, Mo., killing 161 people and destroying nearly a third of the city. It was a devastating time. Yet, amidst the grief and widesp...
On May 22, 2011, one of the worst tornadoes in US history hit Joplin, Mo., killing 161 people and destroying nearly a third of the city. It was a devastating time. Yet, amidst the grief and widesp...
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HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
Kim0330
Purr, and the world purrs with you...
377 Fans
04:10 PM on 05/23/2012
What amazing dogs!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
dutchkohler
95 Fans
 
12:50 AM on 05/23/2012
TWO PAWS UP!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
storgrisdemo
We are sorry, your micro-bio did not meet our guid
456 Fans
11:25 PM on 05/22/2012
You know it was a wonderful thing for the dog to help save the lives of human beings, but another thing has happened in Joplin, that will make few hatred bigots of other religions go into a hall of shame..

"Mercy Hospital Joplin." The United Arab Emirates recently donated $5 million to re-build the hospital and it's first neonatal intensive care unit.

Also the UAE supplied enough money to cover the costs of computers, books, and every other need for children to go to school rooms that were set up in a shopping mall..
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
agentgirl
62 Fans
09:16 PM on 05/22/2012
Yay for these wonderful dogs who did everything they could to save people and other animals while in pain and sick!! I love dogs!!
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