Paws and Prestige: Inside the 2024 AMC Top Dog Gala Honoring NYPD’s Canine Heroes
When you think of New York’s finest, you might picture the brave men and women of the NYPD—but on the evening of December 10, 2024, it was their four-legged counterparts who took center stage. The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) hosted its highly anticipated annual Top Dog Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street, transforming the iconic venue into a grand celebration of courage, compassion, and canine excellence.
Attending the AMC Top Dog Gala was an experience that intertwined luxury, beauty, and purpose. As I stepped into the opulent Cipriani 42nd Street, the air buzzed with a palpable sense of reverence and excitement. Flashes of cameras lit up the room as guests mingled beneath the venue’s vaulted ceilings, sipping on champagne and savoring the elegance of an evening that celebrated more than just glamour—it honored service, sacrifice, and the profound human-animal bond.
Honoring Heroes with Four Paws
This year’s gala paid tribute to four remarkable members of the NYPD K9 Emergency Services Unit: K9 Mos, K9 Louie, K9 Tombo, and K9 Hansen. Each of these canine officers carries a name with legacy, honoring fallen NYPD officers who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting New York City.
K9 Mos, a five-year-old Dutch Shepherd, is named in memory of Police Officer Anthony Mosomillo, who was tragically killed in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a wanted fugitive. Mos’s handler, Detective Ronald Spalazzi, has built a bond with him that was evident as they were recognized on stage.
K9 Louie, a nine-year-old German Shepherd, honors Detective Luis Fernandez, a hero who succumbed to a 9/11-related illness contracted during rescue and recovery efforts. Louie’s handler, Detective Paul Urquiaga, stood proudly beside him as the story of their work was shared.
K9 Tombo, a five-year-old Belgian Malinois, carries the legacy of Police Officer Thomas Gallagher, another first responder who passed away from a 9/11-related illness. Detective Monika Grejniec’s dedication to Tombo’s mission was undeniable as she shared anecdotes about their partnership.
K9 Hansen, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois, pays tribute to Police Officer Kenneth Hansen, who tragically drowned during a training exercise. Officer Ryan Ferrari’s deep connection with K9 Hansen brought many in the room to tears as he described their shared commitment to the safety of New Yorkers.
Each honoree’s story was a poignant reminder of the dedication required to serve the city—a dedication that extends beyond human officers to their canine counterparts. It’s not just about duty; it’s about legacy, loyalty, and love.
An Evening of Elegance and Philanthropy
With over 400 distinguished guests in attendance, the room glittered with a who’s who of New York’s social, philanthropic, and cultural elite. Among the notable attendees were Stephen and Christine Schwarzman, Bernadette Peters, Elaine and Kenneth Langone, Ann and Andrew Tisch, and even NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Fashion icon Carolina Herrera added a dash of couture flair to the event, while model Taylor Hill’s presence was a reminder that style and substance are not mutually exclusive.
The gala’s co-chairs—Nancy Kissinger, Elaine Langone, Marianne Mebane, and Annette de la Renta—created an evening that struck the perfect balance of sophistication and heart. Every detail, from the floral arrangements to the live entertainment, reinforced the evening’s mission: to support the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center’s world-class veterinary services, which benefit pets and working animals alike.
A Mission Rooted in Compassion
The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is not only the world’s largest veterinary teaching hospital but also NYC’s only Level 1 Trauma Center for animals. Over the past 20 years, AMC has partnered with the NYPD to provide medical care for K9 officers, ensuring they receive top-tier treatment when they’re injured on duty.
“For over 20 years, AMC has partnered with the NYPD to provide medical care to K9 officers, allowing these vital members of the force to heal, recover from injuries, and ultimately better serve all New Yorkers. Our honorees have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers. We’re thrilled to honor them for all that they’ve done and for honoring the memories of loved ones.”
Helen Irving, RN, MBA, President & CEO of AMC
Looking ahead, AMC’s mission will only continue to grow. With a transformational $125 million capital campaign underway, the hospital’s expansion promises to enhance patient care and veterinary education. The recent opening of the Denise and Michael Kellen Institute for Surgical Care and the anticipated debut of the expanded Intensive Care Unit and Medical-Surgical Unit in 2025 signify AMC’s unwavering commitment to animal health and welfare.
A Night to Remember
Every moment of the Top Dog Gala radiated a sense of purpose and unity. As the honorees took the stage to accept their awards, the atmosphere grew still with awe and admiration. Witnessing the unbreakable bond between handlers and their canine partners was a deeply moving experience—one that many guests will carry with them long after the event’s final toast.
Supporting a cause as noble as this one makes the elegance of the evening even more profound. It’s one thing to attend a gala filled with glitz and glamour—it’s another to know that every dollar raised is helping to heal, protect, and preserve lives.
As I left Cipriani that night, it was hard not to reflect on the evening’s emotional weight. Luxury and compassion had collided in the most beautiful way. While the chandeliers may have sparkled above, it was the work being done on the ground—by AMC’s veterinarians, NYPD’s canine teams, and the gala’s philanthropic community—that truly shined the brightest.