Hi gang!

Any of you who know me at all, know that I am an animal nut. My
friends and family have fallen victim to my recent obsession with the
little polar bear baby, Knut, in Germany. :) My day is just not
complete until I've visited the RBB (German) website for my daily
dose of "Knuteness"! hehe (In case you're interested:
http://www.rbb-online.de/_/knut/index_jsp/activeid=3802.html)

Whether you're a Knut fan or not, if you watch any of the videos on
RBB, you will have to admit that the effort put forth by his "Dad",
Thomas Dörflein, is admirable, to say the least. That said, one of
the girls I've met online, who is from Germany, has started a
petition to nominate Thomas Dörflein for "The Order of Merit of the
Federal Republic of Germany"... or the "Bundesverdienstkreuz" in her
language. :) I told her I'd make my best effort here in the US to
get some signatures.

I've pasted the links below - one to sign the petition and the second
is more information on the award, if you're curious. There's a brief
description below of what the award entails also. It would be nice
for him to be recognized in his own country, as he is a hero to
everyone there and a lot of us here! I know I would love to have his
job, although I'm sure it's not as easy or always as pleasant as it
appears.. waking up at 3am to a screaming, poopy baby polar bear
would NOT be fun.. hehe

Anyway - this is the petition link... IGNORE THE 2nd PAGE which asks
for a donation - you DO NOT need to make a donation to sign the
petition and all information is secure - not sold or shared, so you
WILL NOT get junkmail in the future.

Petition Link:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/doerfleinaward/index.html



Information on the award & link to further info:


The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany was instituted
in 1951 by Federal President Theodor Heuss. It is the only honour
that may be awarded in all fields of endeavour and is the highest
tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can pay to individuals for
services to the nation.
The Order of Merit may be awarded to Germans as well as foreigners
for achievements in the political, economic, social or intellectual
realm and for all kinds of outstanding services to the nation in the
field of social, charitable or philanthropic work. No pecuniary
(monetary) reward is attached.

http://www.bundespraesident.de/The-role-of-the-Federal-Presid/Work-in-
Germany-,11180/The-Order-of-Merit-of-the-Fede.htm


Please copy and paste this in an e-mail to any friends who you think
would be interested! The more the better!


Thanks!


Sharon :)