A year after 8-year-old Eloise “Lulu” Peck lost her life in the devastating Camp Mystic floods, she is being posthumously recognized with the ASPCA Kid of the Year award. The little girl’s deep love for all animals — even bugs — inspired her family to carry forward her legacy through a foundation dedicated to animal welfare.
On October 8, 2026, Lulu will be honored at the ASPCA’s 2026 Humane Awards ceremony at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. For her mother, Missy Rogers Peck, the recognition is a way to honor her daughter’s legacy and keep a promise she made after learning that her little girl had “crossed over.”
Who Was Eloise “Lulu” Peck?
Eloise Elizabeth Peck was an 8-year-old girl from Texas who was described by her family as a “joy” who brought light to everyone around her. She was kind and empathetic from an early age, gravitating toward children who were left out. Her parents shared that a little boy with autism had only one friend — Lulu.
“There was always room for one more at the table. She was friends with everyone, and she just had this light and joy that never dimmed,” her parents recalled.
Lulu Peck’s Love of Animals
Lulu’s love for animals was extraordinary. She loved all creatures, including bugs. Her mother has described her as the “CEO of Dogs in Heaven,” a title that captures Lulu’s special connection with animals.
“She loved friends. She loved animals more than anything, especially dogs,” her mother Missy said.
Why Lulu Peck Is Receiving an ASPCA Award
On October 8, 2026, Lulu will be awarded the ASPCA Kid of the Year award as part of the organization’s 2026 Humane Awards. The award recognizes Lulu’s profound love and compassion for animals, which continues to inspire others through her family’s foundation.
The ASPCA Kid of the Year award has previously been given to children who have shown extraordinary dedication to animal welfare. In 2013, Catherine Hubbard, a victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, was posthumously named ASPCA Kid of the Year for her love of animals. Other recipients have included children who rescued animals from abuse or helped shelter pets find homes.
The Camp Mystic Flood Tragedy
Lulu was one of 27 girls and counselors who died when floodwaters overwhelmed Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, during the early hours of July 4, 2025. The catastrophic flooding was triggered by a sudden surge in the Guadalupe River, which rose more than 15 feet in under an hour following intense overnight storms.
Lulu was housed in the Bubble Inn cabin, one of the youngest cabins closest to the river. On the final night of her life, her cabin was filled with laughter and a dance party, and she was surrounded by her closest friends.
Her family has filed a lawsuit against Camp Mystic, accusing the camp of gross negligence for failing to implement modern safety measures and update flood protocols despite known dangers.
Living for Lulu: Keeping Her Legacy Alive
Lulu’s parents, Tim and Missy Peck, have started the Living for Lulu Foundation to honor their daughter’s memory. The foundation’s mission is to help both children and animals in need.
Her school now has a learning garden that bears her name, a testament to how Lulu’s spirit continues to touch lives. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t see something or hear something or hear her in my head,” Missy said. “Hear her giggle, typically at her brother. But hear her just say ‘mommy’ when I wake up in the morning.”
Lulu’s Family Remembers Her
Lulu’s parents have spoken about the profound impact their daughter had on their lives and the lives of others. Her empathy and kindness were evident even in her early years.
“It gives me such strength. And knowing that everybody else sees that too is such, it’s amazing. It really is. It’s divine,” Missy said.
Tim added, “She was such a joy.”
Lulu Peck’s Legacy
The ASPCA award is a powerful tribute to a little girl who saw the world through a lens of compassion. Lulu’s story has touched many, and through the Living for Lulu Foundation, her legacy of kindness toward animals and children continues to grow.
“She loved animals more than anything,” her mother said, and now Lulu’s love is being remembered and honored by one of the nation’s leading animal welfare organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Lulu Peck?
Lulu Peck was an 8-year-old girl from Texas who loved animals and was known for her kindness and empathy toward others.
2. How old was Lulu Peck?
Lulu was 8 years old at the time of her passing.
3. Why is Lulu Peck receiving an ASPCA award?
She is being posthumously honored with the ASPCA Kid of the Year award for her profound love and compassion for animals.
4. What is the ASPCA Kid of the Year award?
It is an award given by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to recognize children who have shown extraordinary dedication to animal welfare.
5. What happened to Lulu Peck?
Lulu was one of 27 girls and counselors who died in the catastrophic flooding at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, on July 4, 2025.
6. What is Living for Lulu?
It is a foundation started by Lulu’s parents to honor her memory by helping children and animals in need.
7. What was Lulu Peck known for?
Lulu was known for her love of all animals, her kindness toward others, and her empathetic nature.
8. When did the Camp Mystic flooding happen?
The devastating floods occurred in the early hours of July 4, 2025.
Lulu Peck’s story is one of love, compassion, and enduring legacy. Through the ASPCA recognition and her family’s foundation, her spirit continues to inspire kindness toward animals and children. As her mother said, Lulu’s light lives on in the hearts of those who remember her and in the lives she continues to touch.