13th Annual Hero Awards Honors Heroic Acts
The Friends of Animal Care & Control held its 13th Annual HERO Awards gala Feb. 27 at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Attendance broke all previous records at the growingly popular fundraising event.
Human Hero “Dr. Kit”
Five animal heroes and one human hero were honored for their courageous acts in the local community. The animal winners included Leo, a service dog who had escaped euthanasia and was instrumental in the recovery of Army Ranger SFC Cory Remsburg after he suffered a traumatic brain injury in Afghanistan. Ronin, K9 partner to Glendale Patrol Officer Zygmont, was honored posthumously for subduing an armed man, possibly saving the lives of innocent bystanders. Three other canine heroes included a Certified Therapy Dog, an emaciated German Shepherd who overcame extreme odds to live for her puppies and a puppy saved by Medical Animals in Need (M.A.I.N.), a local rescue group.
Dr. Kit Slocum, a local veterinarian, was celebrated for her work helping animals in low-income and underserved communities. “Dr. Kit,” as she is known, purchased a mobile RV clinic, driving vet services to the communities. Since 2012, she has spayed and neutered 20,000 dogs and cats.
Sentari Minor and Nicole Bidwill co-chaired the evening, and Tara Hitchcock served as the emcee. PetSmart Charities was the presenting sponsor. Proceeds from the gala fund the county’s Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) to help reduce the euthanasia of adoptable pets.
Sarah Nolan and Bill Hinz; Bob and Ellen Uhl
Co-chairs Sentari Minor and Nicole Bidwill
Emcee Tara Hitchcock
Animal Hero Leo with Annie and Cory Remsburg
Leslie Pellillo with Tim and Sandy Day
