HERO Awards
These dogs have sniffed out
explosives, dedicated countless
hours to special-needs children
and helped socialize kittens.
One was dumped on the street
like garbage and left to die.
They are this year’s ‘HEROs.’
Friends of Animal Care & Control, an organization that strives to end euthanasia of healthy and adoptable pets, has announced the winners of the 2015 Hero Awards. The HERO Awards gala, presented by PetSmart Charities, will be held Feb. 28, 2015, at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Sandy Day, co-founder of the Timothy T Day Foundation/LuLu’s Fund serves as they honorary chair. Sentari Minor, director of Engagement & Education for Social Venture Partners, is the event chair.
(left) Boots volunteers his time in the kitten nursery at the Arizona Humane Society.
The annual Hero Awards honor animal “Heroes” who have shown extraordinary courage, loyalty and strength. The occasion also recognizes outstanding members of the community devoted to animal welfare. The nonprofit Friends organization has raised more than $5 million for 90,000 free sterilization surgeries since 2006.
THE 2015 AWARDEES
Human HEROES: The Board of SNIFF.
This group of business professionals provides funding for organizations that provide spay and neuter in Maricopa County, with the goal of reducing euthanasia. Since 2012, SNIFF has donated more than $100,000 to Friends, which has saved the lives of more than 790 Valley dogs and cats.
Animal HERO: “Chrach”
This highly trained, IED-sniffing, military dog has served on two tours in Afghanistan. Chrach is responsible for saving the lives of hundreds of civilians, military personnel and international dignitaries while overseas. Chrach also works in the local community in advance of big events, such as the 2015 Super Bowl and President Obama’s visit to Central High School in January.
(right) Chrach served two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
Service to the Community: “Hope”
Hope is a three-legged therapy dog who dedicates countless hours per week assisting those in need. Her work with Gabriel’s Angels, SHARP’s School for special-needs students, Mercy Gilbert hospital and more put her in the “Navy Seal” category for therapy dogs.
(left) Hope has just three legs, but one huge heart.
Loyal Companion: “Boots”
Plucked from the floodwaters in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, rescue dog Boots (at top) now volunteers his time socializing kittens for the Arizona Humane Society. His work in the kitten nursery is reducing euthanasia amongst the most vulnerable shelter population, cats under 16 weeks of age.
Animal Survivor: “Wiley”
Dumped like garbage on the streets of south Phoenix, Wiley could not stand and was close to death from starvation. Maricopa County Animal Care & Control rescued him that hot August day, and his will to live prevailed. His miraculous transformation to a loving, energetic young dog has inspired people across the country.
Over the Rainbow Bridge: “Wrigley” aka “Chuck”
The inspiration behind Chuck Waggin’ Pet Food Pantry passed away last year but his impact lives on. Thanks to Wrigley and his loving family, Chuck Waggin’ has donated more than 80,000 pounds of food to pet owners in need, including a large veteran clientele.
To learn more about the Friends of Animal Care & Control, CLICK HERE.
(right) Wrigley was the inspiration for Chuck Waggin' Pet Food Pantry.
THE HERO AWARDS
February 28, 2015
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
To benefit Friends of Animal Care & Control
CLICK HERE to register.
