Portland, OR. The Oregon Humane Society honored heroic people and pets at the annual Diamond Collar Awards luncheon on February 28th. Recipients were recognized for their kindness, diplomacy, resiliency and courage. Their inspiring stories represent OHS’s vision of a more humane society. At the benefit, KGW Chief Meteorologist Matt Zaffino, Dr. Kris Otteman from OHS, Diamond Collar winner Rojo, Shannon Joy and Lori Gregory from Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas posed for a photo. Award recipients include a compassionate veterinarian from Klamath County; a dog whose road to recovery saved a young girl’s life; a canine social media superstar and a horse rescue powerhouse.
Dr. Kris Otteman from OHS, Diamond Collar winner Shannon Priem, Anne Christofferson and Diane Young
Dr. Kris Otteman, Mikee Smith, Sticky the kitty, Diamond Collar winner Chuck Hawley and KGW Chief Meteorologist Matt Zaffino
Dr. Kris Otteman, Denise Emmerling-Baker, Diamond Collar winner Jackie Chan, and Matt Zaffino
Matt Zaffino and Dr.Otteman
The Diamond Collar Awards are also one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Oregon Humane Society. Wentworth SubaruCity and Subaru of America were the presenting sponsors of the event and have offered to match donations, up to $10,000, to OHS through Sunday, March 4. Here’s a link to donate.
“The OHS Diamond Collar Awards are a wonderful way to honor the people and pets who are making a difference in our community,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS President and CEO. Harmon hosted the awards with KGW chief meteorologist Matt Zaffino.
OHS put together videos of their winners:
Picasso: The dog with a twisted snout who became a social media superstar and taught the world that it’s ok to look different. There’s a video about Picasso.
Jackie Chan: This little dog is helping one woman overcome trauma and has opened a dialogue about mental health and the healing power of pets. There’s a video about Jackie Chan.
Chuck Hawley: After rescuing an abused kitten he named Sticky, Chuck used his newfound fame to promote kindness and fight bullying. There’s a video about Chuck Hawley.
Rojo: Nicknamed the world’s most beloved llama, Rojo spreads joy and happiness wherever he goes. There’s a video about Rojo.
From Oregon Humane Society:
The Oregon Humane Society is the Northwest’s oldest and largest humane society, with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. OHS receives no government funds for its adoption, education, medical and behavior programs. Visit oregonhumane.org for more information.
