PHOENIX -- A Valley event honored six special dogs and cats that have survived extreme circumstances and have even helped to save lives.
The 7th Annual PetSmart Hero Awards was held Saturday at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in north Phoenix.
The unique fundraiser featured each animal's stories along with a presentation of a special medallion designed by Valley jeweler Cornelis Hollander.
- Bam Bamm was close to being shot to death by the owner that abandoned him when he became sick and couldn't walk. A family stepped up to care for the shepherd mix and after a little medicine, Bam Bamm is doing fine.
- Buddy was found with a fractured leg, one of his teeth broken out by a blow from a blunt object and a wire twisted around his paw. In order to save his life, veterinarians amputated the Australian cattle dog's leg. He was adopted by one of the vets who performed his surgery and now lives with several other animals.
- A kitten named Dexter was set on fire and left to die. He was rescued and spent many difficult months in foster care; most of the time sleeping and cuddling and not at all acting like a typical kitten. These days, Dexter is happy and healthy and living with a person in Chandler.
- Malcolm, a German Shepherd adopted from Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, woke up extra early on Christmas morning 2008. He nudged his owner and refused to let her sleep in. Malcolm's owner stumbled out of bed and headed to the back door to let him out. However, Malcolm went the opposite direction and headed directly to the kitchen -- not his usual route. His owner followed found the kitchen filled with smoke. She quickly dialed 911 and within moments, firefighters arrived. His owner now says, "We saved Malcolm and he saved us."
- A victim of extreme cruelty, Tanner, a Siamese mix cat, was left on the doorstep of Halo Animal Rescue, abused and fighting for his life. Someone had inserted a lit firecracker inside of Tanner's body and the results were devastating. After weeks of foster care, surgeries and a skin graft,Tanner is now living a happy, healthy and safe life with a family in Tempe.
- Sam was adopted from Maricopa County Animal Care & Control and is Arizona's first court dog. Currently training with the Foundation for Service Dog Support, Sam spent his summer internship at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. He was involved in working with child crime victims to provide them with comfort and support as they prepared to testify in court. Because of Sam's success, the MCAO is hoping to add a second court dog to their program.
And one human was honored. Organizers say Stephanie Nichols-Young has been a driving force in the animal welfare movement throughout the state. As President of the Board for the Animal Defense League of Arizona (ADLA), Nichols-Young is known for her efforts to protect and defend Arizona's animals.
Proceeds from the Hero Awards will benefit FACCs - Friends of Animal Care & Control in its efforts to pets in Maricopa County.
