PHOENIX, AZ — The Arizona Pet Project is celebrating its 16th annual HERO Awards.
The winners include K9 Officer Tarzan, who won the Tough Dog Competition against 68 other teams and K9 Officer Bane, who lost his life in the line of duty. A therapy dog, therapy pig and a couple who helps homeless pets are also being recognized.
For the "Animal Survivor" category, a cat named Charlie Chaplin is the winner.
Melissa Pruitt, Charlie's owner, says he was found emaciated and gravely ill in a downtown alley. Pruitt owns La Gattara Cat Lounge & Boutique. She says Charlie has helped many people who come to her business.
"It's like he knows if people aren't feeling good," Pruitt said. "We had a lady that was terminal and came in here and was in a wheelchair and he sat on her for 2 to 3 hours. He knew that she needed him."
"The HERO Awards provides a really unique and fun way to showcase the value and impact animals have on our lives each and every year," Executive Director of The Arizona Pet Project Leanna Taylor said.
Taylor says the organization receives dozens of nominations each year.
For more information about The Arizona Pet Project, visit their website.
