The nominations are in! Attend Spotlight to meet the winners.

Red carpet award ceremonies aren't just for people anymore.   This spring, instead of further inflating celebrity egos, a local awards presentation will recognize truly heroic acts and heroic service by some of the most giving members of our local communities – dogs, cats, or other household pets. An elegant, red carpet presentation, Spotlight on Community Hero Pets, will honor recipients in six categories, including search and rescue, law enforcement, therapy, military, and service animals.   The winners will be honored at our May 19 awards ceremony, to be presented in conjunction with the annual PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap benefit dinner auction, according to Executive Director Mark Hufford.   Silent Auction Preview List

 

“Every day, these unsung heroes give 110 percent in service to humanity. They keep our ferries safe, apprehend criminals, find lost hikers, guard our military arsenals, make “ordinary” living possible for differently-abled people, offer therapeutic services to seniors, and even keep us safe from intruders in our homes. While most of these are considered “working animals,” one category will also honor the most heroic service by a companion animal (family pet),” Hufford said.

“In Western Washington, thousands of extraordinary animals serve us year-in and year-out,” said PAWS Board President Mindy Anderson. “This awards ceremony will honor truly heroic acts and heroic service by the best of the best.”

Defining heroism is challenging, but stories from recent headlines jump to mind – the search and rescue dog who recently discovered the body of the killer of a National Park Service ranger, restoring calm to a frantic community; the law enforcement dog who last year apprehended a suspect who allegedly stole the gun of a Bainbridge Island police officer.

 

Less confrontational efforts also are heroic and will be recognized at the event. Robert B. was permanently disabled by a motorcycle accident. Confined to a wheelchair, this once-active man saw his world shrink to a small and dismal outlook. Prince joined Robert as his service dog, accompanying him on community outings and literally and figuratively opening doors in Robert’s life.

 

In similar fashion a slightly chubby calico cat named Winnie, joined Caroline, an elderly woman facing depression and dementia after having to move into an assisted living facility. Caroline’s family worked with PAWS to match Caroline with a senior cat through the PALS Program. Simply by being a devoted companion animal, Winnie brought a sparkle back to Caroline’s eyes and gave her life purpose. Winnie took on the role of social catalyst for Caroline, helping her make new friends and become comfortable in her new setting.

 

 

AJ is a yellow lab with an overabundance of love. As part of the PAWS Buddy Brigade, this beautiful therapy dog provides warmth, connection and comfort to the elderly in nursing homes, the infirm in rehabilitation centers, and youngsters at libraries and elementary schools. Certified through Therapy Dog International (TDI) AJ serves the community in ways that humans often cannot.

 

 

“Heroism is manifested in many ways,” Anderson says, “and as we open the nominating process for the Spotlight on Community Hero Pets awards, of course we recognize that every family pet is a hero to someone. This effort falls right in line with our mission “to nurture the bond of companionship between pets and their people.” 

 

A panel of expert judges are selecting “finalists” in each category, which will be announced May 1. The winners from each category will be recognized with red carpet treatment, including prizes, plaques, and trophies at the Spotlight on Community Hero Pets event on May 19th at Wing Point Country Club on Bainbridge Island.  In addition, a “People’s Choice” award will be voted on by those attending the Spotlight event.