Portland, Ore. – The Oregon Humane Society honored heroic people and pets at the annual Diamond Collar Awards luncheon, Thursday, Feb. 20. Recipients were recognized for their compassion, tenacity, kindness and vision. Their inspiring stories represent OHS’s mission of creating a more humane society.
The 2020 Diamond Collar Award recipients include the founder of a program that has saved the lives of thousands of cats and kittens; an extraordinary volunteer who has trained his cats to bring comfort and calm to hospital patients; and two special pets who have overcome unspeakable odds.
“I am always so inspired by the OHS Diamond Collar Award honorees,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS President and CEO. “Each of the recipients reminds us of the compassion and kindness in our community.” Harmon hosted the awards with KGW Chief Meteorologist Matt Zaffino.
The winners include:
George Piter: Salem Hospital volunteer who dedicates his time to train his cats to visit with hospital patients.
Watch the video about George Piter.
Ilene the kitten: (Photo above) This tiny but mighty kitten was born without eyes and discarded in the trash. But she went on to inspire a family and help them begin a new chapter.
Joyce Briggs de la Fuente: Under Joyce’s leadership the fate of thousands of feline lives in our community has transformed.
Watch the video about Joyce Briggs de la Fuente.
Kevvie the dog: abandoned in the woods and suffering gunshot wounds to the face, this resilient dog overcame her trauma but never forgot the heroes who rescued her.
