Pet Hero Award Recipients Announced

REDLANDS>> The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley announced their 2017 Pet Hero Award recipients: Ginger, a Miniature Schnauzer from Redlands; Harley, a Border Collie from Oak Hills; Zorro, a Pomeranian from Angelus Oaks; and Calvin, a Golden Retriever from Fontana. All four pets will be honored during the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s Walk for the Animals on Saturday, May 20th at San Manuel Stadium (280 South E Street, San Bernardino). The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., with the awards presentation scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Scheduled to emcee this year’s Pet Contests will be NBC4 Southern California, Inland Empire Bureau Chief and Reporter, Tony Shin! Shin is an Emmy award-winning reporter, primarily covering stories originating from the Inland Empire. He can be seen on the NBC4 news  at 11 a.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. This event is free to attend, and community members are encouraged to come show support for these local pet heroes. Ginger was nominated by her owner for her work as a certified therapy dog. Specifically, Ginger works with veterans suffering from depression and PTSD. Her talents include being of comfort to those in pain, as well as walking on her hind legs and “dancing.” Harley was nominated by her owner for the bravery she showed during a home invasion. Harley attacked the criminal, allowing time for her owners to escape. The intruder is now serving jail time. In addition to Harley’s bravery and quick thinking, she is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen. Zorro was nominated by an employee at Chapman Heights Elementary School in Yucaipa for his dedication to the students as an official “staff member.” Zorro visits the handicapped students, as well as the students in the reading intervention class. His individual photo appears in the year book as a staff member, as well as in the group staff photo. In addition to his work at the school, Zorro is a therapy and service dog to his owner. Calvin was nominated by his owner for his work as a therapy dog. Calvin is a regular visitor to the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, where he seems to instinctively know which patients to lay beside and which to engage in play with. Calvin also visits assisted living facilities, where a once despondent patient began to open up and talk upon his visit. For more information on the Pet Hero Awards or the Walk for the Animals, please visit www.hssbv.org or call 909-386-1400 ext 224.