The Oregon Humane Society is looking to honor pets and people who are heroes to animals

Do you know of an animal who has changed someone's life for the better -- allowing them to go places, do things, or just enjoy life like they never could before? Likewise, perhaps you know a person who has helped animals in a unique way -- through rescuing dogs, sheltering cats, or providing other valuable services that had a positive impact on their lives.

The Oregon Humane Society is now accepting nominations for its OHS Heroes Luncheon presenting the Diamond Collar Hero Awards. The awards will honor animals who have acted to save a human or animal life in peril, performed services within the community with undying loyalty, or overcome incredible odds in order to survive. Winners can also be humans who have had a positive impact on the lives of animals, exhibiting courage and compassion in the pursuit of animals’ well being.

Past winners have include service dogs who helped disaster survivors, dogs who saved the lives of people and other animals, and individuals who have selflessly donated their time and energy to improve the welfare of animals in need (Pictured above: Simon, who awakened his sleeping owner and helped her escape from a burning building).

Award nominations are open to all two-and four-legged heroes and can be submitted until January 21, 2011. Nominations can be delivered to OHS or submitted online. All nomination forms should be returned to: Oregon Humane Society, Diamond Collar Committee, PO Box 11364, Portland, OR 97211, and postmarked by January 18 to assure arrival by January 21.

The winners will be notified in early February 2011 and will accept their awards at the OHS Heroes Luncheon to be held Thursday, February 17, 2011 at the Governor Hotel in downtown Portland.

About the event
The Diamond Collar Awards are a chance to celebrate the heroic stories that exemplify how important pets are in our lives and an opportunity to support the mission of the Oregon Humane Society. The OHS Heroes Luncheon presenting the Diamond Collar Awards will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at the Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205. Tickets are $55 a person.