Each year, the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and Oregon Animal Health Foundation honor animals who, through unselfish and courageous accomplishments, exemplify the affection, loyalty, security, public service, and value of the human-animal bond.
The Oregon Animal Hall of Fame™ is the second longest running awards program among veterinary organizations in the country. Since the program was started in 1988, the OVMA and the OAHF have recognized dogs, cats, an animal welfare group, a horse therapy group, horses, and one llama! See below for a list of past inductees.
In 2008, Butterscotch and Gracie were honored with induction into the Oregon Animal Hall of Fame™ during the Oregon Veterinary Conference in Corvallis.
Companion: Gracie
Owner: Maryl Barker
Nominated by: Dr. Mick Helton, The Ark Veterinary Clinic, Eugene
The Companion award recognizes animals who have provided a benefit to their human companions or their community.
Gracie has warmed the hearts of those she has come in contact with as a family dog as well as a therapy dog. She was adopted by Maryl Barker from Greenhill Humane Society in 1995. The next day she went to work with Maryl and, for the next seven years, the female Lab/Sharpei mix provided entertainment and stress relief for the employees and visitors to the business.
In 1997, Gracie became the inspiration for a series of book/audio programs entitled Gracie’s Great Adventures. She began receiving invitations to visit groups of children in day care, preschool and elementary schools, and thrived on the interaction with the children. Gracie was especially good at visiting children with special needs. For example, autistic children were often comfortable with Gracie when they weren’t at all comfortable with people.
Two years later, Gracie co-starred in the children’s safety video: “Be Cool, Play it Safe.” The video was designed to help children learn ways to be responsible for their own safety. The program covered prevention strategies for the leading causes of injury and death in children. Following the production Gracie began visiting classrooms to help children learn these safety skills.
In 2000, Gracie became the first dog to visit Shriner’s Hospital in Portland as a Delta Society therapy dog. She was so well received that the program was expanded and continues to this day.
Professional/Service: Butterscotch
Owner: Phyllis Herinckx
Nominated by: Dr. Steve Vredenburg, Banks Veterinary Service, Banks
The Professional/Service award recognizes animals specifically trained for service or assistance.
“There is no such thing as having too many friends or too much love.” – Anonymous
Butterscotch, affectionately known as “Butter,” is worth her weight in gold to the children who ride her at the Bradley’s Equine Assisted Therapy Riding Center (BEAT). The Welsh Quarter Horse mare is the first horse for most of the young riders in the program, and she helps to instill in the children a love for riding. According to owner Phyllis Herinckx, Butter is the ultimate “bombproof” horse, carrying the most fragile of clients. Once on the gentle horse, unstable bodies learn to balance, and many first words are spoken by those who want to communicate their joy of riding.
A few years ago, Butter nearly died from complications of colic. She didn’t respond to the standard treatment protocol administered by her veterinarian, Dr. Steve Vredenburg, and was referred to Willamette Valley Equine Hospital. Butter immediately underwent surgery, where veterinarians found a fatty tumor choking off her intestine, causing a portion of it to die. Following bypass surgery, Butter stayed hospitalized for 10 days. When the community in Banks learned of her condition, donations poured into BEAT to help offset the veterinary care.
Within three months, Butter was on the road to recovery. She started working again and gave that special “therapeutic touch” to dozens of disabled and able-bodied riders. Every day at BEAT, the faces of children light up when they meet Butter. Little miracles turn into bigger miracles because Butter is on the job.
Past Inductees
Hero
Recognizes animals who have saved or preserved a life.
- 1988 Big Red (dog), Sam (cat)
- 1989 Hadji (dog), Morgan (dog)
- 1991 Max (dog)
- 1992 Missy (dog)
- 1993 Gunner (dog)
- 1997 Helga & Tad (dogs)
- 2000 Sheba (dog)
- 2002 Ceasar (dog)
- 2003 Pillsbury (dog)
- 2004 Sunny (dog)
- 2005 Chassa (dog)
Companion
Recognizes animals who have provided a benefit to their human companions or their community.
- 1994 Solo (cat)
- 1999 Project Pooch
- 2002 Howard (dog)
- 2003 Jesse (dog)
- 2005 “Ginger” (dog)
- 2006 Cassidy (cat)
- 2007 Daniel (dog)
- 2008 Gracie (dog)
Professional/Service
Recognizes animals specifically trained for service or assistance.
- 1990 Sparkle (dog)
- 1994 Ranger (dog)
- 1998 Horses for the Physically Challenged
- 2001 Cajun (dog)
- 2002 Kate (dog)
- 2003 Camas (llama)
- 2004 Rikki (horse)
- 2005 Gleason (dog)
- 2006 Snert & Jake (dogs)
- 2007 Annie (dog)
- 2008 Butterscotch (horse)