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2008 Oregon Animal Hall of Fame™ Inductees

 

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!

This year, Butterscotch, a horse, and Gracie, a dog, were honored with induction into the Oregon Animal Hall of Fame™ during the recent Oregon Veterinary Conference in Corvallis.

The Oregon Veterinary Conference is a cooperative effort of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University with the goal of providing meaningful continuing education to Northwest veterinarians, practice managers, and paraprofessionals.

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

The Professional/Service award recognizes animals specifically trained for service or assistance.

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.

Media: Please visit our Media Room for more information about the OVMA.

Media Contact: Raina Dey, PR Director

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