Oregon Animal Hall of Fame™

Each year, the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and the Animal Health Foundation of Oregon 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 AHFO have recognized dogs, cats, an animal welfare group, a horse therapy group, horses, and one llama! Animals are inducted into the Oregon Animal Hall of Fame™ during the Oregon Veterinary Conference in Corvallis. See below for a list of past inductees.

2024 Inductees

Professional/Service

Lily

Owner: Charles Allured
Nominated by: Dr. Robin White, Timbers Veterinary Services

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

When veterinarian Robin White of Timbers Veterinary Service in Sutherlin first met Lily nearly three years ago, she recognized how well-suited the Golden Lab puppy’s temperament might be as a service animal.

Dr. White shared her thoughts with Chuck Allured, this special dog’s owner, and he took the suggestion and ran with it.

This remarkable team has acquired an impressive list of certifications: AKC Canine Good Citizen, Canine Good Citizen Advanced, Canine Good Citizen Urban, Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dog, and AKC Advanced Therapy Dog. Lily is about 20 therapy visits away from her AKC Expert designation.

The work and dedication by Chuck and Lily to earn these important designations has been a springboard to the founding of the Therapy Dog Program at Mercy Medical Hospital in Roseburg. The program has presented ample opportunity for Lily, with Chuck’s guidance, to showcase her “magic” on patients and employees, helping to boost morale following the height of the COVID pandemic. In the past 18 months, Chuck and Lily have spent 8 to 10 hours each week at the hospital, with Lily comforting many patients and employees alike.

As Dr. White notes, while cuddling with strangers all day might seem like play time for some dogs, it is hard and demanding work. Yet this three-year-old bundle of joy persists, consistently stepping up to greet and comfort everyone for hours on end.

Read more about Lily in this Roseburg News Review feature.

Companion

Trubs

Owner: Cat Avalos
Nominated by: Dr. Natasha Knight, Grove Veterinary Clinic

The Companion award recognizes animals who have provided a benefit to their human companions or their community.

Trubs, a female French Bulldog,came into Cat Avalos’ life as a gift from friends Leslie and Shannon Krohn. In many ways, their kindness and generosity proved to be a blessing. Cat’s fiancé and a close friend had passed away. Leslie and Shannon recognized the challenges Cat was facing. They also knew the undeniable affinity Cat had for Trubs. So, they approached their friend and offered to give Trubs a new home with Cat.

The benefits of social support for our well-being and health are well-documented and particularly crucial for when we are grieving a loss. Grief can leave us feeling empty and adrift, and pets often provide us with reassurance and comfort to help us through—an emotional shoulder to cry on, if needed. Most often our family and friends are there to comfort us through our transition. But our pets can also play an important role in our recovering from loss. And dogs have a remarkable capacity to recognize our emotions and feelings—and to be sensitive to times when we are distressed.

Trubs has been an ever-present source of unconditional love and support for Cat, offering her companionship, peace, and safety. Trubs allowed Cat to feel the depth of her emotions without judgement. In return, Trubs has given her purpose. The significance of Trub’s companionship goes even deeper, as this past month, Cat experienced more loss with the passing of her grandmother. Trubs was next to Cat’s grandmother for comfort and friendship while her health was declining.

This special dog’s real name is Trouble. But, as we have learned, Trubs is no trouble at all. 

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)
• 2009 Zar (dog)
• 2011 Brodie (dog)
• 2012 Jakob (dog)
• 2013 Hunter (dog)
• 2015 Leah (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)
• 2009 Ace (dog)
• 2010 Rusty (dog)
• 2011 Bosa (dog)
• 2012 Dottie (dog)
• 2013 Lily (dog)
• 2016 Vladimir (cat)
• 2018 Dante (dog)
• 2019 Dixie (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)
• 2011 Doc (dog)
• 2012 Nelson (dog)
• 2013 Ryerson (dog)
• 2014 Raido (dog)
• 2015 Rawhide (dog)
• 2017 Junior (cat)
• 2018 Darlin' (dog)
• 2019 Stetson (dog)
• 2020 Auggie (dog)