Each year, the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and the Animal Health Foundation of Oregon (formerly 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 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.
View a photo album of past inductees on our Facebook page.
2026 INDUCTEES
Hero
Skipper
Owner: Katie Shields
Nominated by: Dr. Carolyn Damewood
The Hero award recognizes animals who have saved or preserved a life.
Skipper was a young pit bull terrier adopted by the Shields family. The three-year-old brindle was known for her exuberance, boundless energy, and love of running and playing. Upon joining the family, Skipper quickly became a cherished member of the household: joyful, affectionate, and deeply bonded to her family.
In the early morning hours of April 24, 2025, Skipper’s instincts and devotion saved every life in the home. While the family slept, a fire broke out, rapidly engulfing the house in flames and smoke.
Before any human sensed danger, Skipper began barking, howling, and refusing to stop until she awakened her family. Her urgent warning gave the Shields family the precious moments they needed to gather each other and their five other pets and escape the burning home.
During the chaos of evacuation, Skipper was taken outside to safety. But amidst the confusion and fear of the moment, she slipped away and ran back into the burning house. Days later, after the fire marshal cleared the site, her remains were found beneath a reclining chair—a heartbreaking discovery for a family who owed their survival entirely to her bravery.
Skipper’s actions were nothing less than heroic. She alerted her family to imminent danger, helped to ensure their escape, and ultimately gave her life in the process.
Skippers’ courage, loyalty, and selflessness embody the highest ideals of the Oregon Animal Hall of Fame. She not only was a beloved companion, but she was also the reason her entire family is alive today. She is, without question, a hero.
Professional
Benny (Benjamin Murray Nagel)
Owner: Liz Nagel
Nominated by: Dr. Lynn Healy
The Professional award recognizes animals specifically trained for service or assistance.
Benny Nagel, named after the Oregon State mascot, Benny the Beaver, is a seven-year-old male Goldendoodle who is a certified service dog working within Gardiner Middle School in Oregon City.
In March 2019, this lovable dog was adopted by Special Education teacher Liz Nagel from another Special Education teacher she knew at the school. Benny was six months old at the time and was good at comforting Liz’s son following surgery and a short stay at a local hospital.
Benny accompanied Liz during the next full school year, although it was in an unofficial capacity. The COVID happened, and everything changed.
Liz, sensing something special about Benny, enrolled him for obedience training at Smart Paws Academy, where the youthful dog graduated with honors. Soon thereafter, Liz completed the necessary steps to have Benny designated as an official Emotional Support Animal so that she legally could bring him to work at Gardiner Middle School.
Liz really witnessed just how powerful Benny was as an emotional support animal in 2022, when students were back in school full-time after the pandemic. Enter Sophia, a 6th grader whose father was battling cancer. Sophia came to Liz’s room to visit with Benny. She started asking Liz if she could take Benny to her classroom, where he would sit on the floor with her as she did her schoolwork. Soon, other students were asking to have Benny accompany them to class. Sophia developed a sign-up sheet for kids to use to designate their special time with Benny. Eventually, Liz would come to work in the mornings to a long line of students at her door, waiting for the opportunity to be Benny’s steward. Even counselors started asking for Benny’s help when working with students going through particularly difficult times.
When in the classroom, Benny never wanders around. He stays right with the student who needs his help. And teachers love having Benny there, because he brings a calmness to the room. As Liz notes, “Benny can tell when a person is happy, sad or anxious.” And this is without receiving in-depth training. He just seems to have an innate ability to provide emotional support.
In 7th grade, Sophia lost her father. He passed away the day the middle school musical was slated to open. Sophia was in the musical, and she decided she still wanted to participate. Liz and Benny were right there in the audience, rooting her on. And when Sophia’s close friend Annabelle lost her own father to cancer, Benny helped both girls through their grief.
Emotional support dogs like Benny can play a significant role in improving emotional well-being, learning outcomes, and social inclusion for students in middle school settings. While he may not understand how important this is to all at Gardiner Middle School, Liz notices the difference every day.
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)
- 2026 Skipper (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)
- 2024 Trubs (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)
- 2024 Lily (dog)
- 2026 Benny (dog)