Recognizing extraordinary compassion, courage, and commitment across our community
Roseville, Calif. – Placer SPCA is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Hero Awards, to be presented at the Guardian Angel Gala on Friday, March 6, 2026. Each year, these awards honor people, animals, businesses, and organizations that have gone above and beyond to demonstrate the strength of the human-animal bond.
Below are a couple past honorees recognized at the annual Guardian Angel Gala:
- Dr. Tino Leuhman – After more than 100 rabbits were rescued from a Roseville home, Dr. Tino Leuhman, an emergency veterinarian from San Mateo, volunteered her services to assist Placer SPCA with spay and neuter surgeries. She made the 250-mile roundtrip on her weekend off, extended her stay for additional procedures, and returned home to work a graveyard shift, demonstrating remarkable dedication to animal welfare. Dr. Leuhman practices at North Peninsula Veterinary Emergency Care and actively supports exotic, small pocket pet, and bird rescue groups in the Bay Area.
- K-9 Axel – In 2024, Placer County Sheriff's K9 Axel was instrumental in a Granite Bay traffic stop that uncovered seven pounds of cocaine, leading to the suspect's arrest for possession and transportation for sale. Throughout 2024, Axel contributed to public safety with over 150 deployments, including 30+ suspect surrenders and 50+ arrests involving narcotics detection, stolen vehicle recoveries, and felony apprehensions.
Submit Nomination
If you know an animal that has made a meaningful impact on people, or a person who has made a difference for animals, please submit a nomination for the Hero Awards by January 25, 2026.
The Guardian Angel Gala is Placer SPCA's premier fundraising celebration held at Sun City Roseville's Timber Creek Ballroom honoring the incredible bond between people and pets. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening filled with delicious food, lively entertainment, inspiring stories, and exciting auctions, all in support of Placer County's most vulnerable companion animals. To learn more about this year's Guardian Angel Gala, visit placerspca.org/guardian-angel-gala.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information about the benefits of becoming a sponsor, please contact our Fund Development Department at (916) 872-6162 or email [email protected]. All proceeds from the event benefit vulnerable animals in need at Placer SPCA.