Nominated by Hanna Gibson.

Pam Porteous "adopted" the town of Pontiac, Mich., 15 years ago and developed the most innovative urban community outreach program in America, to ensure that every animal has a chance to live a healthy and happy life. Hers is a holistic and highly interactive approach to animal welfare; she personally visits any home with animals to ensure each family is taken care of so that the animal will be, too. She has conducted over 50,589 visits to homes in Pontiac to ensure animals are not being abused, neglected or fought; educate families; and distribute food, water, doghouses, straw and other supplies. She has rescued 9,331, sterilized 3,028 and vaccinated 12,039 animals for low/no cost. Pam knows most people in Pontiac, and most know her -- from drug dealers and prostitutes to pastors, children, the police department and city employees. Any and all call her whenever they or an animal needs help. The effect of her approach is profound. There are thousands of stories of lives she’s touched nationwide.