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Hero dogs from across the country are nominated for the American Humane award

Online Niel November 1, 2024

Five remarkable dogs help improve the lives of others – including in the physical and mental health. They are now nationally recognized for their work.

The American Humane Hero Dog Awards announced the most outstanding to shine a light on their outstanding efforts in a variety of fields. The organization, based in Washington, DC, was founded in 1877 and is the nation’s first national humane organization dedicated to animals.

The annual nationwide competition identifies America’s best dogs in five key categories: military dogs; law enforcement and first response dogs; service and guide dogs or auditors; therapy dogs; and emerging hero and shelter dogs.

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Since April, hundreds of dog owners across the country have submitted names their pets for “Hero Dog” consideration.

The winning dog in each category will be honored at a gala in Palm Beach, Florida in November – where the animals will walk, sniff and run the red carpet.

Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., president and CEO of the American Humane Society, speaks on stage during the American Humane Society’s 6th Annual Awards. The DC-based organization will present the “Hero Dog” award this winter in Palm Beach, Florida. (Araya Diaz/Getty Images for the American Humane Association)

American Humane President and CEO Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., told Fox News Digital that canine heroes this year they are “unsung heroes”.

“I’m in awe of these inspiring canine heroes who sniff out criminals, jump out of helicopters, comfort sick children and more,” she said. “All five dogs are winners in their category and deserve to be recognized for their service communities and our country”.

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She added, “American Humane is honored to shine a light on these unsung heroes who are making the world a better and better place.”

Ahead of its annual event, American Humane announced the finalists. Here are the top five dogs in their respective categories.

Military: Niki

Niki is a five-year-old Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix who lives in Seattle, Washington.

She started with the US Coast Guard in 2021 and helps detect explosives alongside her human partner, Petty Officer Alicia Horn.

Niki is a Military Dog Finalist in the 2024 American Humane Hero Dog Awards. (American Humane)

Niki has completed more than 250 high-stakes operations and logged more than 4,000 hours of work protecting the American public, according to American Humane. It helps protect the safety and security of the Washington State Ferry and has boarded more than 250 vessels to date.

The shepherd mix is known for being a hero in her community. She often visits schools to help educate children about military dogs and their handlers.

Law Enforcement and First Response: Bo

Bo is an 18-month-old male from Gastonia, North Carolina who works with the Gastonia Police Department. Although still young, he has been saving lives and solving crimes since he was just eight months old, according to American Humane.

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He began his law enforcement career in 2023 after the police department handpicked him from a litter of puppies — a move his handle, Sgt. David Rowland is happy, he said.

Bo is also up for the top prize at the Hero Dog Awards on November 8, 2024. He is featured with Sgt. David Rowland. (American Humane)

Rowland brought Bo home during his training to help strengthen their bond – and his family loved it.

One breed of dog was new to the Gastonia Police Department, American Humane noted, as the department had only ever had German shepherds and other classic law enforcement breeds before Bo.

Bo has located many lost senior citizens.

Bloodhounds, known for being easily spooked and gentle giants at heart, aren’t the typical choice for K-9 officers — but American Humane said Bo broke the mold.

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Although still terrified of Halloween decorations, Bo is able to approach and pet the people he’s stalking, making him a secret weapon. Since starting work, Bo has found a missing 11-year-old with autism and a 7-year-old kidnapping victim. He also found many lost senior citizens.

Service: Sampson

Sampson is an 11-year-old Golden Retriever service dog nominated for an American Humane Hero Dog Award.

The service dog from Sierra Vista, Arizona, recently retired after spending years with his other half – a woman named Joey, who was in an accident in 2006. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and over 23 broken bones.

Sampson is the service dog finalist for this year’s award. (American Humane)

For nearly a decade, Sampson has been by Joey’s side, helping her recover and manage a new way of life.

Joey told American Humane that Sampson learned more than 245 commands to help with her recovery. He could even go into a medicine cabinet, open it, grab it the correct medication and take it to Joey, followed by a bottle of water to swallow the pills.

When Joey decided to pursue a degree in neuroscience after her accident, she ran into problems with bringing Sampson into the science labs because there were concerns about contamination and safety hazards.

After she struggled to find ways to include Sampson, he earned the nickname “Science Service Dog.” Today, the pair advocates for service dog handlers in science, while Sampson spends his golden years off duty, according to American Humane.

Therapy: Dayo

A nine-year-old male Rhodesian Ridgeback is the top therapy dog nominee for this year’s American Humane Hero Dog Award.

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Dayo, from Dublin, California, started life as a canine companion for a cheetah cub named Pancake at the Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon.

Dayo and the cheetah were born on the same day. They grew up together as pseudo-siblings until Pancake tragically died in 2017 due to health complications.

Nine-year-old Dayo from California is a finalist in the 2024 American Humane Hero Dog Awards. (American Humane)

After officials decided to remove Dayo from the zoo, he was placed with an owner named Liz — who used his lovable personality and emotional intelligence as a therapy dog, according to American Humane.

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Today, Dayo brings love and hope to people in need in several life-changing facilities such as the George Mark Children’s Home, Camp Erin, Children’s Hospital and more.

Shelter: Penny

Penny is a four-year-old mixed breed dog from Louisville, Kentucky, and was named a finalist in the shelter dog category.

Penny was a rescue animal who now works as a therapy dog for children. (American Humane)

Penny was rescued in 2020 after being thrown from a moving car and left on the side of the road, according to American Humane.

After recovering from what appeared to be long-term abuse, Penny was cared for by two owners. The two high school teachers loved the three-legged dog at first sight, American Humane said.

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For over a year, the foster parents helped Penny relearn how to walk – even carrying her in a backpack or stroller when necessary. They ended up adopting her into their home.