The American Humane Hero Dog Awards® is an annual, nationwide competition that seeks out America’s Hero Dogs and gives them the recognition that they deserve! Often, these are ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things, whether saving lives, lending service to a human companion with a disability, or helping people achieve their goals. Dogs compete in seven different categories for the Hero Dog Awards: Military, Emerging Hero and Shelter, Law Enforcement and First Responder, Therapy, and Service and Guide/Hearing. After voting, nominees in each category are honored at the star-studded American Humane Hero Dog Awards Gala in Palm Beach, before announcing the winner. So, without further ado, let's meet this year's winner for the Hero Dog Award, along with the other four finalists!
Law Enforcement and First Responder
This category broadly includes dogs that are critical to first responders, helping to safeguard the public and find victims of disasters and others who are missing. Law enforcement dogs’ ability to help protect their handlers, thwart lawbreakers, and find evidence makes them true partners to first responders. Scent-detection dogs can accurately locate a variety of targets, including correctly identifying a multitude of diseases, flora, and fauna. They are often used to detect illicit substances, drugs, fire accelerants, firearms, or explosives. Search and Rescue dogs are trained to find the missing, from those lost in the wilderness or city to victims of accidents and natural disasters. Commonly, they include breeds such as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, and Bloodhounds. This category's winner is:
K9 Bo
K9 Bo, a 17-month-old Bloodhound from Kentucky, began his remarkable journey with North Carolina's Gastonia Police Department in April 2023. After intense training, young Bo began working as a Police K9 in October 2023, quickly proving his invaluable skills by locating an elderly dementia patient and an 11-year-old autistic child who had gone missing. He didn’t stop there. In one case, Bo tracked down robbery suspects despite heavy scent contamination, which led to their capture. On a particularly cold January night in 2024, Bo showcased his extraordinary skills yet again by tracking a missing elderly patient over miles through harsh conditions, ultimately finding them safe. His most touching moment came in May 2024 when he found a 7-year-old child who had been kidnapped at knifepoint. Bo’s incredible work continues to bring joy and hope, making him a true hero and an inspiring presence in the Gastonia Police Department. Bo has more than earned the coveted title of Hero Dog, though he wasn't without some stiff competition.
Military
Military working dogs entered American service in 1942 to serve in the Army’s K-9 Corps. In World War II, 436 scout dogs walked combat patrols overseas, often detecting the enemy at 1,000 yards, long before the enemy became aware of them. Dogs continued to serve with distinction in other conflicts, such as Korea, where the Army used about 1,500 dogs, primarily for guard duty, and the Vietnam War, where nearly 4,000 dogs were employed. Today’s conflicts include dogs at every level, still serving their country and helping to protect American troops. These dogs are still playing an active and vital role in searching for explosives and seizing enemies. This category's winner is:
K9 Niki
In 2021, K9 Niki, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix, embarked on a distinguished career with the United States Coast Guard. She showcased exceptional skills early on and unwavering dedication, setting herself apart from her peers. Throughout her career, K9 Niki participated in over 250 high-stakes operations and logged over 4,000 working hours. She secured major high-profile events such as the Rose Bowl and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. She also played a crucial role in protecting high-ranking officials and vital maritime infrastructure.
K9 Niki aided in the conviction of a dangerous felon who had been on the run for two years. Her keen senses led to the discovery of a firearm, which significantly advanced the case and underscored her undeniable role in keeping the public safe. K9 Niki has boarded over 250 vessels, conducted 25,000 vehicle sweeps, and participated in 150 community demonstrations, safeguarding around 7 million people. Her community engagement includes educational visits to schools, where she inspires young minds about the vital roles of military dogs.
Emerging Hero and Shelter
We are still learning the science behind animal behavior. The stories continue to pour in about the human-animal bond in action, ever reminding us just how much we have to learn. Dogs in this category can be nominated for doing heroic deeds, large or small; overcoming great adversity, or simply having a remarkable rescue story. Whether it was a second chance, a new “leash” on life, or a perfect fit that was meant to be, these dogs highlight what it means to be a human’s best friend. This category's winner is:
Penny
In 2020, a dog was found who had been thrown from a car and left on the side of the road. Later named Penny, she suffered severe injuries. A non-profit rescue stepped in to help Penny, who had endured days of agony from abuse and neglect. Despite the grim prognosis, Penny’s spirit shone brightly. She bravely faced her treatments, including a leg amputation and numerous surgeries. Penny’s resilience was truly remarkable—her gentle nature and zest for life never wavered. Her foster family, who fell deeply in love with her, officially adopted her in November 2021. Today, Penny is a symbol of hope and perseverance. As a therapy dog, she helps teach children empathy and to fight stigmas around differently abled animals. Her story has inspired many of the students to advocate for animal welfare, showing that even those who have been broken can heal and thrive with love and determination.
Therapy
Credentialed Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Dogs are part of a therapeutic plan to aid with physical, social, emotional, and cognitive challenges for persons other than the dog’s owner/handler. AAT has been shown to help enhance the lives of people in need. Studies have found that AAT lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and enhances a patient’s ability to achieve physical and psychological wellness. This category's winner is:
Dayo
Dayo is a lovable 9-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback. Dayo is a regular at the George Mark Children’s House in San Leandro, CA—the first freestanding pediatric palliative care center in the U.S. His presence brings smiles and comfort to patients, families, nurses, and staff alike. Dayo also lends his support at Camp Erin, a bereavement camp where he helps children cope with loss and extends friendship to adults with disabilities at Futures Explored and Go Group. Children eagerly read to him during the Pleasanton Library’s Paws to Read program, and during the school year, he helps high school students manage exam stress. His visits brighten the days of patients at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and Kaiser Permanente, including those in radiation, oncology, and urgent care. Dayo is truly a beacon of joy and embodies the spirit of an American Hero Dog.
Service and Guide/Hearing
Service Dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They can be trained to work with people with physical mobility needs or limitations, or who need alerts to medical conditions. They can also serve as the “eyes and ears” for the blind and/or deaf, or perform tasks for those with psychiatric disabilities, such as PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury. These specially trained dogs can even help by retrieving or manipulating objects that are out of their person’s reach, alerting bystanders and retrieving help for their handler, leading while avoiding distractions and obstacles, and performing many other individual tasks as needed by a person with a disability. These heroes not only improve the lives of the people with whom they work, but also keep them safe every day. Commonly, service dogs are Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, and Collies, among others. This category's winner is:
Sampson
Sampson dedicated nine incredible years to supporting his handler, making a profound impact on both their lives. After a devastating accident in 2006 that left his handler with 23 broken bones and a traumatic brain injury, it seemed like life would never be the same. But with Sampson’s unwavering support, recovery became possible. His handler not only healed but also earned a degree in neuroscience and founded a company that helps people with disabilities overcome barriers in science. Known as the Science Service Dog, Sampson gained global fame, amassing over 72K followers across social media. Beloved for his infectious “Best Day Ever!” attitude, Sampson and his handler have traveled extensively, advocating for service dog handlers in science. Their work even reached Congress, where they are pushing to amend CDC guidelines to remove barriers for service dog handlers. Sampson’s legacy is one of changing and saving lives, one pawprint at a time.
Conclusion
The inspiration found in each one of these special dogs can hardly be quantified. Every single dog name here exemplifies the true value and joy that can be found in a furry companion. Who knows? Perhaps you can find your next Hero here at Pawrade! We have no shortage of heroic puppies for sale! You can also check out our collection of emotional support dogs! You know the kind of hero you need, and Pawrade stands ready to answer any questions and connect you with your next best friend, so call today! And if you think you already have a Hero Dog in mind, good news! 2025 nominations are open until June 30, 2025! You can nominate your best heroic friend here.
