American Humane Society Names Top 5 Hero Dog Finalists

The American Humane Society, the nation's pioneering animal welfare organization, has announced the top five finalists for its prestigious 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards. This nationwide competition celebrates extraordinary canines across five distinct categories: service and guide/hearing dogs, emerging hero and shelter dogs, law enforcement and first responder dogs, military dogs, and therapy dogs. Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society, emphasized that honoring these heroes goes beyond their remarkable actions to celebrate the profound human-canine bond that inspires communities nationwide.

The finalists represent an incredible spectrum of canine heroism and service. Donald, the service and guide/hearing category finalist from Fort Myers, Florida, has transformed his veteran handler's life after she lost her central vision following 25 years of military service. Lieutenant Dan, the emerging hero and shelter category finalist from New Richmond, Ohio, demonstrates remarkable resilience despite being born with severe limb deformities that required the amputation of both hind legs and his tail. Harrison serves as Caldwell County's first electronics scent detection K-9 in North Carolina, specializing in locating hidden electronic devices crucial for criminal investigations, particularly in Internet Crimes Against Children cases. K9 Ultra from Matawan, New Jersey, represents the military category as a skilled detection dog who maintains perfect professionalism in the field while being playful and loving at home. Sgt. Bo, the therapy category finalist, recently retired from the Metro Nashville Police Department where he provided comfort to countless children and adults, helping de-escalate crises and offering trauma support.

Each finalist embodies the extraordinary capabilities and emotional intelligence of working dogs across diverse fields. From Donald enabling his handler to travel confidently and even ski, to Lieutenant Dan inspiring people of all abilities through his joyful spirit and work with special needs foster pets, these dogs demonstrate how canine companions enhance human lives in profound ways. Harrison not only excels in investigative work but also serves as a community bridge, bringing joy to children at events and strengthening police-community relations. The Hero Dog Awards ceremony, scheduled for January 9, 2026, will ultimately crown one of these remarkable finalists as America's top hero dog, celebrating the vital roles dogs play in service, protection, therapy, and companionship across the nation.