American Humane Hero Dog Awards© 2026 Finalists & Winners: Heroes of the Dog World

Move over, Beyoncé, sit down, Pedro, there’s only one red carpet event we’re interested in, and that’s the American Humane Hero Dog Awards©.

Every year, this wonderful event seeks out America’s standout dogs – often ordinary dogs doing extraordinary things, like saving lives in a warzone, being the eyes or ears of their human companion, or just helping people to achieve their goals. There are five different categories:

Hundreds of incredible dogs with inspiring tales from across the country were nominated once the competition opened in August for the 15th year. Five semi-finalists were selected in each of the five categories. The American public had the opportunity to meet with these 25 contenders and cast their vote for their favorite canine hero in each category, narrowing down the list to the top five dogs. The category winners will be pampered and prepped for their red carpet appearance at the American Humane Hero Dog Awards Gala in Palm Beach on November 7th, where the overall winner of the 2025 Hero Dog Award will be announced.

Let’s meet the finalists:

Military Hero: Ultra

Relentless in duty. Boundless in spirit.

Nicknamed “Bug” for her affectionate nature, Ultra is both a powerhouse and a cuddlebug. The sight of her vest and collar sends her bounding with energy, ready to work.

One of Alaina’s proudest memories came during the 2024 Democratic National Convention. After a full day of sweeping the landing zone and securing the venue, Ultra went on to search thousands of vehicles until 3 a.m. Exhausted but unwavering, she showed the focus and stamina that make her exceptional.

Law Enforcement Hero: Harrison

Sniffing out justice. Bringing communities together.

In moments of crisis, Harrison shifts seamlessly into therapy mode—flopping across a person’s legs, kissing their face, and regulating their nervous system—reminding them they’re not alone.

At home, Harrison is described as a “goofball” who enjoys romping around with his two canine siblings in the yard, splashing in the pool, going on camping trips, and snuggling with his family.

But when he hears the command “let’s go to work,” his superpowers shine: finding critical evidence, calming those in need, and bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community.

Therapy Dog Hero: Sergeant Bo

Once a stray. Now a healer.

Sergeant Bo’s journey from stray to hero is nothing short of extraordinary. Found wandering the streets of Florida in 2022, the scruffy mutt with soulful eyes has proved the old adage true: never judge a book by its cover.

Growing up, Faye dreamt of becoming a teacher before eventually discovering a career in law enforcement as another way to give back to her community. She went on to spend most of her 34 years in the field as a school resource officer (SRO)—a position that combined her passion for service and working with children.

In early 2022, Faye learned about a program that gives homeless pets a second chance at life by training them as therapy dogs. A week before beginning training in December 2022, Faye received her first photo of Bo, who had been rescued that fall. Upon meeting at training school, the bond between Bo and Faye formed quickly, as she noticed his human-like eyes and the “great big ole’ heart” behind his scruffy appearance. The dog she once worried might be mocked for looking different quickly became her most trusted partner.

Just three months into their work together, tragedy struck when a school shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville killed three students and three adults. Officials quickly called Bo and Faye to the church, where children were reuniting with their parents. He climbed onto school buses, allowed shaken children to rest against him, and stayed until the last family left.

Bo remained a steady source of comfort and safety during the community’s darkest hours. In the weeks that followed, students would run right to him and Officer Okert from their cars at drop-off, and teachers still recall how much safer they felt with Bo nearby.

Service and Guide or Hearing Hero: Donald

More than a guide. A lifeline.

Donald’s ability to lead is his superpower. He senses danger before Terry does, remembers her routines, and leads with an intuition that goes beyond training. To Terry, he’s more than a guide dog—he’s a lifeline.

Together, they’ve traveled across the country—from Colorado to Florida, and from Iowa to Virginia. Donald even made her master’s degree graduation unforgettable. When he stepped onto the stage, the entire room erupted in applause, lifting what could have been a lonely moment into one of triumph.

Through therapy visits, conferences, and everyday encounters, Donald has introduced Terry to countless new people and experiences. He’s proof that guide dogs are more than working animals–they are leaders, partners, and superheroes in their own right.

Emerging Hero & Shelter Dogs Hero: Lieutenant Dan

Defying odds. Defining joy.

Lieutenant Dan was born the runt of his litter, with contracted back legs and a severely deformed tail. Unable to use them, he learned to walk on his two front legs, determined to move forward no matter the challenge.

From the start, his personality shone through. In the words of his beloved owner, Laura, Lt. Dan “lights up our lives every single day.”

Wanting to share that joy, Laura began bringing him to a program for adults with disabilities. Even people who were once hesitant about dogs opened up around him. Last year, Lt. Dan earned his therapy dog certification. Since then, he has visited nursing homes, libraries, and schools, where he instinctively adjusts his energy to comfort each person he meets. Whether helping a withdrawn adult relax or encouraging a child to read aloud, he shares his calm strength and infectious joy with everyone.

True Heroes

Rest assured that these five amazing dogs are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to canine heroics; there simply isn’t enough red carpet in the world to accommodate them all. Of course, we can’t forget about the human heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes at the American Humane Society, providing food, shelter, comfort, and love for animals that need it most.

I think we can all agree that the real winners here are the humans fortunate enough to share their lives with these incredible creatures.

BREAKING NEWS!!! WINNER ANNOUNCED!!!

A huge congratulations to Sergeant Bo, who has just been crowned the American Humane Society’s 2025 Hero Dog Award winner! Sgt. Bo and the four other finalists will be honored at the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards and Gala in Palm Beach on January 9, 2026. Well done to each and every dog and their people, and a special shout-out to Sergeant Bo, who we’re sure will be getting an extra treat tonight!

Feature Image Credit: American Humane Hero Dog Awards©

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