If you haven’t heard of the American Humane Hero Dog Awards®, it’s time to tune in! They’ve just celebrated their 14th annual event and announced America’s newest top dog: Law Enforcement Dog Bo.

The American Humane Hero Dog Awards® is a nationwide event that celebrates exceptional dogs across the United States, recognizing them in five distinct categories: Therapy Dogs, Service and Guide Dogs, Military Dogs, Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs, and Shelter Dogs.

The competition began in June with Americans nominating hundreds of inspiring dogs from all corners of the country. Five semi-finalists in each category were selected from this initial pool to meet the public. Following a rigorous round of public voting, 25 semi-finalists were narrowed down to five finalists, each with a remarkable story. In the end, Bo emerged as the winner, chosen by an esteemed blue-ribbon judging panel.

“We are so excited to name Bo as American Humane’s latest Hero Dog, a distinction that is well-deserved for him and his handler David,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “In a short time, Bo and David have done extraordinary work. As members of the Gastonia Police Department, the duo have worked tirelessly and saved many lives thanks to Bo’s courage and top-notch scent-tracking skills. It’s these types of incredible stories about perseverance and dedication that this award aims to spotlight.”

More About the Winner, Bo

At the young age of 18 months, Bo has already been saving lives, reuniting families, and solving crimes for most of his life as a K-9 Officer with the Gastonia Police Department in N.C. and has been doing so since he was only 8 months old.

Bo’s journey with the Gastonia Police Department began in April 2023 when he was selected from a litter specifically for his potential, Bo was trained closely by Sgt. Rowland, who involved his children in activities to develop Bo’s tracking instincts.

As the department’s first bloodhound, Bo brings a unique approach to his role, contrasting with the traditional, more intimidating K-9 breeds. Known for his gentle nature (and fear of Halloween decorations), Bo can comfort and calm those he finds.

Although he’s young, his dedication and bravery are extraordinary. Bo officially began his work as a Police K-9 in October 2023 after comprehensive training, quickly proving his worth by locating both a missing elderly dementia patient and an 11-year-old child with autism.

Alongside his partner, Sgt. David Rowland, Bo’s people-tracking success has been profound, and Bo offers comfort—and sloppy kisses—once the person is found.

Bo’s impressive record includes tracking robbery suspects through difficult scent conditions, leading to their successful capture. Then, in January 2024, on a cold winter night, he used his tracking skills over miles to find a missing elderly patient, bringing them safely home despite harsh weather. His most moving achievement came in May 2024, when he tracked down a 7-year-old child who had been abducted. Bo’s work continues to uplift the Gastonia community, making him an inspiring figure within the police department and now, across America.

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Meet the Other Four Outstanding Finalists

With a competition of this caliber, it is not always easy to select a winner because there are so many outstanding dogs that deserve to be honored. So, we do want to highlight the incredible efforts of the other four finalists.

Dayo

The finalist in the Therapy Dog category, Dayo, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, has been a certified therapy dog who brings joy to the patients and families at George Mark Children’s House in San Leandro, CA—the first pediatric palliative care center in the United States. Dayo also provides comfort at Camp Erin, a bereavement camp for children coping with loss. He’s a beloved presence in the Pleasanton Library’s Paws to Read program, where children read to him, and he offers support to high school students during exams. Dayo also visits Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and Kaiser Permanente, where he brings warmth to those in radiation, oncology, and urgent care.

Dayo, whose name means “Joy Arrives” in Afrikaans, began life as the puppy companion to an orphaned baby cheetah named Pancake at Wildlife Safari in Oregon. Born on the same day, the two grew up together as siblings (you can read Today.com’s story about the pair here), until Pancake’s unexpected passing in 2017. Heartbroken, Dayo’s caretakers found him a fresh start with a new family. His new owner, Liz, soon saw his gentle nature and emotional intelligence, which made him ideal for therapy work.

Sampson

Sampson, the finalist for the Service and Guide/Hearing Dog category, has spent nine years as a loyal companion to his handler, Joey, making a profound impact on her life. After a severe accident in 2006 that left Joey with traumatic brain injury, 23 broken bones, and lasting challenges, Sampson provided steadfast support, empowering his handler not only to recover but to go on to earn a neuroscience degree and establish a company dedicated to helping people with disabilities access scientific careers.

Joey’s pursuit of a neuroscience degree faced barriers when labs initially refused Sampson’s presence, fearing safety issues. She fought for his access, earning him the nickname “Science Service Dog.” Together, they now advocate in Congress to improve access for service dogs in science.

Joey recently made the difficult decision to retire Sampson, but this now allows her other half to enjoy his golden Golden Retriever years off duty.

Niki

K-9 Niki, a Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix with the U.S. Coast Guard, is a Military Dog nominee known for her sharp skills and dedication. Niki began her courageous career in 2021 with the U.S. Coast Guard as an explosives-detection dog alongside her handler, Petty Officer Alicia Horn. Together, they’ve forged a deep bond built on trust and service.

She has taken part in over 250 high-stakes operations and logged more than 4,000 working hours. From securing events like the Rose Bowl and Seattle Sea Fair to ensuring the safety of top officials and key maritime sites, K-9 Niki has proven herself invaluable. Her work includes over 25,000 vehicle sweeps and 250 vessel searches, protecting nearly 7 million people.

Her achievements also include tracking down a fugitive who had been evading capture for two years and discovering a firearm crucial to an ongoing investigation. Additionally, she visits schools and engages with young students in educational outreach, inspiring them with her courage, bravery, and service.

Penny

Penny, who won the Shelter Dog category, was discovered abandoned with severe injuries, including a crushed pelvis and broken legs after being thrown from a moving car in 2020. Thanks to a dedicated rescue shelter, Penny received life-saving surgeries, including the amputation of a leg.

Her adoptive owners, both high school teachers, first fostered Penny and helped her regain mobility. They were enamored by her resilience and adopted her permanently in November 2021. Now, Penny works as a therapy dog, teaching children compassion and proving that disabilities can be beautiful. She also advocates for stronger anti-animal abuse laws, joining her owner Lindsey at the Kentucky capitol to lobby lawmakers. Through her journey, she’s become a symbol of recovery and love.

About American Humane

American Humane is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow them on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and subscribe to their channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.

American Humane would like to send a heartfelt thank you to their sponsors, including Sam Rose, Pets Best, and Lulu’s Fund, whose generosity helps American Humane recognize and celebrate these heroic canines. For more information about the Hero Dog Awards or sponsorship opportunities, please visit HeroDogAwards.org or email herodoginfo@americanhumane.org.

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