Coming soon to Hallmark Drama, the American Humane Hero Dog Awards® has set its eleventh annual two-hour celebration of our most heroic canine friends for Wednesday, October 20th, at 9 PM ET/PT, 8 PM Central.
Sponsored by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, the AHHDA was created to honor the outstanding and courageous work of dogs working to improve and save lives, from all over the country.
Voting has concluded, but you can still read the stories and become well-versed in the heroics of these dogs before the show on October 20th.
Here are seven of the very special canines from this year’s Hero Dog Awards roster!
Law Enforcement & Detection Hero Dog — K-9 Hansel From Millville, New Jersey
K-9 Hansel was 0nce slated for euthanasia at seven weeks old after being seized from an alleged dog-fighting ring.
Now, he’s the first Pit Bull certified in accelerant detection in the United States. He can recognize 14 different ignitable liquid odors.
You can read more about Hansel here!
Shelter Hero Dog — Deputy Chance From Cape Coral, Florida (Sponsored By Lulu’s Fund)
Deputy Chance dutifully works alongside his partner Lieutenant Castellon, who adopted him after an animal cruelty case where Chance suffered from abuse.
Now Chance isn’t just the spokesdog for their Public Affairs Unit; he’s also their Good Will Ambassador, gaining his title from county commissioners. He’s a staunch advocate against animal cruelty and regularly promotes adoption.
You can read more about Chance here!
Guide/Hearing Hero Dog — Henna From Albuquerque, New Mexico
Henna is her deaf and blind companion’s life-saving hero.
When they were crossing the street on a regular walk, Henna signaled her human to stop and guided her back to the sidewalk, where moments later a large trailer truck passed over where they once stood.
You can read more about Henna here!
Military Hero Dog — Staff Sergeant Summer From Mt. Airy, Maryland
Staff Sergeant Summer, a ten-year-old, retired, female Labrador, served as a Military Working Dog, a War Dog, and as Police Explosive Detective Dog.
In her retirement, she continues to serve her country spending time with fellow war veterans, who greatly admire her service record.
You can read more about Staff Sergeant Summer here!
Search & Rescue Hero Dog — Little Man From Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
After being rescued as a puppy from the rubble after a tornado struck in Moore, Oklahoma, Little Man went on to dedicate his life to search and rescue.
Fully trained as a SAR dog, he rescued a traumatized assault victim who went missing in 2020.
You can read more about Little Man here!
Service Hero Dog — Sobee From Holt’s Summit, Missouri
Rescued by K9s On the Front Line in 2016, Sobee went from having two days left on a euthanasia list to serving a disabled combat veteran who was fighting PTSD and addiction.
She was tasked with assisting her charge with panic attacks and watching over him in public spaces. Their bond grew so strong, she eventually convinced him to find renewed purpose in training other dogs to do what she does so well.
You can read more about Sobee here!
Therapy Hero Dog — Boone From Hookstown, Pennsylvania
Boone endured life-altering cruelty as a puppy, which resulted in the loss of both his hind legs. But that didn’t stop him from radiating joy and resilience, or from becoming an ambassador for Joey’s P.A.W. (Prosthetics and Wheels).
With the help of his human comrades, he has helped provide mobility to over 700 dogs internationally.
You can read more about Boone here!
If you’d like to know more about the awards and sponsor organizations, visit their websites:
Which of these hero dogs’ stories spoke to you? Did you vote for any of them to get an American Humane Hero Dog Award? Let us know in the comments below!
