Voting open for American Humane Society Hero Dog Awards

Raleigh Roo, an Emerging Hero Dog semifinalist from Clearwater, overcame severe abuse and neglect, including the loss of one hind leg, and is now recognized for his courage and resilience. [Photo by American Humane Society]

The American Humane Society has announced the semifinalists for the 16th annual Hero Dog Awards, recognizing dogs whose courage, service and devotion have made a lasting impact on people.

The nationwide competition, hosted by the country’s first national animal welfare organization, has five categories: law enforcement and first responder dogs; service and guide/hearing dogs; therapy dogs; military dogs; and emerging hero and shelter dogs.

Eddie, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever, serves as a guide dog, trusted companion and lifeline for his handler. [Photo by American Humane Society]

The awards celebrate ordinary dogs that do extraordinary things, from saving lives and assisting people with disabilities to comforting patients, serving alongside military personnel and inspiring their communities.

“Congratulations to the incredible dogs nominated for the awards,” says Robin Ganzert, the president and CEO of the American Humane Society. “Each of these extraordinary canines is living proof of something I believe deeply: that the bond between humans and animals has the power to heal us in ways nothing else can. Their courage, devotion and unconditional love remind us that the human-animal bond can mend hearts, strengthen communities and inspire hope even in

our most difficult moments.”

The public may vote on the semifinalists

through Sept. 18 at americanhumane.org/hero-dog-awards.

Canela, a multi-medical alert service dog, wears full PPE while accompanying her handler in the chemistry lab. Together, they are pursuing a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry. [Photo by American Humane Society]

Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs

• Bubba, Washington.

• Knox, Nashville, Indiana.

• K9 Rozi, Chicago.

• K9 Joey, Washington.

• Walter, Woodbridge, Virgini

Service and Guide/Hearing Dogs

• Quake, Wayland, Michigan.

• Canela, Oviedo, Florida.

• Eddie, Miami.

• Juju, Leakesville, Mississippi

• Mars, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Therapy Dogs

Star, a 2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, provides comfort and companionship to students, faculty and staff at the University of South Florida. [Photo by American Humane Society]

• Bree, Ypsilanti, Michigan.

• Maverick, Bellingham, Washington.

• Star, Tampa, Florida.

• Goosey, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

• Brooklyn, Minneapolis.

Military Dogs

• Sage, Norfolk, Virginia.

• Tambo, Whitwell, Tennessee.

• Targo, Camp Pendleton, California.

• Blek, Valley Center, California.

• K9 Lea, Fernandina Beach, Florida.

K-9 Lea, a 4-year-old Labrador retriever, serves as an explosive detection dog with the United States Coast Guard. [Photo by American Humane Society]

Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs

• Raleigh Roo, Clearwater, Florida.

• Filmore, Santa Ana, California.

• Parker, Canton, Georgia.

• Bubbles, Otisville, Michigan.

• Puma, Franklin, Indiana.

The Hero Dog Awards are sponsored by Nubz, Trupanion and Waymo.

The American Humane Society, founded in 1877, is the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping verify the humane treatment of more than 1 billion animals each year. With offices in Palm Beach and Washington, the organization works to protect the welfare of animals through advocacy,

certification programs, rescue efforts

and education.