Dog has saved lives and solved crimes from young age, wins standout Hero Dog award

The American Humane has announced the winner of its annual Hero Dog Award, and the recipient this year is a very special working pet with a unique story. The Hero Dog Awards were created to shine a spotlight on the incredible efforts of these remarkable animals in various areas. The organization, which is based in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1877 and is the nation’s first national humane organization dedicated to animals.

The competition for the Hero Dog Award identifies America’s top dogs in five key categories: military dogs, law enforcement and first responder dogs, service and guide or hearing dogs, therapy dogs, and emerging hero and shelter dogs. The process began in April, with dog owners from across the country submitting their pets for consideration.

The winner of this year’s Hero Dog Award is Bo, an 18-month-old bloodhound from Gastonia, North Carolina, who works with the Gastonia Police Department. Bo has been saving lives and solving crimes since he was just eight months old, making him a true hero in the eyes of his community.

Bo was handpicked from a litter of puppies by the police department and went home with Sgt. David Rowland for further training. Since then, Bo and Sgt. Rowland have formed a strong bond, with Bo becoming an integral part of the police force. Despite his young age, Bo has already made a significant impact, tracking down missing children, kidnapping victims, and lost senior citizens.

Bo’s unique personality and gentle nature make him a valuable asset to the police department. He is able to approach and comfort the people he tracks down, providing them with much-needed support during their time of need. Bo’s skills have proven to be invaluable in reuniting families and delivering justice to victims.

Sgt. Rowland expressed his gratitude for the recognition of Bo’s hard work, stating that it means everything to him and the Gastonia Police Department. American Humane president and CEO Robin Ganzert praised Bo for his accomplishments, noting that he has achieved more in his young life than many do in their entire careers.

The finalist dogs from each category will be honored at a gala in Palm Beach, Florida, in November, where they will walk down the red carpet and receive recognition for their incredible contributions. Bo’s story serves as a reminder of the extraordinary abilities of our four-legged friends and the impact they can have on our lives.