The Hero Dog Awards seek to find and recognize dogs who help people in many important ways. Dogs are nominated in one of eight categories: Service Dogs, Emerging Hero Dogs, Law Enforcement, Arson Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Military Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Guide/Hearing Dogs.
Interacting with an animal can be very theraputic for humans. While other animals, such as horses and cats can be great therapy animals, dogs really excel in helping humans who are going through a difficult or troubling time. A certified Therapy Dog can make a significant contribution to many treatment programs.
Dogs began helping our military forces as early as World War I, but it wasn't until World War II that the Army established its first K-9 Corps. They serve as scouts, detection specialists for explosives, and assist on guard duty to protect US service men and women around the world. Nowadays, dogs have their own military service records and can be awarded commendations for outstanding service. It is not possible to count the number of lives military dogs have saved, sometimes at the extreme cost of their own. The Military Dog category seeks to recognize the dedication and valor of these extraordinary animals.
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For the past couple of weeks I have highlighted some of the eight finalists for the 2015 Hero Dog Award, sponsored by the American Humane Association. “Axel” was nominated in the Service Dog Category, “Harley (the Puppy Mill Dog)” represents the Emerging Hero Dog category, “Glory” is an Arson Dog, and “Dax” represents Law Enforcement Dogs.
A Pit Bull mix known as Hudson the Railroad Puppy is nominated in the Therapy Dog category. In 2012, at just three weeks of age, he was found nailed to a railroad track in Albany, New York. Hudson was saved by the heroic efforts of his rescuers. They even gave him a prosthetic paw for his missing hind foot. As he grew, he needed replacement paws. Today he has a high-tech “blade-runner foot” which allows him to walk and run and play. This amazing dog visits schools, hospitals, the elderly and even hospice patients and their families. His great attitude and loving nature make him the perfect therapy dog. His FaceBook page is “Hudson the Railroad Puppy”.
His charity partner is Hand In Paw, which coordinates the efforts of professionally-trained Animal-Assisted Therapy Teams throughout Central Alabama.
The Military Dog category is represented by Rambo, a canine Marine who went on more than six hundred missions as an explosive detection dog. An injury to his shoulder cost him his left front leg, but he is still serving his country. He has been Alamo Honor Flight’s mascot, accompanying World War Two veterans to Washington, DC. Today he is the mascot for Gizmo’s Gift, which provides assistance for military working dogs and offers financial support for those who adopt retired military dogs. His Facebook page is “Sgt Rambo N577”.
His charity partner is America’s VetDogs, which provides guide dogs for blind veterans and assistance dogs for vets with other disabilities including PTSD.
Learn more about the Hero Dog Awards by visiting the website at HeroDogAwards.org. Cast your vote for the finalist you think should be America’s Hero Dog. In my opinion it seems like an impossible choice because they are all heroes, when we’re speaking of pets.
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