Sgt. Bo Named Winner of 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards

The American Humane Society has announced Sgt. Bo as the winner of the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards, recognizing the four-year-old mixed breed therapy dog for his extraordinary service providing comfort to children in Nashville, Tennessee. The nationwide competition identifies standout dogs across five categories: Therapy Dogs; Service and Guide Dogs; Military Dogs; Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs; and Shelter Dogs, with hundreds of nominations narrowed through public voting to 25 semi-finalists and ultimately five category winners.

Sgt. Bo's journey from stray to hero represents the transformative power of animal rescue programs. Rescued in Florida in 2022, he was paired with Faye, a Metropolitan Nashville School Resource Officer who advocated for training homeless pets as therapy dogs. Despite initial concerns about his scruffy appearance and skin allergies, their bond formed quickly during training, and Sgt. Bo became both her trusted partner and a living lesson to students about looking beyond appearances.

The dog's most significant impact came three months after his training, following the Covenant School shooting, when Sgt. Bo and Faye provided steady comfort and safety for students in crisis. He climbed onto buses, allowed frightened children to rest against him, and remained a calming presence at reunions and school drop-offs during the community's most challenging period. Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society, stated that Sgt. Bo and Faye have brought comfort and emotional support to many children and adults in the Nashville community during profoundly difficult times, serving as a powerful beacon of hope and safety.

After tearing his ACL in January 2025, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department retired Sgt. Bo, and Faye retired from the force soon after, not wanting to be without her partner. He continues to visit Covenant weekly and other local schools monthly, helping shy children open up and bringing smiles to students. Now enjoying retirement with Faye and her husband, Sgt. Bo continues to soothe people of all ages while demonstrating the lasting impact of therapy animals in educational and crisis settings.

The four other Hero Dog Award finalists represent diverse forms of canine service. Donald, the Service and Guide/Hearing Dog finalist, is a six-year-old Labrador Retriever who changed the life of his veteran handler after she lost her central vision following 25 years of military service. His heroic moment came when he refused to obey a command, instead blocking his handler from stepping forward until they realized the sidewalk had been torn up by construction, demonstrating that sometimes being a hero means knowing when not to obey.

Harrison, the Law Enforcement and First Responder Dog finalist, is a two-year-old Labrador Retriever serving as Caldwell County's first electronics scent detection K-9, one of only a few certified dogs of his kind in North Carolina. Specially trained to locate hidden electronic devices, he plays a critical role in uncovering digital evidence for criminal investigations, with particular focus on Internet Crimes Against Children cases. Beyond his investigative work, Harrison provides comfort at community events and strengthens relationships between law enforcement and the public.

K-9 Ultra, the Military category finalist, is a four-year-old Dutch and German Shepherd mix described as fiercely reliable in the field and playful at home. Her precise detection skills were demonstrated during a vice-presidential motorcade when she cleared the route under strict time constraints, ensuring safe movement through a high-threat environment. Lieutenant Dan, the Emerging Hero/Shelter Dog finalist, is a seven-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound born with severe limb deformities who lost both hind legs and his tail but never his zest for life, inspiring people of all abilities through his joyful spirit.

These dogs and their handlers will be honored at the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards and Gala on January 9 in Palm Beach, Florida. The recognition of these canine heroes underscores the expanding role of animals in therapeutic, service, and emergency response contexts, demonstrating how specially trained dogs can provide not only practical assistance but also emotional support during times of crisis. For more information about the American Humane Hero Dog Awards, visit https://americanhumane.org.