The deadline is approaching for the American Humane—the country’s first national animal welfare organization—14th annual Hero Dog Awards. The nationwide competition searches for and recognizes America’s standout dogs. Winners are often ordinary four-legged companions that do extraordinary things—including saving lives on the battlefield, aiding their human best friend with sight or hearing, and overall contributing to the wellbeing of people.  

In 2023, one of the finalists was Poppy, a remarkable Labrador Retriever who possesses skills in detecting firearms and explosives. Poppy is from Columbia, SC  where she works on USC’s campus to help keep students safe. Poppy is an integral part of safety presentations, ensuring that every USC student is well-equipped with knowledge and empowered to face any challenges that may arise. 

“Through the Hero Dog Awards, we honor and celebrate the immense hope, courage, and quality of life that dogs bring to our lives,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “We look forward to sharing inspiring stories of these canines with the voting public so we can give our hero dogs the recognition they truly deserve.” 

People across the U.S. can nominate their four-legged champions at HeroDogAwards.org.

Submit your application by Thursday, August 1, 20234 and if your dog has an extraordinary story they could be recognized as an official Hero Dog! 

About American Humane:  American Humane is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for over 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth. 

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• 2023 Hero Dog Award Finalist

Hero Dog Awards 
American Humane
herodoginfo@americanhumane.org