The 16th Annual Hero Dog Awards - Voting Is Now Open For The Annual Campaign To Honor America’s Top Dogs And With 5 Pups Are From Florida

The American Humane Hero Dog Awards is a nationwide competition that searches for and recognizes America’s standout dogs in five categories: Law Enforcement and First Responder, Service and Guide/Hearing Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Military Dogs, and Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs.

Winners of the Hero Dog Awards are ordinary canine companions who do extraordinary things including saving lives, aiding their human companions and overall inspiring their communities.

"Congratulations to the incredible dogs nominated for the 16th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of 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. As we share these remarkable journeys with the nation, I invite every American to join American Humane Society in honoring these heroes, whose compassion, resilience and service inspire us all."

People across the United States can recognize the exceptional acts of canine heroism by casting their vote at: www.americanhumane.org/hero-dog-awards.

16th Annual Hero Dog Awards Semi-Finalists:

Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs:

Bubba from Washington, District of Columbia, Knox from Nashville, Indiana, K9 Rozi from Chicago, Illinois, K9 Joey from Washington, District of Columbia and Walter from Woodbridge, Virginia.

Service and Guide/Hearing Dogs:

Quake from Wayland, Michigan, Canela from Oviedo, Florida, Eddie from Miami, Florida, Juju from Leakesville, Mississippi and Mars from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Therapy Dogs:

Bree from Ypsilanti, Michigan, Maverick from Bellingham, Washington, Star from Tampa, Florida, Goosey from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Brooklyn from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Military Dogs:

Sage from Norfolk, Virginia, Tambo from Whitwell, Tennessee, Targo from Camp Pendleton, California, Blek from Valley Center, California and K9 Lea from Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs:

Raleigh Roo from Clearwater, Florida, Filmore from Santa Ana, California, Parker from Canton, Georgia, Bubbles from Otisville, Michigan and Puma from Franklin, Indiana.

Voting ends on Friday September 18th, 2026

A Few Featured From Florida:

Eddie, Category - Service/Guide, Hometown: Miami, Florida, Breed: Labrador Retriever, Age: 3, Superpower: Being a lifeline for his handler:

Eddie has changed far more than how his owner travels—he's transformed how he lives. As his first guide dog, Eddie gave a natural introvert the confidence to step into the spotlight and share their journey publicly, educating others about blindness and the remarkable work guide dogs do. Eddie has become more than a partner; he's an ambassador, opening doors one interaction at a time.

His most impressive gift is instinct. While crossing a busy street in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Eddie suddenly planted his feet and refused to move—seconds later, a car sped past exactly where they would have been. It's one of countless times his quick thinking kept his owner safe before danger was ever sensed.

Off-duty, this 70-pound "puppy" becomes pure joy: yard time, couch cuddles, and a nightly grooming ritual he adores. Whether the moment calls for adventure or quiet, Eddie always meets his owner there—wagging, devoted, and endlessly ready to make life better.

K9 Lea - Category: Military, Hometown: Fernandina Beach, Florida, Breed: Labrador Retriever, Age: 4, Superpower: Focus amid chaos:

While the world watches history unfold at events like the Super Bowl and the Presidential Inauguration, K-9 Lea is focused on what no one else can see. As an explosive detection K9 with the United States Coast Guard, Lea has swept the high-security grounds of Washington, D.C., secured packed stadium crowds, and stood watch over the global stage of the FIFA World Cup.

Her most impressive moment came after the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans, when Lea deployed to assist investigators and detected explosive odor aboard a ferry connected to the suspect, a discovery that provided a critical lead in the case. Lea's gift is a kind of laser focus, tuning out flashing lights, crowds, and chaos to zero in on the danger that matters. Off duty, she's an entirely different dog: a goofy, happy beach lover who chases waves and never lets on that she quietly helps protect the nation's biggest moments.

Raleigh Roo - Category: Emerging Hero, Hometown: Clearwater, Florida, Breed: Terrier Mix, Age: 6, Superpower: Courage and Resilience:

Raleigh Roo’s story is one of extraordinary resilience and hope. After enduring severe neglect and abuse, he faced the amputation of one hind leg, followed by an extensive reconstruction of the only remaining back leg. Despite every obstacle, Raleigh Roo has never let adversity define him. Instead, his joyful spirit, boundless determination and unwavering love of life inspire everyone he meets.

Whether greeting strangers with a wagging tail or brightening someone’s day with his infectious enthusiasm, Raleigh Roo reminds people that healing is possible and happiness can triumph over hardship. His remarkable journey has become a source of encouragement for countless individuals facing their own challenges, proving that courage isn’t measured by what you’ve endured, but by how you choose to move forward. Raleigh Roo’s resilience and ability to spread hope make him a true emerging hero.

The 16th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards is proudly sponsored by Nubz, Trupanion and Waymo. Their partnership helps make possible this national celebration of the dogs whose courage, service and devotion inspire us all.

For more information about the American Humane Society Hero Dog Awards®, visit: www.americanhumane.org/hero-dog-awards.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email: herodoginfo@americanhumane.org.

For more information on American Humane Society, visit: www.americanhumane.org.

About American Humane Society

With offices in Palm Beach, Florida and Washington, D.C., American Humane Society 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 Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our life-changing work, please visit: www.AmericanHumane.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.