Tag Archives: Hero Dog Awards

Harley winning the Hero Dog Award sends out a loud and powerful message that dogs' lives matter, not for the money that can be made from them, but simply for being themselves.

All eight of the finalists for the award are truly all hero dogs, and all were incredibly deserving of the award. But the winning dog's story will blow you away.

As the lead judge and a featured presenter, Victoria Stilwell plays a key role in the fourth annual American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards.

Kota is a nominee for the 2014 American Hero Dog Award, presented by the American Humane Association. A heroic police dog with a wild story to tell, Kota saved the lives of his human partners when they faced a dangerous suspect. CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THE 2014 AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION HERO DOG AWARD! Here's Kota's story: "On January 3, Read More

Xena is a nominee for the 2014 American Hero Dog Award, presented by the American Humane Association. Xena has made headlines as a dog that was found near death, and who is now the best friend of Jonny, her human sibling. Together, Xena and Jonny are raising awareness about animal cruelty, the kindness and gentleness of pit bulls, Read More

JJ is a nominee for the 2014 American Hero Dog Award, presented by the American Humane Association. JJ is entered in the service dog category through Freedom Service Dogs. JJ was rescued from a shelter as a puppy, and now he's paying it forward as a life-saving service dog for a little girl named KK. Read More

Xxon is a nominee for the 2014 American Hero Dog Award. Xxon is a Fidelco Guide Dog who has helped retired Air Force SSgt. Michael Malarsie lead a normal life despite life-changing injuries. CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THE 2014 AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION HERO DOG AWARD! Here's Xxon's story: "'Because of Xxon, I’m part of society again. He’s my Read More

Chaney is a nominee for the 2014 American Hero Dog Award. As is a former IED detection dog, Chaney saved the lives of countless soldiers in war. Now in his retirement years, he was adopted by one of his handlers and educates people about PTSD and how dogs can benefit veterans. CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THE 2014 Read More

Bretagne is a nominee for the 2014 American Hero Dog Award. As a former search and rescue dog in Cypress, Texas, Bretagne worked through several tragedies and now serves as an ambassador for search and rescue dogs. CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THE 2014 AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION HERO DOG AWARD! Here's Bretagne's story: "Over her long career, Bretagne has Read More

I don’t know why, but October always seems to be one of the busiest months of the year for me. It’s also one of the most fun and rewarding, and this October has not let me down! Between my filming schedule, the Hero Dog Awards in LA, my trip to Savannah for a school and jail dog program visit, a cat training session in Denver for the winner of the InFURvention contest, the APDT conference, ongoing development of new projects, my work with VSPDT, and of course being a wife and mom, it’s been a pretty full few weeks.

Victoria Stilwell:  Hey Steve! We last met up at American Humane Association’s Hero Dog Awards in L.A. – What have you been up to since then? Steve Dale:  I emceed an American Humane Association animal assisted therapy dinner, celebrating the work of many dogs and their volunteer handlers in Denver. I’ve contributed to a couple Read More

The American Humane Association inaugural Hero Dog Awards, presented by Cesar Canine Cuisine airs on the Hallmark Channel on November 11. Ordinary dogs achieving the extraordinary are being honored, as well as heroes on two legs on the other end of the leash. “At the taping, there wasn’t a dry in the house,” says Robin Read More

You've probably heard me talking about my experience over the past year as a judge for the first annual Hero Dog Awards for the American Humane Association.  We've had hundreds of nominees, chosen 8 finalists, voted, and celebrated hero dogs everywhere at a star-studded gala event at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Now it's Read More

In the first episode of the new season, Victoria and Holly discuss what they've been up to for the past several months, including Victoria's filming of the 8th season of It's Me or the Dog, experiencing the recent earthquake and hurricane, Victoria on Anderson Cooper, the Hero Dog Awards, Holly's judging of Miss Tennessee, her Read More

What a amazing night! I knew it would be powerful, I knew I would shed some tears, and I knew it would be emotional.  But I don’t think any of us who attended the American Humane Association’s first annual Hero Dog Awards were prepared for just how special this event would be. The Hero Dog Read More

Treasure has overcome adversity in her own life ... She was born both blind and deaf. She has known the sting of loneliness while waiting in a shelter for someone to notice her. She has known what it is like to be rejected and unwanted. Perhaps this is what makes her so good at her Read More

This is Phoenix. At a young age (7 months), Phoenix was involved in a terrible accident that severely injured his right hind leg. Read his heartwarming story as told by his lucky owner: Shortly after his accident, and during the period the veterinarians tried to save his leg, Phoenix came into my life. Ironically, he Read More

Toby is a 6-year old Yorkshire Terrier, a 7-pound bundle of joy with a wonderful temperament, who truly loves giving to others. He exemplifies the true meaning unconditional love. For two years Toby has been a registered therapy dog, regularly visiting children at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. As we reach the hospital, Toby Read More

It does not get any more heroic than this - a dog that saved a life and a family that will always be forever grateful.  Here's his amazing story as told by his grateful owner: "Tyson is a two year old American Pitbull Terrier. He came into my family’s life in December of 2009 when he Read More

Here is a dog that exhibits talent in a couple of areas, all of which show her love of humans and her passion for keeping us safe.  Read why Emma's so special in the words of her grateful partner: "My canine (K9) partner, Saint Joseph Township Fire Department (SJTFD) Base-70 K9 "Emma", is a true Read More

A gorgeous dog carrying out a host of beautiful work! Hawk is a search and rescue dog who doubles as a therapy dog and is obviously making a HUGE difference in so many lives. Hawk began training for search and rescue when he was only 10 weeks old. As a member of Emergency K-9 Operations, Read More

Guide dogs are trained to do extraordinary things and in this story, Boo proves just how amazing they are!  Check out this story from his lucky owner: "Boo and I were a team for only two weeks when we had our first solo adventure together. It was a trip to Boston for a week of Read More

It is not just men and women serving this country and protecting the freedoms that we stand for. The military also includes heroic dogs that save the lives of our soldiers every day. Here is one handsome military dog with Presidential recognition for his service! MWD Ben C020 (retired) served his Country as a Patrol Read More

Here is the amazing story of a little dog that performed an enormous deed; he saved the life of his owner. Buster is an Emerging Hero with a large tale to tell - well, his owner tells it for him. Our Hero Buster came into our lives when my husband started a job that required Read More

Even though I work with dogs every day and understand their contribution to both people and society, I am continually amazed at what they bring to those who need them most. This is the story of one such dog that brought comfort to many after a horrific event. October 8, 2010 500 students and 30 Read More

We all know that dogs do amazing things, but check out this very active dog, making a difference for so many in the surf! Ricochet was slated to be a service dog, but due to her propensity to chase birds, she had to be released from that role. Because she lives in Southern California & Read More

Victoria is honored to announce that she has been named by the American Humane Association to lead a panel of expert judges for the first annual Hero Dog Awards.  The Hero Dog Awards contest, underway now at www.herodogawards.org, recognizes the powerful relationship between dogs and people and celebrates the many benefits of animals and people Read More