The American Humane Society, the nation's first national humane organization, has named Sgt. Bo, a four-year-old Mixed Breed, as the winner of the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards. Sgt. Bo, who competed in the Therapy Dog category, recently retired after years of providing comfort alongside a School Resource Officer in Nashville, Tennessee. His journey from stray to hero underscores the profound impact therapy dogs can have on communities in crisis.
Rescued in Florida in 2022, Sgt. Bo was paired with Faye, a Metropolitan Nashville School Resource Officer, who advocated for a program training homeless pets as therapy dogs. Despite initial concerns about his scruffy appearance and skin allergies, their bond formed quickly. Three months later, after the Covenant School shooting, Sgt. Bo and Faye provided steady comfort and safety for students in crisis. He climbed onto buses, let frightened children rest against him, and remained a calming presence during reunions and school drop-offs.
Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society, stated, "We are thrilled to name Sgt. Bo as American Humane's latest Hero Dog, a distinction that is so well-deserved for both him and his handler, Faye. Sgt. Bo and Faye have brought comfort and emotional support to many children and adults in the Nashville community during profoundly difficult times."
Sgt. Bo tore his ACL in January 2025, prompting his retirement from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Faye retired soon after, unwilling to work without him. He still visits Covenant weekly and other local schools monthly, helping shy children open up. Now enjoying retirement with Faye and her husband, Sgt. Bo continues to soothe people of all ages.
The American Humane Hero Dog Awards is a nationwide competition recognizing standout dogs in five categories: Therapy Dogs; Service and Guide Dogs; Military Dogs; Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs; and Shelter Dogs. This year, hundreds of nominations were narrowed to 25 semi-finalists, then five finalists, with Sgt. Bo announced as the winner live on the TODAY Show.
The four other finalists include Donald, a guide dog for a veteran with vision loss; Harrison, an electronics scent detection K-9 in North Carolina; K-9 Ultra, a military detection dog; and Lieutenant Dan, a Treeing Walker Coonhound born with a limb deformity who inspires people of all abilities. All finalists will be honored at the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards Gala on January 9 in Palm Beach, Florida.
For more information about the American Humane Hero Dog Awards, visit americanhumane.org.
