Hero dogs: Vote for your favorite canine

Category: Service Dogs

JJ Krawczyk gives early warning to parents and teachers when 5-year-old KK is about to have a medical emergency that can range from mild to life threatening. KK has a rare disorder called mastocytosis. JJ can detect mastocytosis related flare ups using her nose.
Category: Arson Dogs

Kai was found wandering the streets and picked up by animal control. Now, Kai's a shelter success story working as an Accelerant Detection Canine in San Antonio. Kai also does school demonstrations to teach children about fire prevention and safety.
Category: Therapy Dogs

Susie's previous owner beat her and knocked out her teeth, broke her jaw, and set her on fire, burning off her ears. Now Susie is a certified therapy dog spreading love at schools, hospitals, and churches.
Category: Search and Rescue Dogs

Bretagne's deployments include the World Trade Center and Hurricane Rita. Bretagne retired in 2008 but now serves as a search and rescue dog ambassador visiting elementary schools where she helps first graders learn to read.
Category: Guide/Hearing Dogs:

Xxon serves as wingman for retired Air Force Sgt. Michael Malarsie, who lost his sight in an explosion in Afghanistan. "Because of Xxon, I'm part of society again. He's my hero every day, and I can't imagine life without him," Malarsie says.
Category: Military Dogs

Chaney served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan finding improvised explosive devices. Now he helps train service dogs for children with autism and disabled veterans who may be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.
Category: Emerging Hero Dogs:

Xena the Warrior Puppy is known for amazing transformations. Found abused and emaciated before being adopted she bounced back quickly and has transformed an isolated 8-year-old with autism into a chatterbox who sings to his puppy constantly.
Category: Law Enforcement Dogs

Kota's raw dedication and determination was especially evident when she continued pursuing a burglary suspect after falling from an upstairs crawl space and severely breaking her elbow and upper front leg.
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The 2014 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards contest is down to eight finalists. They’re service dogs and therapy dogs. They do search and rescue and law enforcement. Some are formerly abused and abandoned and now they’re success stories making a difference in people’s lives.

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