Wagging tails, winning hearts, and sometimes saving lives. Meet America's most heroic dogs.
Sage, Rozi, Bubbles, Eddie and Goosey have been announced as finalists for the annual American Humane Society's Hero Dog Awards in their respective categories, the national humane organization exclusively revealed to USA TODAY. The five will now compete for the title of America's Hero Dog, which a blue-ribbon judging panel consisting of animal experts and ambassadors will select.
“For 16 years, the Hero Dog Awards has celebrated the extraordinary dogs who make our world a better, safer place and the powerful human-animal bond at the heart of their service,” Robin Ganzert, president of the American Humane Society, said in a statement to USA TODAY.
Ganzert
said this year's "five finalists carry that legacy forward, serving their communities and our country with courage and devotion."
"They offer protection, comfort and hope, and we are honored to share their remarkable stories," he added.
The winners in each category will be honored at the American Humane Society's Hero Dog Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., this winter, where the "four-legged celebrants will walk, zoom, and sniff their way down a red carpet," the organization said.
What are the American Humane Hero Dog Awards?
The American Humane Society's Hero Dog Awards are an annual, nationwide competition that recognizes "America’s standout dogs," described as "often ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things, whether it’s saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight or hearing to a human companion, or helping people achieve their goals," the American Humane Society says on its website.
Hundreds of inspiring dogs were nominated from across the country for the 16th edition of the competition that kicked off earlier this year in June. Five semi-finalists in each of the five categories were short-listed and "chosen to meet the American public," who then voted for their favorite four-legged hero between Aug. 10 and Sept. 18.
Categories include:
- Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs
- Service and Guide or Hearing Dogs
- Therapy Dogs
- Military Dogs
- Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs
Here's an exclusive first look at the top five finalists for the 2026 American Humane Society's Hero Dog Awards.
Sage
- Age: 6
- Breed: Labrador retriever (female)
- Handler: Eric Snitzer, command climate specialist, USS Gerald R. Ford
- Location: Norfolk, Virginia
- Hero Dog Awards Category: Military Dogs
- Military Role: Expeditionary facility dog, U.S. Navy
Sage, one of only six current Expeditionary Facility Dogs (EFD) serving the country, worked aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, where she completed a record-breaking deployment of more than 11 months at sea. The pup also made history in 2023, becoming the first dog to serve aboard a Navy aircraft carrier.
Eric Snitzer, senior chief musician and command climate specialist aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, volunteered to serve as one of Sage’s handlers during her time on the vessel. Snitzer and Sage worked together to protect the mental health and well-being of the aircraft carrier's crew.
From one-on-one sessions with sailors to high-level secret briefings with the commanding officers, Sage had up to 800 interactions with fellow service members on an average day at sea, the American Humane Society said.
"Whether reducing stress for crew members or simply being a familiar, loving face far from home, Sage reminded an entire ship that courage and strength can walk on four legs," the society said. "She’s proof that even on one of the world’s most advanced warships, kindness is essential equipment."
Rozi
- Age: 12
- Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer (female)
- Handler: Gina Ibarra, Officer and K-9 handler, Chicago Police Department
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Hero Dog Awards Category: Law Enforcement & First Responder Dogs
- Law Enforcement Role: Explosives-detection K-9
With 11 years of bomb-sniffing experience, K-9 Rozi is the oldest dog in the Chicago Police Department’s K-9 unit.
"She quietly protected millions of people across thousands of assignments from weekday commutes on the train to Super Bowl Sundays to presidential inaugurations," the American Humane Society said, adding the elite explosives-detection K-9 was trained in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration.
Despite her age, "her nose, focus, and drive are still as sharp as ever," making her a "beloved ambassador in her local community, lighting up whenever she meets children."
While Rozi has continued to serve the public gracefully, her "greatest service was more personal." She gave her handler, Officer Ibarra, a reason to get out of bed in the morning after her father's death left her struggling with grief.
Today, Ibarra and Rozi, "lovingly known as a dog with 'no stop,'" work throughout Chicago, patrolling the public transit system and providing security for large-scale community events and dignitary visits in Chicago and across the United States.
Eddie
- Age: 3
- Breed: Labrador retriever (male)
- Handler: Luis Rodriguez
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Hero Dog Awards Category: Guide & Service Dogs
- Role: Guide dog
Eddie was a breath of fresh air for his owner, Luis Rodriguez, who was diagnosed with Retinitis pigmentosa, a rare, inherited genetic eye disease that causes a slow breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the retina, leading to progressive vision loss, at age 8.
Since then, Rodriguez, the co-owner of a family insurance agency in Florida, has been struggling with advancing vision loss and is now considered legally blind.
Before being paired with Eddie, Rodriguez struggled to perform daily tasks. But since Eddie, he has a "renewed sense of dignity and independence."
For Rodriguez, Eddie is more than just a guide dog.
He gave his "introverted handler the confidence to speak out and share their journey with others, educating people about blindness and the remarkable work guide dogs do," the American Humane Society said. "Whether it’s an outdoor adventure or quiet time on the sofa, Eddie is always ready to support Luis with a devoted heart and a wagging tail."
Goosey
- Age: 4
- Breed: Cavalier King Charles spaniel (male)
- Handler: Aimee Broussard
- Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Hero Dog Awards Category: Therapy Dogs
A certified therapy dog, Goosey's "greatest talent is making people feel seen."
The pint-sized Cavalier King Charles spaniel, who was almost euthanized after a series of significant medical conditions, proudly serves his community from elementary schools and college campuses to nursing homes, hospitals and airports.
No matter the setting, "Goosey always gravitates toward those who may be lonely, anxious, or in need of a friend," the American Humane Society said, adding that his specialty is working with older adults and hospice patients.
"With nothing more than a nuzzle and his quiet presence, Goosey helps people feel valued during difficult times," the organization said.
In one instance, Goosey, trained by his now-owner, Aimee Broussard, offered "quiet companionship and solace" to a man during the last moments of his life.
Bubbles
- Age: 5
- Breed: Beagle (male)
- Handler: Stacie Elliott
- Location: Otisville, Michigan
- Hero Dog Awards Category: Emerging Hero & Shelter Dog
Bubbles was born blind, and his original owners were forced to give him up because of his condition.
However, when Stacie Elliot stumbled upon his picture on social media, she fell in love and decided to adopt him. When Elliott first posted about Bubbles online, she was shocked at the negative response he got for his condition, including suggestions to euthanize him.
Elliot channeled that negativity into "strength and inspiration," creating a statewide bullying prevention program.
The two now spread kindness in all shapes and forms, visiting schools across Michigan and teaching kids and parents about kindness, tolerance, and respect, the American Humane Society said. Elliot also founded a nonprofit focused on beagle rescue in honor of Bubbles, called Bubbles the Blind Beagle. To date, the organization has helped save the lives of more than 200 dogs, all of which would otherwise be left behind, placing them in loving forever homes.
"With a fearless spirit and generous heart, Bubbles inspires pets and people with disabilities to live their best lives," the organization added.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: American Humane Society unveils 5 'standout dogs' vying for Hero Awards
