Eddie, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever who helps his blind owner navigate, is the 2026 American Humane Society Hero Dog.
The guide dog competed for the title alongside four other hero dogs helping better lives around them.
“Eddie’s story is a beautiful testament to the healing power of the human-animal bond," Robin Ganzert, president of the American Humane Society, told USA TODAY. "We are thrilled to recognize these inspiring heroes on both ends of the leash.”
Ganzert, in a previous statement to USA TODAY, said the Hero Dog Awards have "celebrated the extraordinary dogs who make our world a better, safer place and the powerful human-animal bond at the heart of their service,” adding the "five finalists carry that legacy forward, serving their communities
and our country with courage and devotion."
Eddie and the other finalists of each category will be honored at the American Humane Society's Hero Dog Awards Gala in Washington, DC, this winter, where the "four-legged celebrants will walk, zoom, and sniff their way down a red carpet," the organization said.
Meet 'Hero Dog' Eddie
- Age: 3
- Breed: Labrador retriever (male)
- Handler: Luis Rodriguez
- Location: Miami
- 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 at age 8 with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare, inherited genetic eye disorders that gradually break down light-sensitive cells in the retina and cause progressive vision loss, the American Humane Society said in a news release.
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, American Humane said. But with 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."
Meanwhile, "off-duty, this 70-pound 'puppy' is pure joy." He loves yard time, couch cuddles and his nightly grooming routine.
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 Americans voted online "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
Hero Dog Awards finalists
The other four finalists for the award include:
- Sage: A 6-year-old female Labrador retriever, an expeditionary facility dog in the U.S. Navy.
- Rozi: A 12-year-old female German Shorthaired Pointer, an explosives-detection K-9 in Chicago.
- Goosey: A 4-year-old male Cavalier King Charles spaniel, who works as a therapy dog.
- Bubbles: A 5-year-old male beagle who spreads kindness and awareness about blind dogs.
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: Eddie the guide dog is the American Humane Society's 'Hero Dog'
