Man’s best friend didn’t get that title for nothing. There’s no doubt that most of our dogs are devoted companions with a loyal heart, and many dogs are heroes every day. However, 453 dogs, representing every state, were nominated for the American Humane Association 2011 Hero Dog Awards, presented by Cesar canine cuisine. Eight finalists emerged to share the limelight Saturday night October 1, 2011, at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, with such celebrity judges as Betty White and Whoopi Goldberg.
Roselle is a Hero
From those eight finalists, a yellow Labrador Retriever named Roselle was awarded the 2011 American Hero Dog title, posthumously. According to Yahoo!News Death of an American Hero, Roselle passed away on June 26th, at the age of 13, following nomination. Roselle is already familiar to many of us. She’s the guide dog who has become a part of American history as the hero who led her blind owner, Michael Hingson, down 1463 stairs and out of the World Trade Center tower the day of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. When everyone panicked in the chaos, Roselle remained focused and led her owner through the debris and thick dust cloud down into a subway station to safety.
Hingson wrote in his entry, "While everyone ran in panic, Roselle remained totally focused on her job as we ran. While debris fell around us and even hit us, Roselle stayed calm."
Hingson chose Guide Dogs for the Blind as the American Humane Association Charity Partner to receive the $10,000 prize.
American Humane Association Hero Dog Finalists
The seven remaining finalists have shown courage, character, and loyalty for which each receives $5000 to go to the American Humane Association Charity Partner of his choice.
Sadie, a black Labrador Retriever from Colorado and finalist in the Law Enforcement/Arson Dog category works in extreme environments and has detected critical evidence in hundreds of arson cases resulting in many arrests and prosecution.
Harley, a brown and white Border Collie from Arizona and finalist in the Hearing Dogs category, works every day assisting his hearing-impaired owner who says that the confidence and feeling of equality with others he has given her is priceless.
Sage, a black and white Border Collie from New Mexico and finalist in the Search and Rescue Dog category began work at a very young age. Sage assisted in recovery efforts at the Pentagon after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. She has also worked in hurricane search and rescue as well as in Iraq. Sadie contracted lung cancer, believed to be the result of searching toxic sites, but won the battle and now inspires cancer patients, including children.
Bino, a Dutch Shepherd from New Mexico and the Military Dogs category finalist has served as a Narcotics Detection/Patrol K-9 for eleven years. He has worked bravely on the hot battlefields of Iraq as well as with the Border Patrol.
Stacey Mae, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog from Colorado and finalist in the Therapy Dogs category, provides encouragement to hospital patients and has collected almost 2000 stuffed animals for kids in the hospital.
Ricochet, a beautiful red dog from California and finalist in the Emerging Hero Dogs category was to be a service dog but her talents were better suited for another role. She surfs with special needs kids, helps raise money for people with disabilities, and her story inspires people to be themselves and turn negatives into positives.
Zurich, a yellow Lab from Illinois and the Service Dogs category finalist, assists his physically challenged partner in many ways every day, including fetching things she cannot reach.
AHA Hero Dog Award Prizes
The Grand Prize winner and Category winners were selected through public votes and a panel of judges, with prizes going to the Charity Partner indicated on the candidate’s entry form. The awards ceremony will air on the Hallmark Channel on November 11, 2011.
Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
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