his extraordinary skills yet again by tracking a missing elderly patient over miles through harsh conditions, ultimately finding them safe. His most touching moment came in May 2024 when he found a 7-year-old child who had been kidnapped at knifepoint. Bo’s incredible work continues to bring joy and hope, making him a true hero and an inspiring presence in the Gastonia Police Department. Bo has more than earned the coveted title of Hero Dog, though he wasn’t without some stiff competition.
their country and helping to protect American troops. These dogs are still playing an active and vital role in searching for explosives and seizing enemies. This category’s winner is: K9 Niki In 2021, K9 Niki, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix, embarked on a distinguished career with the United States Coast Guard. She showcased exceptional skills early on and unwavering dedication, setting herself apart from her peers. Throughout
Penny
Military Military working dogs entered
can be nominated for doing heroic deeds, large or small; overcoming great adversity, or simply having a remarkable rescue story. Whether it was a second chance, a new “leash” on life, or a perfect fit that was meant to be, these dogs highlight what it means to be a human’s best friend. This category’s winner is: Penny In 2020, a dog was found who had been thrown from a car and left on the side of the road. Later named Penny, she suffered severe injuries. A non- profit rescue stepped in to help Penny, who had endured days of agony from abuse and neglect. Despite the grim prognosis, Penny’s spirit shone brightly. She bravely faced her treatments, including a leg amputation and numerous surgeries. Penny’s resilience was truly remarkable—her gentle nature and zest for life never wavered. Her foster family, who fell deeply in love with her, officially adopted her in November 2021. Today, Penny is a symbol of hope and perseverance. As a therapy dog, she helps teach children empathy and to fight stigmas around differently abled animals. Her story has inspired many of the students to advocate for animal welfare, showing that even those who have been broken can heal and thrive with love and determination.
American service in 1942 to serve in the Army’s K-9 Corps. In World War II, 436 scout dogs walked combat patrols overseas, often detecting the enemy at 1,000 yards, long before the enemy became aware of them. Dogs continued to serve with distinction in other conflicts, such as Korea, where the Army used about 1,500 dogs, primarily for guard duty, and the Vietnam War, where nearly 4,000 dogs were employed. Today’s conflicts include dogs at every level, still serving
her career, K9 Niki participated in over 250 high-stakes operations and logged over 4,000 working hours. She secured major high-profile events such as the Rose Bowl and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. She also played a crucial role in protecting high-ranking officials and vital maritime infrastructure. K9 Niki aided in the conviction of a dangerous felon who had been on the run for two years. Her keen senses led to the discovery of a firearm,
which significantly advanced the case and underscored her undeniable role in keeping the public safe. K9 Niki has boarded over 250 vessels, conducted 25,000 vehicle sweeps, and participated in 150 community demonstrations, safeguarding around 7 million people. Her community engagement includes educational visits to schools, where she inspires young minds about the vital roles of military dogs. Emerging Hero and Shelter We are still learning the science behind animal behavior. The stories continue to pour in about the human-animal bond in action, ever reminding us just how much we have to learn. Dogs in this category
K9 Niki
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 18
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