Over the past several weeks I have highlighted six of the seven finalists for the American Humane Association’s Hero Dog Award. “Sobee” was nominated in the Service Dog Category; “K-9 Hansel” represents the Law Enforcement and Detection category. “Summer” is a Military Dog. The Therapy Dog is “Boone.” “Henna” is a Hearing and Guide Dog, and “Little Man” is the Search and Rescue Dog.
The remaining finalist, “Deputy Chance” represents the Shelter Dog category. Two years ago, this little guy was found near death in Lee County Florida - dehydrated, malnourished, bleeding, and his mouth had been taped shut. Sheriff Carmine Marceno rescued the hardy little dog, and later deputized him. His abuser was apprehended using DNA obtained from the tape around the dog’s mouth and through a tip to Crime Stoppers.
After witnessing the cruelty to Deputy Chance, Sheriff Marceno launched the Animal Cruelty Task Force, which works alongside other agencies to investigate animal cruelty cases, resulting in more than a dozen arrests and two convictions with several cases pending.
Chance’s rescue, recovery and title of Deputy also led to the formation of the Deputy Dogs Pets on Patrol Program, which encourages residents to watch for suspicious activity while out walking their pets, and to report it to local law enforcement. There are more than a dozen dogs active in the Deputy Dogs pack, along with hundreds of community dogs registered in the program. Deputy Chance continues to be an advocate against animal cruelty, and helps promote adoption of shelter pets.
You can see all the wonderful animals nominated for the 2021 Hero Dog Award by visiting the website at HeroDogAwards.org. Cast your vote for the finalist you think should be America’s Hero Dog. No matter what role they play in our lives, these canine heroes deserve our gratitude, when we’re speaking of pets.
