Gentle Giant Wins Hero Dog Award and He Is Only 18 Months Old!

Quick Smiles:

• Bo, an 18-month-old bloodhound, wins the 2024 Hero Dog Award for his exceptional service.
• From solving crimes to reuniting families, Bo’s nose has been a beacon of hope.
• Other inspiring finalists include therapy dog Dayo and military dog Niki.

An 18-month-old bloodhound named Bo has captured the hearts of many by winning the top prize in the 2024 Hero Dog Awards. This gentle giant, who works as a K-9 officer with a North Carolina police department, has been making a significant impact by saving lives and solving crimes.

Bo, alongside his partner Sgt. David Rowland, uses his extraordinary scent-tracking skills to locate missing individuals, from children to seniors. Once found, Bo offers them comfort with his signature sloppy kisses. Competing against hundreds of dogs from across the United States, Bo emerged victorious in the 14th annual contest recognizing America’s standout dogs across five categories.

Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane, expressed the excitement of naming Bo as the latest Hero Dog:

“In a short time, Bo and David have done extraordinary work as members of the Gastonia Police Department.”

Bo’s journey with the Gastonia Police Department began last year. His rigorous training quickly paid off when he located an elderly dementia patient and an 11-year-old autistic child who had gone missing. In another remarkable feat, Bo tracked down robbery suspects despite challenging scent conditions.

On a frigid January night in 2024, Bo showcased his resilience by finding a missing elderly patient after tracking them for miles through harsh conditions. Perhaps his most touching accomplishment was in May 2024, when he located a 7-year-old child taken at knifepoint, solidifying his status as a true hero within the department.

Bo, along with the other finalists, will be celebrated at the 14th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards and Gala in Palm Beach, Florida, hosted by Christie Brinkley and Carson Kressley.

Among the other honored dogs are Dayo and Niki. Dayo, a therapy dog, has been a beacon of joy at a pediatric palliative care center in San Leandro, California, and supports various communities, including bereavement camps and high school students during exams.

K-9 Niki, a Belgian Malinois-Shepherd mix with the U.S. Coast Guard, excelled in the Military category. Her career includes 250 high-stakes operations and over 4,000 working hours, securing events like the Rose Bowl and aiding in significant criminal convictions.

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