This eight brave paw friends are the best candidates to be named this year’s American Humane Association Hero Dog. This Title also has a price of 5,000$ to the dog’s charity partner. This title is currently held by Elle, a pit bull therapy dog. Leah Brewer, the owner of Elle, tells HuffPost that among the many highlights of Elle’s tenure was hobnobbing with animal lover Betty White at the 2013 award ceremony. Which is your favorite heroic dog.
#1- Susie, Paws & Effect
In 2009 Sussie was discovered with burns all over her buddy in a park. After getting her health back, she helped her new owner to overcame depression brought on by a dog attack that left her unable to have children. Sussie inspired a lot of people also a law in North Carolina imposing tougher penalties on animal abusers was made after her story went public.
#2- Xena the Warrior Puppy, Sheltie Rescue of Utah
Xena got her nickname Warrior Puppy after she was rescued from horrible abuse, her buddy was in terrible conditions wighting only a few pounds when an animal shelter in Georgia found her an took her in. Her new family has a special member, a little boy named Jonny. Jonny suffers from autism, Xena’s friendship has brought him out of his shell.
The pair now advocate for animal welfare and autism awareness, in addition to snuggling in the car.
#3- Xxon, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
Xxon is a guide dog for retired Air Force sergeant Michael Malarsie, who was blinded in an explosion inAfghanistan. He gives all the credits to Xxon for helping him to became the Air Force’s first blind active duty airman.
#4- Kai, Project Paws Alive
Kai is part of the San Antonio Fire Department, he is a fire detection dog. Kai was found in the streets by animal control. This dog was so close to euthanasia, when a humane society member noticed her drive and energy, while playing at the shelter. Kai participated in more then 200 investigations, and also helps educate kids on fire safety.
#5- Bretagne, Penn Vet Working Dog Center
We are presenting you Bretagne, she is a rescue dog. Her first mission was in 11 September after the attack at the world trade center.
Bretagne now is 14 years old and retired since 2008. Now she helps kids to learn to read. She is super friendly and waits to be recalled into action.
#6- JJ Krawczyk, Freedom Service Dogs
JJ Krawczyk is a guardian angel for a little girl with a rare disorder. She has helped her to live a full life.
JJ alerts the girls parents when her human friend has an allergic reaction. Her allergic are so strange and can be triggered by almost anything but JJ is so good at her work thatsurgeons invited her to participate in an operation last year.
#7- Kota, K9s4COPs
This dog named Kota is a member of the Virginia Police who got injured after falling through a ceiling while pursuing home invasion suspects. But his dedication and loyalty was so huge that he dragged him self to his handler to complete the arrest. He’s undergoing physical therapy now, after major surgery — and riding around in parades.
#8- Chaney, America’s VetDogs
Chaney is a retired dog, she was a former explosive detection dog and part of the Marines. She retired in 2013, after multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Chaney’s handler Matt Hatala adopted the dog about a year ago; the pair now work together on a nonprofit that Hatala started, that trains dogs to work with veterans and kids with autism.