On Friday, November 10th a large glamorous crowd gathered for heartwarming stories at the Breakers in Palm Beach for the 13th annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards. Tears were brought to the eyes of the guests at the event Known as the “Oscars® for Canines,” suitably hosted by America’s sweetheart Christie Brinkley and Carson Kressley. This most prestigious awards show presented by Lois Pope and the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation brought together celebrity animal lovers—including Nicollette Sheridan, Jennie Garth, Donna Mills, Monica Seles, and others. Guests enjoyed light bites and spirits while celebrities, honorees, and hero dogs assembled on the carpet to celebrate those on both ends of the leash. Americans nominated hundreds of exceptional animals from across the country. From there, five semi-finalists in five categories were chosen to meet the American public, who voted for their favorite four-legged hero. At the gala dinner, five category winners of the 2023 were presented with awards. Categories of the American Humane Hero Dog Awards included therapy, law enforcement & first responder, military, emerging hero & shelter and service and guide hearing.
Maverick—a lifesaving therapy dog for the United Services Organization (USO)—took home the night’s top honors as the 2023 Therapy Dog American Humane Hero Dog of the Year, from St. Robert Missouri, sponsored by The Brady Hunter Foundation.
Buda, the 2023 Military Hero Dog from Oceanside, California, sponsored by American Airlines
Raina, the 2023 Emerging Shelter and Hero Dog from Perkasie, Pennsylvania, sponsored by Lulu’s Fund. Raina was honored posthumously after succumbing to old age just weeks before the awards.
Poppy, the 2023 Law Enforcement and First Responder Hero Dog from Columbia, South Carolina, sponsored by Ethos Veterinary Health
Moxie, the 2023 Service and Guide/Hearing Hero Dog from Ballwin, Missouri, sponsored by Miter Foundation.
“We are thrilled that Christie Brinkley co-hosted the 13th Annual Hero Dog Awards. Christie has spent her entire life advocating for animal welfare and that’s exactly what we do here at American Humane. It was an honor to have her join us as we celebrated these heroes on both ends of the leash” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “And it’s a real pleasure to welcome back fantastic long-time host and animal lover Carson Kressley to our gala in Palm Beach. Carson is a committed ambassador for all animals, and especially our hero dogs.”
Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals for 145 years. American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization where the humane treatment of one billion animals across the globe each year. The American Humane Hero Dog Awards is an annual, nationwide competition that recognizes America’s standout working dogs—often ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things—such as saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight or hearing to a human companion, or helping people achieve their goals.
AmericanHumane.org, and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
