During the devastating Los Angeles wildfires this year, while firefighters battled flames and families scrambled to evacuate, Rudy, a six-year-old Standard Poodle from Chatsworth, was quietly offering comfort in the chaos. The therapy dog spent hours at emergency command and evacuation centers, moving between first responders and displaced residents, easing tension and providing reassurance.
“His presence brought comfort to leadership, first responders and families affected by the crisis, showing the true heart of a hero,” the American Humane Society said in a profile of Rudy.
Rudy, a certified member of the LAPD Therapy Dog Program, has long worked alongside law enforcement and first responders, providing emotional support to victims, emergency personnel, and anyone caught in a crisis. His work has earned him letters of commendation from both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. From infants and children to seniors and first responders, Rudy’s calm presence helps people navigate some of life’s most stressful and traumatic moments.
This month, Rudy’s efforts earned him national recognition as one of the top 25 semi-finalists in the 15th annual Hero Dog Awards. He is among the top five contenders in the Therapy Dog category, which honors dogs that provide physical, social, emotional, and cognitive healing.
The Hero Dog Awards celebrate ordinary dogs performing extraordinary acts. In addition to therapy dogs, the competition recognizes service and guide dogs, hearing dogs, law enforcement and first responder dogs, military dogs, emerging heroes, and shelter dogs. Each category honors canines who transform lives or overcome extraordinary challenges.
Public voting for the semi-finalists is open until Sept. 15, with participants able to vote once per category every 24 hours. Winners from each category will then be selected by a panel of judges to determine the overall Hero Dog Award recipients.
Fans can learn more about Rudy, all of the other dog nominees, and cast their votes at the American Humane Society’s Hero Dog Awards website.
“We congratulate the incredible dogs who are nominated for the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Society. “The canine heroes represent courage, strength, and love, and their stories illustrate the uplifting healing power of the human-animal bond. We look forward to sharing their stories with America and encourage all to vote for the heroes on both ends of the leash.”
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