So many dogs out there are performing heroic acts every single day. From the pups who work as therapy dogs, police dogs, and fire dogs, to those who are pets who step up during a time of need, these good boys and girls do so much to earn our admiration many times over.
Every year, the American Humane Society names a dog who will win their Hero Dog Award, and the dog who was named for the honor in 2025 is a very special pup, Sergeant Bo.
Doesn’t he look official (and adorable)?
Finalists across five different categories were chosen, and this year, Bo is walking away with the big prize — and after learning more about him, it’s easy to see why.
Bo is a four year old pup who started out life as a stray dog until he was rescued from the streets in Florida in 2022. His handler, Faye Okert, who is a former police officer, was assigned to train Bo through a program that helps homeless dogs learn how to become therapy dogs, and they formed a strong bond as he began his work in schools, and he was prepared to step up when he was needed most.
“Just three months into their work together, tragedy struck when a school shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville killed three students and three adults,” said a press release from the American Humane Society. “Officials quickly called Bo and Faye to the church where children were reuniting with their parents. He climbed onto school buses, allowed shaken children to rest against him, and stayed until the last family left.”
Bo’s time with the police department in Nashville came to an end in January, when he tore his ACL and had to retire — and since Bo was out of the force, Faye decided to retire right along with him. But that still hasn’t stopped him from doing his best to help when he can.
He visits Covenant weekly, along with other local schools, bringing plenty of smiles and comfort to the kids of Nashville, and when he’s not busy doing that, he’s at home, relaxing with Faye and her husband.
After being there for so many kids during what had to be a terrifying time, Bo is certainly a hero. He deserves the recognition and so much more after he’s touched so many lives.
Congrats, Bo!
