American Kennel Club Honors 5 Heroic Dogs
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The American Kennel Club has just announced the winners of its 16th annual AKC Humane Fund Awards For Canine Excellence, and we've got everything you need to know about those five dogs here in this gallery. The awards honor five hardworking dogs each year for exemplary service and assistance to their owners. All of the ACE recipients receive $1,000 to be awarded to a pet-related charity of their choice, a one-year pet insurance policy from Pet Partners, Inc., and an engraved sterling silver medallion. Scroll through to meet this year's winners!
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George
George the Great Dane was honored with the service dog award. He comes from the Service Dog Project, which trains dogs to help people with mobility issues. He was paired with 10-year-old Bella, who has Morquio syndrome, which hinders her mobility. George has helped her gain confidence in her movements and gives her the strength to walk and partake in activities she never used to.
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Pablo
Pablo the Belgian Malinois was honored with the uniformed service K-9 award. He is a military working dog assigned to the Marine Corps Police Department in Albany, GA. In the past year alone, Pablo has provided protection for President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, along with both Bill and Hillary Clinton. He also participates in school events and with nonprofit organizations in his community.
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Ty
Ty the German Shepherd was honored with the search and rescue award. He is trained in human-remains detection. In his six-year career, he has been deployed on over 60 missions, particularly in water recovery. Ty also serves as the Bay County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue public relations dog. He’s a natural with people of all ages and absolutely loves attention.
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Mufasa
Mufasa the Bernese Mountain Dog was honored with the exemplary companion dog award. He won best of breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2014 and uses his fame to help the local community to learn about the AKC and responsible breeders. Mufasa also shows people that most show dogs are first and foremost well-loved
family companions.
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Wynd
Wynd the Rottweiler was honored with the therapy dog award. Wynd has served on the therapy dog team for military surviving family members at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors National Seminar in Washington DC. She is also a regular at the Hampton Veterans Hospital Domiciliary program, interacting and working closely with veterans with PTSD and substance abuse. During the school year, Wynd visits Suffolk Humane Society's BARKS reading program, encouraging a love of reading and helping many kids overcome their fear of dogs.