2025 First Responder Paws Award

Congratulations to Our 2025 First Responder Paws Award Winners!

We are grateful to every contestant, handler, and supporter who took part in the 2025 First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award. Each therapy dog team is doing incredible work in their community, and selecting winners was no easy task. From the ten finalists chosen by public vote, our committee carefully reviewed applications and credentials before making the difficult decision to recognize just two winners. Thank you to all who submitted participants, those who serve alongside these therapy dogs, and the many people who voted to bring awareness to these inspiring teams!

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Congratulations Finalists!

Willowbrook Rocket Rodney K9 Shadow

Polar Leroy Rawlings Probie

Saffron Murphy

Our 2025 Finalists

This year, a truly remarkable group of therapy dogs were nominated, and we were moved by their stories of service and community support. More than eight thousand votes were cast during the public voting period. The dogs below received the highest number of votes and advanced to the finalist round. (Our two winners, Willowbrook and Rocket, are featured above.)

Rodney

• Seven-year-old Border Collie/Black Lab mix rescue, trained in a prison program that positively impacted both Rodney and his inmate trainer
• Named in honor of a late firefighter friend, sharing a warm and friendly personality
• Certified as ‘Expert’ level therapy dog through the American Kennel Club by virtue of having made just under 300 verified visits to his brother and sister first responders.
• Supports first responders, hospital staff, and patients across multiple departments and locations, aiding in emotional resilience through therapy dog work and behavioral health education

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K9 Shadow

• Dual-certified therapy and service dog, West Virginia’s first certified First Responder Therapy Dog, with over 700 documented visits since 2020
• Holds numerous American Kennel Club titles, including Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog Supreme, and Therapy Dog Distinguished, reflecting advanced skills in complex environments
• Provides comfort and support to hospitals, nursing homes, veterans facilities, first responder agencies, and community events such as Toys for Tots and the WVU Cancer Walk
• Recognized by the West Virginia Governor’s Office and honored with the Jefferson Award for public service, known for his unwavering compassion and deep human connection

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Polar

• Facility dog from United Disabilities Services, assigned to Breaking Free Counseling in York, Pennsylvania
• Provides therapy, comfort, and grounding to first responders and trauma survivors
• Supports clients in EMDR therapy sessions, aiding in emotional regulation and healing
• Participates in community outreach and disaster recovery efforts, bringing calm and hope to those in need

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Leroy

• Four-year-old Field Lab named in honor of Army Reserve Colonel Leroy Terrell
• Originally trained as a service animal with K9s for Warriors, later career-changed to the Station Dog Program after contracting Lyme disease
• Joined the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in 2024, serving as a therapy and support dog
• Provides daily comfort and boosts morale for thousands of employees across 21 units of the JSO

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Rawlings

• Four-year-old German Wirehair Pointer who accompanies her handler, the Director of Behavioral Science, to work daily
• Brings calm, connection, and “pawsitivity” to employees, helping ease stress and create a welcoming environment
• Plays a key role during post-incident debriefings, offering steady comfort that helps staff process difficult experiences
• Serves as a living example of how comfort canines strengthen resilience, morale, and community trust in law enforcement

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Probie

• Therapy and wellness dog for Sublimity Fire District, inspired by tragedy after a fatal 2019 fire that deeply affected local firefighters and investigators
• Nicknamed “Survivor” after being resuscitated at birth, bottle-fed, and later renamed Probie when adopted by handler Amber, a 25-year fire service veteran
• Officially joined the fire district in October 2019 and became a comforting presence during the devastating 2020 Oregon wildfires
• In 2021, became Oregon’s first certified First Responder Therapy Dog team through the nonprofit First Responder Therapy Dogs

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Saffron

• Therapy dog with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside her handler, a Victim Advocate, to provide comfort to trauma-impacted individuals
• Responds to crime scenes, supports victims during interviews and court trials, and lifts morale for fellow agency members after difficult calls
• Initially bred as a service dog, equipped with skills to remain calm in loud, high-stress environments, enhancing her effectiveness in the field
• Completed Crisis Intervention Training and helps teach the course monthly to first responders, continuing to learn and serve the community with compassion

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Murphy

• Former shelter dog who overcame neglect and heartworm disease, now the full-time therapy dog at the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center in Rowan County, NC
• Provides comfort and emotional support to child abuse victims, their families, CAC staff, law enforcement, and other professionals handling traumatic cases
• Certified Canine Good Citizen and therapy dog with Canine Caregivers Therapy Dogs, NC, also volunteering in community programs and first responder support efforts
• Recognized locally as a community hero, honored with a plaque at his former shelter, and celebrated in media for his positive impact and outreach

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Thank You to All of Our 2025 Participants!

We are deeply grateful to every participant who shared their journey with us. Each dog has a meaningful impact on their community, and their work deserves recognition. Though not all reached the finalist stage, we thank you for allowing us to share the important difference they are making.

Rudy

• Works with the Los Angeles Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, through Blue Line Dogs Inc., to provide psychological first aid in crises
• During recent fires, spent many hours at City of L.A. Emergency Command Centers and evacuation centers, supporting affected families as well as leadership, staff, and firefighting crews from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
• Is a therapy dog and mental health K-9 assistant in hospitals, health centers, universities, and special education programs
• Has received numerous awards for his service

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Janie

• Pembroke Welsh Corgi certified as a law enforcement therapy dog, with AKC titles including Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine, Urban Canine, and Therapy Dog Excellent, and over 575 deployments
• Partners with her handler, a volunteer chaplain, to provide peer support across multiple agencies, visiting personnel, dispatchers, and courtroom attendees during times of crisis
• Assists victims and traumatized witnesses—especially children—during forensic interviews, hospital visits, and court proceedings
• Active in community outreach through school reading programs, library visits, and hospital staff support to combat burnout post-COVID-19

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Bogey

• A 5-year-old Blue Heeler mix and certified therapy dog, began life at an animal shelter and was rescued and trained by the organization K9s for Warriors
• Was donated to the North Miami Police Department in 2023, after completing his mission as a veteran’s service dog and is part of multiple Peer Support Teams
• In addition to first responders, supports the autism community and the greater public, through visits to schools, libraries, parks, and other events
• Appeared on NBC-6 for the “Clear the Shelter” campaign, was a Top Five finalist for the annual, national “Hero Dog Award,” and is the main character of his own coloring book

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Magic

• Born on Halloween day in 2018, Magic is a labrador from the Paws As Loving Support Assistance Dog (PALS) program, certified as a therapy, reading, comfort, and crisis peer support dog
• Naturally empathetic with a calming demeanor, known for grounding people in moments of stress by seeking out those in need of comfort
• Provides emotional support to first responders, dispatchers, students, and community members after traumatic events, including wildfires, fatalities, and medical treatments
• Recognized by local law enforcement with agency-issued ID cards and honored by PALS with a four-star cape representing his dedication to serving multiple first responder groups

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K9 Rogue

K9 Rogue is a 3 year old Malinois mix rescue, that was donated to the department for their Dog Therapy Program. K9 Rogue is assisted by her handler Ofc. Herring. They have been together for almost 3.5 years.

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Swiffer

• Certified therapy dog with Pets on Wheels Maryland, originally visiting the University of Maryland Medical Center to support staff and patients
• Transitioned to virtual visits via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting with patients and healthcare providers three days a week
• Continues post-pandemic in-person visits to multiple Maryland medical campuses, bringing comfort and stress relief to hospital communities
• Known for loving belly rubs and “melting” into the floor during petting, with hospital leaders crediting therapy dogs like Swiffer for saving lives through stress reduction

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Bree

• Rough Collie therapy dog known for bringing joy and comfort to people of all ages through her gentle presence
• Regularly engages with communities, first responders, and special events, such as the Michigan Special Olympics
• Recently helped create a breakthrough moment when a young woman giggled for the first time in three years while petting Bree
• Embodies the healing power of therapy dogs, offering love, connection, and solace wherever she goes

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Nova

Nova is a six-month-old chocolate Lab and Crisis Canine in training. Her calm, loving nature brings instant comfort during drills, debriefings, and school visits making a powerful impact on mental wellness in both youth and first responders.

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Crew

• Two-year-old Grand Champion Rottweiler with multiple AKC titles, including Canine Good Citizen Advanced/Urban, Therapy Dog Advanced, and Scent Work Novice
• Certified with Alliance of Therapy Dogs and assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Therapy Dog Unit as part of the department’s wellness program
• Member of Crisis Response Canines, providing emotional support to individuals, families, communities, and first responders after critical incidents
• Volunteers with adults with developmental disabilities and has supported wildfire firefighters in California with his affectionate, morale-boosting presence

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Orio

• Certified therapy dog for five years, working alongside her handler and her husband, a disabled veteran and active firefighter/paramedic
• Provides comfort and emotional support to veterans and first responders, often brightening their day with her gentle presence
• Plays a role in her handler’s husband’s own wellness by encouraging him to engage socially and offer peer support
• Known for her sweet and uplifting demeanor, helping those struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and depression

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Raven

• Therapy dog partnered with Deputy Sheriff Megan Boles of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office as part of a new pilot program pairing therapy dogs with patrol officers
• Supports the Sheriff’s Traumatic Advocate Response Team (S.T.A.R.) in providing follow-ups, mental health resources, and peer assistance to employees and their families
• Works on patrol alongside Deputy Boles, offering comfort and emotional support during critical incidents
• On her first shift in August 2024, helped de-escalate a barricaded individual threatening suicide

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Skye

• serves the Absecon, New Jersey school district, where his supportive presence helped students through the COVID pandemic (in a district that kept its schools open) and in schools with high rates of trauma
• regularly visits local first responders at multiple hospitals and care facilities
• is nationally certified as an official therapy dog by Pet Partners and recognized by the American Kennel Club
• has been featured in more than a dozen news stories for his work and was named “Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Ambassador” of the breed

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Mayzie

• 7-year-old rescue that overcame abandonment, trauma, and aspiration pneumonia to become a certified therapy dog and winner of five American Kennel Club titles
• First training visit with her handler, an EMT, was at the Caldor Fire Base Camp in 2021
• Since then, has made over 120 visits to dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement, military personnel, and children and families in Northern California
• As a celebrity alumnus of Foothill Dog Rescue, she helps fundraise to help other shelter dogs find their forever home

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Sparty

• English Golden Retriever certified as a therapy dog at age 2, also earning the Canine Good Citizen Award
• Provides calm, compassionate support through visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and libraries
• Credited with saving his handler’s life in 2022 by prompting a call for help during a life-threatening medical emergency
• Continues to serve the community regularly, offering comfort and connection to those in need

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K9 Sandy

• Donated to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office by K9s for Warriors and certified as a Law Enforcement Therapy K9 through Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Paws and Stripes College
• Supports correctional staff and inmate visitation teams, providing stress relief to staff, comfort to families, and emotional support in a challenging environment
• Visits various county offices, schools, daycares, and community events to foster connections and boost morale across the county
• Provides critical comfort to child victims and witnesses before, during, and after forensic interviews and court testimony

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K9 Hudson

• Seventeen-month-old Goldendoodle and first-ever therapy dog for the Cayce Police Department, donated specifically for this role
• Certified by Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Paws and Stripes College, serving both the law enforcement community and full-time in a Lexington 2 School District school
• Provides comfort to crime victims, tragedy survivors, children, and fellow officers, and has been deployed to assist after line-of-duty deaths and other critical incidents
• Volunteers with Lexington Medical Center’s pet therapy program, visiting patients and families in hospital settings to help reduce stress

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Oliver

• Gentle white Golden Retriever and certified therapy dog who brings comfort and hope to hospitals, cancer centers, juvenile court, and young readers through the R.E.A.D. program
• Member of HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, supporting firefighters, EMTs, and communities after traumatic events
• Known for his calm presence, warm eyes, and ability to ease stress for patients, families, first responders, and children alike
• Holds three professional acting certifications and has been featured in TV, print, and radio, sharing his charm both on-screen and in service

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Timbo

• Three-legged rescue dog who overcame severe illness, double pneumonia, and a leg amputation, yet continues to thrive with unshakable joy and resilience
• Certified therapy dog through Canine Good Citizen training, partnered with handler Kathy, who transformed her own fear of dogs into a passion for rescue and therapy work
• Brings comfort and connection to at-risk youth at Children’s Village detention center and Camp Oakland, adapting his energy to match each child’s needs
• Embodies resilience and unconditional love, inspiring hope and healing for children and teens facing hardship

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Luna

• A 57-pound F1Goldendoodle, born in May 2023 and donated and certified through multiple national therapy dog programs, including AKC and Alliance Therapy Dogs
• Was trained & certified through the PBC Sheriff’s Office Paws and Stripes program & serves the City of Plantation
• Has responded to over 40 critical incidents across Broward County, Florida, providing emotional support to police and firefighters
• She and her handler received the “Key to the City of Plantation” and were named Volunteers of the Year

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Pepper

• Is a 1.5-year-old English Black Labrador and rescue dog
• Was certified by the programs Paws and Stripes and American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen
• As the first therapy dog to serve the North Lauderdale Fire Department in Broward County, Florida, provides daily support to her agency and agencies throughout South Florida
• Has already attended more than 30 community events and been present at line-of-duty funerals for first responders, events for children with autism, and firefighter trainings

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Hunter Shores

• Nearly 5-year-old Goldendoodle, trained by K9s for Warriors and gifted to Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety in 2021 after the loss of a team member
• Supports a unique triple-trained first responder team (firefighters, law enforcement, EMTs/paramedics), providing comfort, joy, and a healing presence at the station
• Actively engages with the community through school visits, parades, charity walks, park events, and meet-and-greets with citizens and their pets
• Known for riding in the fire engine, attending public events, and creating a positive, welcoming atmosphere for both responders and residents

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Sundance Kid

• Began training at just 3 months old at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, supporting families at the Conine Clubhouse while their children receive care
• Became a certified therapy dog on her first birthday after a year of dedicated preparation
• For ten years, has brought comfort, love, and joy to children, families, staff, and visitors from around the world, fostering smiles and emotional relief
• Considered by hospital staff as an essential part of the healing environment, offering unconditional support without prejudice

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MYA

• Golden Retriever whose companionship helped her handler recover from back surgery
• Certified as a therapy dog in May 2023, volunteering in children’s reading programs, hospitals, assisted living communities, and hospice care
• Known for her calm, loving nature and ability to connect with people of all ages, offering comfort and joy in every setting
• Provides especially meaningful support to hospice patients and their families, often lying beside them to ease suffering and bring peace

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Silas

• Certified Facility Dog from Canines for Change, assigned to the East Lansing Police Department to work alongside the department’s embedded social worker
• Responds to mental health-related calls, using his calm demeanor to de-escalate situations and create compassionate connections between law enforcement and the community
• Core member of the department’s Critical Incident Stress Management and Peer Support teams, comforting officers after traumatic incidents and encouraging open dialogue about mental health
• Extends his support beyond the city through community outreach, specialty courts, and assisting neighboring agencies during line-of-duty deaths and officer-involved shootings

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Jonah

• Busy therapy dog making over 40 visits a month to nursing homes, hospice, hospitals, schools, public safety agencies, and other community locations
• Regular presence at the public safety building, where he welcomes guests and helps de-escalate difficult situations
• Adapts his temperament to meet individual needs, providing comfort, calm, and connection in a wide variety of settings
• Serves as the model for training future therapy dogs due to his exceptional impact and ability to connect with people instantly

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Chase

• First Police K9 team for Akron Children’s Police Department, partnered with Officer Ramona Caley in 2019
• Inspired by Officer Caley’s family history—her husband was a Vietnam scout dog handler—highlighting the value of canine trust and partnership
• Adopted from a West Virginia kennel at 3 months old and named after the “Paw Patrol” character
• Certified as a therapy team through Pet Partners in 2020 after several months of joint training

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Explore Past First Responder Paws Contests