3rd Annual First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award

2025 Winners Announced!

We are grateful to every contestant, handler, and supporter who took part in this year’s 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. In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing in-depth interviews with them to highlight the critical impact they are making in their communities. Once again, 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!

Congratulations!!

1st Place – Willowbrook

• Rescued as a one-pound parvo puppy in 2022, now the smallest therapy dog in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
• Has responded to multiple critical incidents, including 24 days of destructive California wildfires, visiting command posts daily to support thousands of first responders
• Documented nearly 20,000 first responder visits across LASD, neighboring agencies, FBI, and CHP, becoming a widely recognized morale booster
• Based at Compton Station and nationally honored with the Presidential Points of Light Gold Award for outstanding service

2nd Place – Rocket

• Serving the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, has supported hundreds of responders in North Idaho following violent and tragic incidents, including the deadly June 2025 ambush of firefighters near Coeur d’Alene
• Operates as part of a regional Peer Support and Chaplain Network to provide holistic care in schools, veterans’ homes, dispatch centers, and hospice facilities
• Has inspired a regional movement toward canine wellness programs in first responder agencies
• Is recognized by AKC as Therapy Dog Excellent and holds multiple titles for outstanding service

Our 2025 Finalists

This year a truly remarkable group of therapy dogs were nominated. We were moved by their stories of service and community support. Over eight-thousand votes were cast in the public voting period! Among them, these ten extraordinary dogs received the highest number of public votes and have advanced to the finalist round. They embody the heart, healing and hope that therapy dogs can bring to their communities.

Order is randomized of the top 10 receiving votes.

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

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

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

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

Rocket• Serving the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, has supported hundreds of responders in North Idaho following violent and tragic incidents, including the deadly June 2025 ambush of firefighters near Coeur d’Alene • Operates as part of a regional Peer Support and Chaplain Network to provide holistic care in schools, veterans’ homes, dispatch centers, and hospice facilities • Has inspired a regional movement toward canine wellness programs in first responder agencies • Is recognized by AKC as Therapy Dog Excellent and holds multiple titles for outstanding service

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

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

Willowbrook• Rescued as a one-pound parvo puppy in 2022, now the smallest therapy dog in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department • Has responded to multiple critical incidents, including 24 days of destructive California wildfires, visiting command posts daily to support thousands of first responders • Documented nearly 20,000 first responder visits across LASD, neighboring agencies, FBI, and CHP, becoming a widely recognized morale booster • Based at Compton Station and nationally honored with the Presidential Points of Light Gold Award for outstanding service

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

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

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.

Order is randomized

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

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

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

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

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

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

K9 RogueK9 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.

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

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

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

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

NovaNova 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Award

The winner of the third annual First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award will receive the following prize:

$4,000 check in support of their work
A gift basket from Chewy
Free national publicity, including a feature blog that reaches more than 100,000 people on social media and a press release announcing the news
A “Top Paws Therapy Dog Award” badge for placement on their website or blog in recognition of their status as one of 10 finalists
A $2,500 donation made in their honor by FHE Health to our partner organization First Responders Pack Foundation, which exists to train more therapy dogs for first responders

What’s New? A New Winner Category!

This year we’ve added a new winner category:

2nd Place – The second-place winner will receive a $1000 check in support of their work — because the runner-up deserves some recognition, too.

Meet Our Past Winners:

Sgt. Bo – 2023 Winner
See all 2023 Contestants

Officer Kora – 2024 Winner
See all 2024 Contestants

The Cause – Why Participate

It’s not every day that we get to honor a therapy dog for its excellence in service or support our first responders and their mental health. Now we’re doing both, by offering the “First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award.” This nationwide contest will showcase therapy dogs everywhere in the many roles they fill, while also spotlighting therapy dogs that assist first responders—and the critical need for more such dogs, both in South Florida and in communities across the U.S.

The Need for More Therapy Dogs for First Responders

America’s first responders are on the frontlines of danger every day, saving lives and keeping our communities and nation safe. That can take a toll on their mental health.

Therapy dogs help these heroic men and women rebound from emergencies and reset between calls. The calming, healing presence of these dogs enables first responders to process the on-the-job traumas they’ve experienced and cope better with stress, grief, and anxiety.

As indispensable as they are in this capacity, therapy dogs can also be expensive to acquire and take time to train. This contest shines a light on the critical role they play in supporting America’s public safety professionals. By recognizing one therapy dog for its excellence in service and by sharing their story with a national audience, we hope to advocate for more such therapy dogs in more communities across America.

About Application

Who Can Apply?

Any owner/handler/trainer and their therapy dog in any context can apply for this award. Any person who wants to apply on behalf of a therapy dog that has made a difference in their life and/or community can also apply.

Be mindful that the selection committee would like to see some evidence of your impact on the first responder population. You and your therapy dog do not need to work exclusively with first responder populations in order to apply.

One Dog Per Organization

In the spirit of a fair playing field, we are requesting a limit of one application (one dog) per organization. Your accommodation of this request can help to ensure that together, we are able to represent as many dogs and organizations as possible. We appreciate that in some contexts, such as with a large, sprawling organization that has many dogs in various agencies or branches, it may be hard or impossible to enforce this rule. However, blatant violations of this request will also be taken into account during the selection process, in accordance with our request for one dog per organization.

Deadline for Applications and Timeline for 2025 Award

We will begin accepting applications for the 2025 award on Monday, June 16th
The deadline for applications is Monday, September 1st
A public vote to determine 10 finalists will occur September 3rd-12th
10 finalists will be announced on Monday, September 15th
The final winner will be announced on Thursday, September 25th

Dates are subject to change

Application Requirements

All applicants are required to complete a form on this website page. All applicants will be required to submit the following materials:

A short typed essay (at least one paragraph in length) about the dog you are nominating and the dog’s story, as well as why you believe it should be awarded the First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award
Any proof of training such as therapy dog certification, enrollment in a certification course, or course(s) that qualifies the dog to serve in whatever context(s) it serves (hospital, nursing home, fire departments, etc.)
A photo of the dog
Any links to news or media reports about the dog
A completed application form

Contest Details

The Selection Process

The finalists and first-place winner will be chosen by a small committee with representatives from FHE Health and FHE Health’s partner organization First Responders Pack Foundation. The Broward County-based non-profit is officially recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Certified Therapy Dog Organization and exists to train more therapy dogs to support the mental and emotional health of first responders in the aftermath of trauma.

Firefighter Dean Moreno, the founder of First Responders Pack Foundation, will help lead the selection committee. Moreno is a certified AKC evaluator for Star Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine, and Urban Canine Good Citizen and can issue the Therapy Dog Certificate to eligible dogs. He is currently in the process to become a professional dog trainer.

The 10 finalists will be chosen by public vote on our official voting page, which will provide a photo and profile for each competing dog. The voting page will go live at the close of the application period, at which point contestants will be alerted by email that their dog can now start taking votes.

The Voting Process

Anyone who wishes to vote can vote and will be allowed one vote. Your email address will be required in order to vote but will not be retained or used to contact you for any other purpose.

Last year, we ensured a fair voting process by implementing measures to prevent vote tampering and manipulation (such as multiple or spammy emails). This year, we are doing the same but are implementing an even more stringent voting system to ensure the integrity of the voting process.

Non-Discrimination Policy Disclaimer

FHE Health does not discriminate on any basis, whether by age, race, sex, religion, disability status or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants are given equal consideration and are assessed strictly based on the strength of their application and essay. It is at the sole discretion of our team to select the dog we feel is most deserving of this award. By applying for the First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award, you agree to FHE Health’s privacy policy and disclaimer.

About FHE Health

FHE Health, a national behavioral health provider, has been serving adults (ages 18 and up) with mental health and substance use needs for more than 25 years. From its headquarters in Deerfield Beach, Florida, our state-of-the-art facility serves men and women from around the country with integrated care, specialized treatment programs, and evidence-based therapies and innovations.

FHE’s specialized treatment program “Shatterproof at FHE Health” is nationally recognized for its work with first responders, many of whom have achieved quicker, more comprehensive recovery through cutting-edge neuroscience-based treatments, trauma therapies like EMDR, peer support groups, and … the occasional visit from a therapy dog.

How to Reach Our Team

We are not able to take or return phone calls. However, this page contains all of the information necessary to apply. If you have a question, you may email us at marketing@fhehealth.com, and one of our team will respond when able.