Hero Dog Award Finalist
Lieutenant Dan
Category: Emerging Hero and Shelter Dog
Hometown: New Richmond, Ohio
Breed: Treeing Walker Coonhound
Age: 7
Superpower: Spreading joy and confidence with every smile.
Meet Lieutenant Dan
Born with a severe limb deformity, Lieutenant Dan lost both hind legs and his tail—but never his zest for life. From hiking and swimming to appearing on screen, he shows the world what it means to be handicapable.
His joyful spirit inspires people of all abilities to embrace their differences. At home, Lieutenant Dan plays with foster pets—many with special needs—helping them gain confidence and live life to the fullest.
What moment best shows Lieutenant Dan’s heroism?
During Lieutenant Dan’s first visit to a local adult program, his owner watched in awe as individuals who were typically shy or withdrawn began to light up—smiling, laughing and reaching out to connect. Seeing how some of the adults came out of their shells simply by meeting him was incredibly heartwarming and a powerful reminder of the healing impact animals can have on the human spirit.
Thank You to All Our Finalists
Thank you to those who nominated these incredible dogs and shared their inspiring stories. And to those who voted—thank you for helping celebrate the remarkable bond between people and animals.
