
16th Annual Hero Dog Awards
Therapy Dog Semifinalist
Meet Star
Superpower: Senses those who need a little extra love.
Tampa, FL – Yellow Labrador Retriever – 2 years old

Star has become a beloved fixture at the University of South Florida, where he helps students, faculty and staff navigate stressful and emotionally charged moments. From supporting emergency dispatchers to creating a sense of safety for survivors of violence, Star has a unique ability to bring steady companionship when it is needed most.
His impact is especially evident during times of crisis. Following the deaths of two USF students, Star spent time with grieving classmates, professors and loved ones, providing a calming presence during an extraordinarily difficult period. He also remained beside a survivor for four hours, offering quiet support without ever leaving her side.
Star’s instinct for human emotion is remarkable. During one outing, he singled out a woman from a crowd who later shared she was on her way to chemotherapy. Through countless interactions like these, Star reminds people that compassion can be felt without saying a word.




Vote for Your Favorite Therapy Dog
Cast your vote for a therapy dog semifinalist. You can vote once every 24 hours until voting ends on September 18.
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