16th Annual Hero Dog Awards
Military Dog Semifinalist
Meet Tambo
Superpower: Defying the odds.
Whitwell, TN – German Shepherd – 12 years old
K-9 Tambo spent his career as an Explosive Detection K9 within the Department of Defense Intelligence Community, protecting high-profile events across Washington, D.C. When a career-ending injury forced his retirement in 2022, Tambo faced extensive treatment and emergency surgery, and he’s now courageously living with cancer, doing well and far surpassing the time doctors expected him to have.
Rather than slow down, Tambo has continued to serve his community and country through public appearances and advocacy for retired working dogs, including an honor at a 2025 Philadelphia Eagles Salute to Service game in front of 21 million viewers. Tambo also stood beside his handler, comforted him when he was grieving and during life’s most difficult moments. Nearly 12 years after they became partners, Tambo isn’t just a decorated K9; he is family, and his refusal to quit continues to inspire everyone who meets him.
It’s with a heavy heart that we share that K9 Tambo recently passed. Our family at American Humane Society is saddened to share this news, but we know his heroic legacy will live on.
Vote for Your Favorite Military Dog
Cast your vote for a military dog semifinalist. You can vote once every 24 hours until voting ends on September 18.
"*" indicates required fields
Get to Know the Semifinalists
Help us celebrate the incredible dogs making a difference in communities nationwide.
Service & Guide/Hearing
Dogs that provide crucial support, safety and independence through their specialized skills.
Therapy
Credentialed therapy dogs that help those in need of physical, social, emotional and cognitive healing.
Law Enforcement & First Responder
Dogs who provide critical law enforcement, rescue and detection capabilities.
