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Honoring Five Inspiring Canines with the 2024 AKC Humane Fund Awards

The AKC Humane Fund has announced the winners of the 25th annual Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE), celebrating the incredible contributions of five dedicated dogs in various capacities. The awards highlight remarkable canines, showcasing their unwavering loyalty and the positive changes they bring to their families and communities. Winners were selected from over 600 nominations, a testament to the extraordinary impact dogs have in our lives.

The special broadcast, AKC Heroes 2024 Awards for Canine Excellence, premiered on ESPN2 on December 15th and is scheduled to re-air on December 24th. Each of the five categories honors different contributions and roles that dogs play in enhancing human lives. This year's awards were sponsored by YuMOVE™, the AKC's official joint supplement, and Eukanuba™, both committed to celebrating these heroes.

Category Winners

• - Exemplary Companion Dog: Winston, an All-American Dog, found a new lease on life thanks to Jeff Wells, a U.S. Army veteran. Rescued after the 2021 Texas Freeze, Winston and Wells forged a deep bond through the sport of agility, which has been instrumental in their healing journey. Since then, Winston has achieved the status of an AKC Agility champion, showcasing his athleticism and consistent performance in competitions, ultimately earning his MACH title.

• - Search and Rescue Dog: Besa, a German Shepherd from West Salem, OH, is recognized for her impressive skills in human remains searches and live rescues. Trained in multiple areas, Besa is notably the first dog in her field to gain certification for human trafficking searches. Her work extends beyond local missions, participating in significant historical research, aiding investigations, and garnering attention for her achievements.

• - Service Dog: Kissable Katie, a Standard Poodle, has completely transformed the life of her owner, Jill Dempsey from Palm Coast, FL. As a guide and medical alert dog, Katie assists Jill with her epilepsy and blindness. Once paralyzed by fear, Dempsey now enjoys a vibrant life, actively participating in community events and volunteering for veterans alongside Katie.

• - Therapy Dog: Wallace, an Old English Sheepdog, is honored for his work as a licensed therapy dog. From comforting military personnel at Brook Army Medical Center to aiding in the aftermath of the tragic Uvalde school shooting, Wallace's presence has proven invaluable in providing comfort and healing.

• - Uniformed Services K-9: Rosco, a Labrador Retriever, serves with the ICAC and Homeland Security Investigation Task Forces. Trained to detect hidden electronic devices, Rosco plays a crucial role in combatting child abuse and trafficking cases, marking him as a groundbreaking asset for law enforcement in Oklahoma.

Uniting with Purpose

The AKC Humane Fund aims to spotlight these extraordinary dogs not only for their heroic acts but also in recognition of the countless lives they touch. As highlighted by Doug Ljungren, President of the Humane Fund, the ongoing commitment to celebrate these achievements has inspired the public to further appreciate and understand the significant roles dogs play in human life.

In addition to their honors, each ACE award recipient also facilitates a donation to a pet-related charity of their choice, further amplifying their impact. Sponsors YuMOVE and Eukanuba expressed pride in supporting these awards, acknowledging the essential influence of dogs on individual lives and communities.

For over 25 years, the AKC Humane Fund has worked to recognize and uplift these contributions. The initiative not only draws attention to the remarkable work of pets but also promotes responsible pet ownership while providing support for various pet-related charities.

For further details on the awards and the inspiring stories of the winners, please visit the AKC Humane Fund website.

As we celebrate these canine heroes, let’s also recognize the sometimes-hidden stories of resilience, bravery, and love that dogs bring into our lives every day. Their contributions shape our communities, heal our wounds, and create unbreakable bonds that inspire us all.