Stray Mutt Just Won 2025 Hero Dog Award For Soothing Families After School Shooting

Stray Mutt Just Won 2025 Hero Dog Award For Soothing Families After School Shooting

A stray mutt that turned into a service dog soothing kids after a school shooting has just been crowned the 2025 Hero Dog Award by the American Humane Society—and now he’s winning hearts nationwide as a symbol of comfort and courage.

Sgt. Bo, the mixed breed from Nashville, Tennessee, may have started as a stray, but after being rescued off the streets of Florida in 2022, the four-year-old became a certified therapy dog with the Nashville Police Department, working alongside a former officer, Faye Okert, to help students feel safe and supported.

Just three months into his service, tragedy struck when a shooting at the city’s Covenant School claimed six lives.

Sgt. Bo was called to help comfort children and families at the reunification site—climbing onto buses, letting shaken students rest against him, and staying until the last family left.

Since then, this southern gentleman has continued visiting schools across the community, helping kids open up, easing anxiety, and reminding everyone that healing can come from the most unexpected places.

Sgt. Bo’s journey turned extraordinary when Ms. Okert, who became a Nashville School Resource Officer, advocated for a program that trains homeless pets as therapy dogs.

Looks can be deceiving

Though Faye initially worried about his scruffy appearance and skin allergies, their bond formed quickly during training and Sgt. Bo became her trusted partner and a living lesson to students that appearances can be deceiving.

Three months later, after the school shooting, Sgt. Bo and Faye provided steady comfort for students in crisis during the community’s darkest hours.

“We are thrilled to name Sgt. Bo as American Humane’s latest Hero Dog, a distinction that is so well-deserved for both him and his handler, Faye,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society.

“During profoundly difficult times, their presence served as a powerful beacon of hope and safety, exactly the qualities this award seeks to recognize.

Earlier this year, Sgt. Bo tore his ACL, prompting the police department to retire him. Faye retired soon after, not wanting to work without the loving pooch by her side. Now enjoying retirement with Faye and her husband, Sgt. Bo continues to soothe people of all ages.

He still visits Covenant weekly and other local schools monthly, helping shy children open up and bringing smiles.

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Sgt. Bo and the four other finalists will be honored at the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards Gala in Palm Beach, Florida on January 9.