View Products |  Sign In

Hero Dog Awards

June 8, 2020

Meet Rek, a nine-year-old German Shepherd and former military working dog who is now living the retired life in Sarasota.

Rek is one of 21 semifinalists in the Hero Dog Awards, a competition hosted by the American Humane organization, where military, therapy and rescue dogs are honored for their service. Out of thousands of entries and votes received, Rek has now advanced and has a chance to win the title of “American Hero Dog.”

Founded in 1877, American Humane is the first humane organization in the country, protecting the rights and well-being of animals. This is the 10th annual Hero Dog Awards, where the public has cast votes for dogs in seven different categories, including Military, Therapy, Law Enforcement and more. Nearly half a million votes have been cast so far this year.

Beyond his adorable looks, Rek’s story of heroism and loyalty that have touched the hearts of voters. Rek was deployed as an explosive detection dog in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2011 to 2016, where he lived consecutively for five years. His current owner, Laura Cole, met Rek while deployed at a NATO base, and they formed a strong bond.

“I would feed him and bring him toys whenever I could,” says Cole. “I loved watching him work.”

Rek would sniff vehicles for drugs and explosive weapons before soldiers performed in-depth searches. His “rest days” were few and far between, yet he still enjoyed his toys as rewards and the love from his handlers, when he could.

“He still doesn’t know how to play like a normal dog,” says Cole. “But he has fun trying to play fetch, and enjoying the sunshine.”

Cole and Rek were separated from April to June of 2016, when Rek had retired and Cole was still deployed overseas. A generous U.S. nonprofit called K9 Hero Haven cared for Rek until the pair could reunite. Once Cole retired, she adopted Rek and they moved to Florida.

In 2018, Cole heard about the Hero Dog Awards through Facebook. “I know he’s my hero, so I thought why not enter him?” she recalls. Rek advanced to the semifinals last year, but never made it this far.

Cole and Rek plan to attend the Hero Dog Awards Gala in California if he advances again. The ceremony is broadcast nationwide on the Hallmark Channel.

“I just want to share his story,” says Cole. “It is not easy for these dogs when they return to the United States. It takes time to recover, and time to understand play and love.”

American Humane president and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert says the awards are “the best way to bring attention to the life-changing, life-saving power of the human animal bond.”

In other words, they’re a way to honor our best friends.

Register Your Dog

Check Out Our Store

  • Recent News

    Walmart customer denied her access to service dog

    March 10, 2024

    Walmart customer with POTS says employees denied her access to service dog. customer can ruin everything. One Walmart shopper whose service dog alerted them to sit down on the ground due to a postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, which is a fainting disorder, says that not only did the store’s staff attempt to deny her access […]

    Read more

    2024 Assistance Dog ID Cards Are Here!

    January 2, 2024

    Hello From Assistance Dogs Of America 2024 ID Cards Are Here! Wishing all of you a Happy New Year!   ADARegistry.com

    Read more

    Cyber Monday Service Dog Kits

    November 16, 2023

    CYBER MONDAY SPECIAL! (While Supplies Last) Complete Kits Include The ID Card Created Upon Registration, ID Card Holder, QR Coded Patch, Choice Of Vest, Extra Patch Of Choice, Bandana, Retractable Leash With ADA Logo, Tag & Registration Letter. Also All Included Is The All New Metal QR Coded Registration Card That Links Direct To Your […]

    Read more

    Airbnb Host Canceled Over Veteran’s Service Dog

    September 28, 2023

    While Boston couple Lauren Laliberte and Steve Bohn were busy preparing for their Cape Cod wedding, they were looking forward to celebrating alongside Bohn’s service dog — a yellow labrador named Orion. The plan was simple: They would make the trek from Boston to the Cape, and stay in an Airbnb the nights before and after […]

    Read more

    Make A QR Code With Your Dogs Picture & Link To Your Registration

    July 6, 2023

    Make A QR Code That Links To Your Dogs Registration Click Here It’s easy Click or Scan The Code & Add Your Dogs Photo Then Add Your Dogs Registration Link. Click Or Scan The Code

    Read more

    New Stainless Steel QR CODE Support Dog ID Cards

    March 25, 2023

                    Scan from anywhere at anytime. Simply scan and activate when you receive your card. This card links direct to your existing registration page on this site with showing the most the current letter  and ID and all your other Registration information. If you ever change your registration […]

    Read more

    Special Pricing For Service & Support Dog Kits

    November 30, 2022

    149.00+Shipping Click Here To View While Supplies Last!

    Read more

    Emotional Support Dogs Now In Schools

    October 29, 2022

    Pete, is there for students to feel supported in times of distress. THORNTON, Colo. — Westgate Community School is helping its students feel safe with a lending paw from a four-legged friend. The K-12 school in the Adams 12 school district added a facility dog named Pete to their school counseling team to help provide […]

    Read more

  • 0
      0
      Your Cart
      Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
        Calculate Shipping
        Apply Coupon