Five standout dogs are helping to improve the lives of others — including in the areas of physical and mental health. Now they’re being recognized nationally for their work.

The American Humane Hero Dog Awards announced the standouts to shed light on their remarkable efforts in a variety of areas. The organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1877 and is the country’s first national humane organization committed to animals. 

The annual nationwide competition identifies America’s best dogs in five key categories: military dogs; law enforcement and first responder dogs; service and guide or hearing dogs; therapy dogs; and emerging hero and shelter dogs. 

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Beginning in April, hundreds of dog owners across the country submitted the names of their pets for consideration for “Hero Dog.”

The winning dog in each category will be honored at a gala in Palm Beach, Florida, in November — where the animals will walk, sniff and run down a red carpet. 

American Humane president and CEO Robin Ganzert, PhD, told Fox News Digital that the canine heroes this year are “unsung heroes.”

“I’m in awe of these inspiring canine heroes, who sniff out criminals, leap out of helicopters, comfort sick children and more,” she said. “All five dogs are a winner in their category and deserve to be recognized for serving their communities and our country.”

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She added, “American Humane is honored to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes who make the world a better, kinder place.”

Ahead of its annual event, American Humane announced the finalists. Here are the top five dogs in their respective categories. 

Military: Niki

Niki is a five-year-old Belgian Malinois-German shepherd mix who lives in Seattle, Washington. 

She started with the U.S. Coast Guard in 2021 and helps detect explosives alongside her human partner, Petty Officer Alicia Horn. 

Niki is the military dog finalist for the 2024 American Humane Hero Dog Awards.  (American Humane)

Niki has completed over 250 high-stakes operations and logged more than 4,000 working hours protecting the American public, per the American Humane. She helps protect the safety and security of the Washington State Ferries and has boarded over 250 vessels thus far. 

The shepherd mix is known for being a hero in her community. She often visits schools to help educate children about military dogs and their handlers. 

Law enforcement & first response: Bo

Bo is an 18-month-old bloodhound male from Gastonia, North Carolina, who works with the Gastonia Police Department. Though still young, he’s been saving lives and solving crimes since he was just eight months old, according to the American Humane. 

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He started his career in law enforcement in 2023 after the police department handpicked him from a litter of puppies — a move his handler Sgt. David Rowland is happy about, he said. 

Bo is also up for the top prize at the Hero Dog Awards on Nov. 8, 2024. He’s shown with Sgt. David Rowland.  (American Humane)

Rowland brought Bo home during his training to help strengthen their bond — and his family took a liking to him. 

A bloodhound breed was new for the Gastonia Police Department, American Humane noted, as the department had only ever had German shepherds and other classic law enforcement breeds prior to Bo. 

Bo has located many lost senior citizens. 

Bloodhounds, known for being easily frightened and gentle giants at heart, are not the typical K-9 officer pick — but American Humane said Bo broke the mold. 

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Although still terrified of Halloween decorations, Bo is able to approach and comfort people he tracks down — making him a secret weapon. Since he began working, Bo has tracked down a missing 11-year-old child with autism and a 7-year-old kidnapping victim. He’s also found many lost senior citizens. 

Service: Sampson

Sampson is an 11-year-old golden retriever service dog up for an American Humane Hero Dog Award. 

The service dog based in Sierra Vista, Arizona, recently retired after spending years with his other half — a woman named Joey who was in an accident in 2006. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and over 23 broken bones. 

Sampson is the service dog finalist for this year’s award.  (American Humane)

For almost a decade, Sampson was by Joey’s side helping her recover and manage a new way of life. 

Joey told American Humane that Sampson learned over 245 commands to help her with her recovery. He was even able to go into a medicine cabinet, open it, grab the correct medication and carry it to Joey, followed by a bottle of water to swallow the pills. 

When Joey decided to pursue a neuroscience degree after her accident, she encountered issues with getting Sampson into science labs, as there were concerns about contamination and safety hazards. 

After she fought hard to find ways to include Sampson, he took on the nickname of “Science Service Dog.” Today, the pair advocates for service dog handlers in science while Sampson spends his golden years off-duty, according to American Humane. 

Therapy: Dayo

A nine-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback male dog is the top therapy dog nominated for the American Humane Hero Dog Award this year. 

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Dayo, of Dublin, California, began his life as a puppy companion to a baby cheetah named Pancake at the Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon. 

Dayo and the cheetah were born on the same day. They grew up together as pseudo-siblings until Pancake tragically passed away in 2017 from health complications. 

Nine-year-old Dayo of California is a finalist for the 2024 American Humane Hero Dog Awards.  (American Humane)

After officials decided to remove Dayo from the zoo, he was placed with an owner named Liz — who put his lovable personality and emotional intelligence to good use as a therapy dog, according to American Humane. 

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Today, Dayo brings love and hope to people in need at several life-changing facilities, such as the George Mark Children’s House, Camp Erin, Children’s Hospital and more. 

Shelter: Penny

Penny is a four-year-old mixed breed dog from Louisville, Kentucky, and was named a finalist in the shelter dog category. 

Penny was a rescue animal who now works as a therapy dog for children.  (American Humane)

Penny was rescued in 2020 after she was thrown out of a moving car and left on the side of the road, according to American Humane. 

After making a recovery from what appeared to be long-term abuse, Penny was fostered by two owners. The two high school teachers loved the three-legged dog at first sight, American Humane said. 

For over a year, the foster parents helped Penny relearn how to walk — even carrying her in a backpack or stroller when necessary. They ended up adopting her into their home. 

American Humane announced the finalists for the 2024 Hero Dog Awards.  (American Humane)

Today Penny shows no signs of physical or emotional trauma. She’s described as trusting, loving and gentle. 

She works as a therapy dog for children of all ages and is an advocate for stricter anti-animal abuse laws, per the American Humane. 

The winner of the 2024 American Humane Hero Dog Award will be announced on Nov. 8. 

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The presidential election is already stressful for most Americans – and these stressors can trickle down into relationships.

A new poll from the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 77% of Americans believe the future of our nation is a “significant source of stress,” along with the economy (73%) and the upcoming election (69%).

The “Stress in America” online survey, which polled 3,000 U.S. adults of different political affiliations in August 2024, analyzed potential fallout from election results, including in people’s relationships.

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About one-third (32%) of adults said the political climate has caused a strain between themselves and family members — while 30% have limited their time spent with family members who don’t share the same values.

Half of U.S. adults admitted that tensions around social and political topics make them want to connect less with others, and 28% claimed they have “nothing in common” with people who have different political opinions.

Another August 2024 survey by LifeStance Health – a mental health care network headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona – found that 44% of Americans have experienced conflicts in their personal lives due to political or election-related discussions.

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Almost a quarter of the 1,052 surveyed adults had considered ending a friendship due to opposing political views, while 18% had done so.

‘Political compatibility’

Political affiliation can also come into play when it comes to dating.

The APA found that 46% of adults would not date someone with different political opinions, split almost evenly between men and women.

Half of Gen Z consider “political compatibility” to be an important factor in dating, the LifeStance survey found. (iStock)

Half of Gen Z respondents in LifeStance’s survey said they consider “political compatibility” to be an important factor in dating, compared to 42% of millennials, 31% of Gen X and 29% of baby boomers.

One-third (33%) of all respondents claimed they would not date someone who disagreed with their political views, while 28% would consider it a “deal-breaker.”

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Almost a quarter of Gen Z and millennials have ended a romantic relationship due to at least one political disagreement.

Setting boundaries

MK Clarkin, a licensed clinical social worker and executive clinical director at LifeStance Health in St. Louis, Missouri, said she finds it “interesting” that younger Americans such as Gen Z prioritize political like-mindedness in their relationships above other generations.

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“These generations share the highest likelihood of experiencing moderate to significant distress around the election cycle, so it stands to reason that they align their relationships with their values and political views,” she told Fox News Digital.

Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and former President Donald Trump during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 10, 2024. (Doug Mills/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

For those who are anxious about engaging in political discussions with friends or family members who have different opinions, Clarkin recommends setting “clear and kind boundaries.”

“That could sound like, ‘I am so glad to see you, let’s talk about something else. I want to hear about how your new job is going,’” she suggested as an example. 

“Isolating ourselves from our communities is a recipe for adding more stress to our lives.”

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“Or, ‘I get the sense you have a lot to say about the election. I’m going to excuse myself from this conversation, but I’d love to connect with you later and catch up about other parts of life.’”

Clarkin also encouraged the use of “I feel” statements to “express your views without escalating tension.”

An expert encourages Americans to “set clear and kind boundaries” when engaging in political discussions. (iStock)

“Regardless of what side of the political aisle someone stands on, election seasons tend to be tough on mental health,” she said. 

“It’s hard to find an area of our personal lives not directly impacted by who wins an election — personal finance, access to health care, childcare and education, to name a few.”

‘Listen to understand’

Americans have faced a “highly charged” political climate, which has led to the “erosion of civil discourse and strained our relationships with our friends and families,” APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, noted in a press release.

“But isolating ourselves from our communities is a recipe for adding more stress to our lives,” he said. 

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“We must remember that the most extreme voices are often the loudest, and that the majority of adults share similar values and concerns.”

Despite these tensions, healthy social connections are “important for managing stress and overall health,” Dr. Lynn Bufka, APA’s deputy chief of professional practice and a licensed psychologist in Maryland, told Fox News Digital.

“We do not have to agree on everything.”

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Bufka noted that Americans have more in common than they might think, as 82% of U.S. adults believe it’s important to have conversations with people who don’t share the same values.

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“Try to understand the person you’re speaking with and help them feel safe and understood,” she suggested.

Eighty-two percent of U.S. adults believe it’s important to have conversations with people who don’t share the same values, an expert said. (iStock)

“Listen to understand, not to defend your point of view,” Bufka went on. “We do not have to agree on everything.”

People should look for broader qualities in others beyond politics, such as shared values in areas like kindness, respect and support, she advised.

Added Bufka, “Encouraging open dialogue and empathy, even amid disagreement, can enrich relationships and foster resilience against the stressors that come from political division.”