A Gastonia police K9 is getting accolades for the lifesaving work he and his handler are doing, and the public has a chance to help him get recognition as the top “hero dog” in the nation. Bo the bloodhound has made it to the semi-finals of the American Humane Hero Dog Awards but needs votes to make it further in the competition. The 18-month-old is nominated in the law enforcement/first responder category. His handler, Sgt. David Rowland, describes Bo as a super-snout, excelling in tasks he was born to tackle. Gastonia police asked the public to vote...and vote they did!!!
Bo can smell something and use that scent to help find a missing person or child. He made news when he successfully found a 7 year old taken at knife point. He's done this kind of thing 13 times. And has been successful 95% of the time.
His handler says his favorite treat as a reward? Meat balls.
“Bo is a true hero, and we are incredibly proud of him,” Chief Trent Conard of the Gastonia Police Department said in a news release. “His dedication and unique abilities have saved lives, brought closure to families, and made Gastonia a safer place. The Top
Dog award is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and commitment.”
The Gastonia Police Department has seven K9s. All of them are trained in specialized skills.
The American Humane Hero Dog Awards was founded in 2010. It is an annual event that highlights the extraordinary bond between dogs and humans. Bo was nominated alongside other incredible canine heroes across the country.