American Humane Society (AHS) recently announced the top 25 semi-finalists in the 2025 Hero Dog Awards, including Leo, a courageous canine from Pittsford.
The Hero Dog Awards is a nationwide competition that searches for and recognizes America’s standout dogs in five categories: law enforcement and first responder dogs, service and guide dogs, therapy dogs, military dogs, and emerging hero dogs. Winners are ordinary canine companions that do extraordinary things—including saving lives as first responders, aiding their human best friend with sight or hearing, and overall inspiring their communities.
Leo’s life began with challenges, but he’s never let them define him. With a cleft lip and palate, he faced adversity with quiet strength—and now uses that strength to lift others.
Adopted by someone who understands his journey firsthand, Leo has become a source of encouragement for kids facing similar conditions. His calm, compassionate nature and innate ability to connect have turned him into a symbol of kindness and acceptance.
Leo demonstrated his heroism on his very first visit to a children’s hospital. A young patient with a facial difference hesitated—then slowly reached out to touch Leo’s soft fur. The child’s face lit up with recognition and joy. In that quiet exchange, Leo offered something no one else could: the comfort of shared experience and the unspoken message that being different is something to be proud of.
Leo is a semi-finalist in the emerging hero dogs category.
“We congratulate the incredible dogs who are nominated for the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards!” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of AHS. “The canine heroes represent courage, strength, and love and their stories illustrate the uplifting healing power of the human-animal bond. We look forward to sharing their stories with America and encourage all to vote for the heroes on both ends of the leash.”
People across the U.S. can vote for their four-legged champions through September 15 at americanhumane.org/hero-dog-awards.
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