Meet Bo, America's Hero Dog Of 2024

November 11, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Gastonia, North Carolina.

Bo, an 18-month-old bloodhound from the Gastonia Police Department in North Carolina, has captured hearts and headlines as the 2024 winner of the prestigious American Humane Hero Dog Award.

bo hero dog of the year
Bo and Rowland / Gastonia Police Department

Working alongside Sergeant David Rowland, Bo has proven himself a true hero, using his keen sense of smell to find missing people and track down suspects, making an incredible impact in just over a year on the force.

Since beginning his K9 career in October 2023, Bo’s actions have been nothing short of remarkable. He quickly demonstrated his exceptional abilities by locating vulnerable individuals, including an elderly dementia patient and an 11-year-old autistic child, bringing relief and safety to their families.

In a particularly difficult case, Bo tracked down robbery suspects despite heavy scent contamination, leading to their capture—a testament to the power of a bloodhound’s "amazing nose," as Rowland proudly shared.

hero dog of the year
Bo / Credit: herodogawards.org

In January 2024, Bo showcased his heroism on a frigid night, tracking a missing elderly patient over miles of harsh terrain until he found them, safe and sound. Then, in May 2024, Bo’s courage truly shined through when he found a 7-year-old child who had been taken at knifepoint, bringing the child safely back to loved ones.

For these extraordinary feats, Bo will be honored at the 14th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards and Gala on January 8, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida, where he will stand alongside four other heroic canines. The recognition is well-deserved, not only for Bo’s achievements but for the dedication he brings to his community every day.

“I didn’t think we were going to win,” Sergeant Rowland humbly admitted, “I was just blessed to be up here with Bo... to tell our story and what Bo has accomplished.”

Meet Bo in the video below!