A once-homeless mutt who now brings comfort to traumatized children has been named the 2025 American Humane Hero Dog—and his story is touching hearts across the country.
Sgt. Bo, a four-year-old mixed-breed from Nashville, Tennessee, didn’t begin life with a clear purpose. He was rescued as a stray in Florida in 2022, but everything changed when he was trained as a therapy dog for the Nashville Police Department. Working with former officer Faye Okert, Sgt. Bo quickly became a gentle presence for students who needed reassurance.
Only a few months into his new role, Nashville faced an unimaginable tragedy: the Covenant School shooting that took six lives. When families were reunited afterward, Sgt. Bo was there. He hopped onto buses to offer comfort, let shaken students lean into him for support, and stayed at the reunification site until every family had been cared for. That day marked the beginning of his compassionate mission.
Since then, Sgt. Bo has continued visiting schools all over the city. His calm nature helps anxious kids open up, share their feelings, and feel safe again—showing how healing can come in the form of a scruffy rescue dog with a big heart.
From stray to symbol of hope
Sgt. Bo’s journey took a remarkable turn thanks to Faye Okert, who later became a Nashville School Resource Officer. She pushed for a program that trains homeless dogs to become therapy animals, believing that rescue dogs can change lives in schools.
At first, she wasn’t sure Sgt. Bo would be the right fit; his shabby coat and lingering skin issues made her hesitant. But once training began, the bond between them formed instantly. Sgt. Bo quickly proved that a dog’s appearance says nothing about its capacity for empathy, loyalty, or bravery.
Just three months later, during the Covenant School crisis, that bond helped the pair remain steady and comforting for students who needed it most.
A well-earned honor
“We are thrilled to name Sgt. Bo as American Humane’s latest Hero Dog,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, the organization’s president and CEO. “In moments of profound difficulty, Sgt. Bo and Faye became a beacon of safety and hope—the very qualities this award celebrates.”
Earlier this year, Sgt. Bo suffered a torn ACL. The police department retired him, and Faye chose to retire soon after so she could stay by his side. Now the two enjoy a quieter life with Faye’s husband, but Sgt. Bo’s impact hasn’t ended. He still makes regular visits to Covenant School and drops by other Nashville schools each month, offering comfort to shy or anxious students and reminding them that they’re not alone.
Sgt. Bo and the four other national finalists will be honored at the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards Gala in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 9.
Once a stray with an uncertain future, Sgt. Bo is now a cherished symbol of resilience, kindness, and the healing power of animals—a true hero in every sense of the word.