In the vast expanse of Quebec, a quartet of extraordinary dogs has emerged, their impactful contributions transcending the boundaries of domestic life. From providing invaluable support in homeless shelters to playing a role in crime-solving endeavors, these distinguished canines—Argon, Monty, Hestia, and Tango—have rightfully claimed their spots in the prestigious provincial animal hall of fame, an institution celebrating a quarter-century of honoring exceptional beings.
The recent induction ceremony, a grand event hosted by the Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec (AMVQ) in Montreal, unfolded as a momentous occasion. Each of these canine heroes, Argon, Monty, Hestia, and Tango, was granted a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. The veterinary association, recognizing their outstanding contributions to society, took the opportunity to individually honor each remarkable member of this four-legged cohort.
First to grace the stage is Argon, a MIRA dog of the Saint-Pierre Labernois lineage. Argon, in partnership with André, serves at Montreal’s Maison du Père, a shelter for homeless men. Beyond providing a comforting canine presence, Argon specializes in crisis intervention. Her impact extends beyond the shelter, as she collaborates with an intervention team patrolling the city’s public transit system, extending a helping paw to the unhoused and other vulnerable Montrealers. These remarkable contributions earned Argon a distinguished place in the hall of fame’s professional category.
Next in the celestial lineup is Monty, a five-year-old German Shepherd, celebrated for his professional endeavors alongside the Montreal police force. In an act of extraordinary bravery during a high-risk police operation in May 2021, Monty was stabbed while assisting colleagues in locating a suspect. The AMVQ acknowledges Monty’s pivotal role in preventing serious or life-threatening injuries to fellow officers, ensuring a successful arrest. Undeterred by the challenges faced, Monty has made a triumphant recovery and continues to lend his vital skills to the police force.
The tale of these four exceptional canines stands as a testament to the profound impact our furry companions can have within the community, reminding us of the enduring bond between humans and their loyal, service-oriented counterparts.
Tango, the golden boy, has become a beloved figure at a high school in Bonventure, Quebec. Serving as the literal teacher’s pet, Tango accompanies his owner, providing assistance to students facing learning difficulties. One student even reported feeling less anxious while tackling schoolwork, thanks to Tango’s comforting presence.
Onstage, Tango joyfully sniffed a red bone, earning a round of applause alongside his owner, Annie Saucier-Bujold. She proudly held Tango’s ceremonial plaque, commemorating his nomination in the companionship category.
Meanwhile, Hestia, at the age of 13, received a salute for her well-deserved retirement after years dedicated to fire investigations. As a trained accelerant detector, Hestia executed approximately 125 warrants on the job, spanning both Quebec and Ontario.
Beyond their appearances on stage with their handlers, these exceptional pups are part of an illustrious company. The AMVQ has inducted a total of 50 dogs, six cats, and two horses into its hall of fame since 1998.