Four-year-old Labrador Retriever K9 Lea, an explosives detection expert, is a semi-final nominee for the American Humane Society’s Hero Dog Awards.
The awards is a nationwide competition that searches for and recognizes America’s standout dogs in five categories: Law Enforcement and First Responder, Service and Guide/Hearing Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Military Dogs, and Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs.
K9 Lea is nominated in the Military Dog category, and the Humane Society is urging area residents to vote to honor this great dog.
Here is the link to vote: at americanhumane.org/hero-dog-awards
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“Congratulations to the incredible dogs nominated for the 16th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “Each of these extraordinary canines is living proof of something I believe deeply: that the bond between humans and animals has the power to heal us in ways nothing else can.”
K9 Lea will compete with military dogs from Virginia, Tennessee, and California.
According to K9 Lea’s bio, while the world watches history unfold, K9 Lea is sweeping high-security grounds at presidential inaugurations in Washington, D.C., at Super Bowls, and at the FIFA World Cup.
Her most impressive moment came after the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans, when Lea deployed to assist investigators and detected explosive odor aboard a ferry connected to the suspect.
It was a discovery that provided a critical lead in the case. Lea’s gift is a kind of laser focus, tuning out flashing lights, crowds, and chaos to zero in on the danger that matters.
In her off-time, she is a goofy, happy beach lover who chases waves and never lets on that she quietly helps protect the nation’s biggest moments.
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