Therapy Dog Who Comforted Students After School Shooting Wins National Hero Dog Award

Officer Okert, who recently retired from the force, said Bo’s role was more than a job—it was a calling. “He has a gift for sensing pain and responding with kindness,” she said. Together, the two attended memorials, community vigils, and therapy sessions, offering quiet strength and emotional support to hundreds of people.

A family in Seattle dropped their dog, a black lab named Mitch, off at a local kennel one day, not expecting anything unusual to occur. But Mitch’s stay at the kennel ended with an employee brutally kicking and punching him – to the point of death.

When the American Humane Society announced this year’s Hero Dog Award, Sergeant Bo stood out not only for his service but for the extraordinary impact he made through empathy and love. His recognition is a celebration of every therapy animal that helps humans heal through the power of presence and connection.

Unlike traditional working dogs trained for detection or law enforcement, Bo’s gift lies in his intuition. He knows when someone needs comfort and simply stays by their side until the pain begins to ease. Nashville residents often recall seeing him walking slowly through schools, resting his head on a child’s lap, or sitting quietly with grieving parents. Each moment, though small, carried immense meaning.

Now retired alongside Officer Okert, Sergeant Bo continues to inspire others to train therapy animals and participate in trauma recovery programs. His story serves as a reminder that love and empathy can heal even the deepest wounds.

In honoring Sergeant Bo, the American Humane Society also honors every therapy dog whose compassion restores faith and hope. For the people of Nashville, he will always be remembered as more than a hero—he is a friend who helped an entire city begin to heal.