A sweet pup from the Kentucky Humane Society named Ethan has just been named the winner of the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards. The nonprofit organization works to advance the relationship between humans and dogs. Their award show looks to showcase dogs from many backgrounds including law enforcement dogs, therapy dogs and guide/hearing dogs.
Ethan was originally nominated under the category of "shelter dogs," but after winning, he moved on to compete for the title of "Hero Dog." Over one million people voted for the champion, and along with a VIP panel of dog experts and celebrity dog lovers. Ethan was announced as the winner at the Hero Dog Awards gala in Palm Beach, Florida on Nov. 11.
Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane, detailed the award saying, "“This year’s finalists have gone above and beyond the call of duty, saving lives on the battlefield, comforting children and seniors, and inspiring us to overcome our own challenges. All are heroes, but I am overjoyed to congratulate Ethan on winning this year’s top title!”
Background on Ethan's Life
Ethan was abandoned outside of the Kentucky Humane Society in 2021. It was a tumultuous start and the volunteers feared he wouldn't make it through the first night. Underweight by 40 pounds, missing immense amounts of muscle, and covered in feces and urine, Ethan was in terrible shape. "While we don’t know how Ethan got to this point, based on his condition, we surmise he may have been locked in a crate without food for weeks," KHS wrote on their website. "However he got to this condition, we are doing everything we can to save him."
On February 4th, he took his first steps and then on February 11th, just twelve days after arriving, he had gained 27 pounds. The next night, Ethan was able to be moved to a foster home in Indiana. His foster dad, Jeff, eventually officially adopted the pup into their family. Since his time with the family, Ethan has won numerous awards including:
- May 2021 he was given the job "Chief Tasting Officer" for Busch Beer.
- Sept. 2021 he was inducted into the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association Animal Hall of Fame.
- June 2022 he won the Muhammad Ali Center's C.H.A.M.P. award.
- August 2022 he won the "2022 Shelter Hero Dog" award.
- November 2022 he beat out 400 other remarkable dogs to win the "2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards"
You can watch a day in the life video about Ethan by clicking here.
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