The American Humane Society has honored a retired therapy dog from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department for providing support to students after The Covenant School. shooting in 2023,
sergeant bo won American Humane Hero Dog Awards The animal welfare organization embodies “what a hero looks for in a dog: service, resilience and love,” said President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert. USA Today,
“Their work providing comfort and confidence to Nashville children is a beautiful testament to the healing power of the human-animal bond,” Ganzert said. “Sergeant Bo’s transformation from a shelter pet living on the streets to a police therapy dog serving his community should inspire us all. We are honored to celebrate this husky superstar and crown him as America’s 2025 Hero Dog.”
Bo will be formally honored along with four other honorary dogs at the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards and Gala in Florida next year.
The shooting took place on March 27, 2023, at the private Christian school. Three 9-year-old students and three teachers were killed. Two police officers shot and killed the attacker, Audrey Hale, 28. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department was, according to itself, unable to find any motive for the shooting other than notoriety. final report,
Bo’s handler Faye Okert said News Channel 5 Nashville In August she and Bo would board school buses to meet kids after the shoot.
“The supervisor told us to get on each school bus [Bo],” He said. ”This will give relief to the children. Tell me what’s happening. He walked down the corridor. The children were caressing him. While the children were waiting to meet their parents at church, he stayed with them. There’s a teacher who said she remembers getting on the bus and how safe she felt.”
Bo and Faye have both retired after Bo ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in January. But Faye continued to bring Bo back as a special guest every week at The Covenant School, and every month at other local schools.
“He’s my partner and my best friend,” Faye told News Channel 5 Nashville. “The impact he and I have made together is phenomenal.”
