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Chi Chi, a Disabled Therapy Dog, Named American Hero Dog of 2018

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All of us dog owners know our dog is the best. The catch is, we’re all right. Our furry friends are the best. They make us laugh, occasionally roll our eyes, and marvel at their genius (or lack thereof) — all while providing comfort, support and love. One therapy dog, though, now has further proof she’s the best.

Chi Chi, a 4-year-old golden retriever and quadruple amputee, was named 2018’s American Hero Dog by the American Humane Hero Dog Awards. Chi Chi lost her paws when her legs were bound and she was left in a garbage bag in South Korea. Her paws had to be amputated as a result, but Chi Chi learned to love and feel safe again at her new home in Arizona.

Chi Chi with purple therapy dog vest

“She forgave and decided to trust people again,” her owner, Elizabeth Howell, wrote on American Humane’s website. “She quickly adapted to her first set of custom prosthetics and now loves spending her days as a certified Therapy Dog sharing her joy and cheerful demeanor with people of all ages.”

Chi Chi has overcome many types of adversity. Chi Chi also has lupus, hypothyroidism and has had three types of cancer, according to her GoFundMe. Now, Chi Chi is tackling the side effects of radiation for cancer.

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I have some exciting news! The Hero Dogs will be on the Today Show on NBC this Friday 10/19. I am not well enough to travel to New York City to be on the Today Show, but I will be properly represented on the show, so be sure to watch or set your DVR. I’ll miss being with my Hero Dog friends, but can’t wait to watch the show. ???????? Today I’m taking it easy and getting some extra rest. I’m happy to report that I haven’t had any more seizures. ???????? Thank you for your continued prayers, positive messages and healing vibes. Please continue to pray that the inflammation and necrosis go away, that the cancer is not recurring, that my muscle coordination and balance improve and for my complete and perfect healing. I am so grateful for all of your love and support and for your donations to help with my medical expenses. If you are interested in helping, see the post on Thursday 10/11 for details. ???????? Thank you for being part of Team Chi Chi!! ???????? #nevergiveup #cherisheveryday #loveabundantly #2018AmericanHeroDog @herodogawards @hallmarkchannel @chickensouppets @todayshow

A post shared by Chi Chi Rescue Dog (@chichirescuedog) on

“When people hear Chi Chi’s story and experience her attitude of joy, they are often inspired to face their challenges with renewed courage and a fresh perspective,” Howell wrote. “Chi Chi brings joy everywhere she goes and her optimism and smile spreads quickly to others.”

The other finalists have also shown strength and resilience in one way or another, and include several service animals and K-9 police dogs.

Here’s a look at this year’s finalists:

Roxy, pit bull and PTSD service dog

Roxy

Roxy is a pit bull and PTSD service dog for her owner, Justin, from North Carolina. Justin is a war veteran who was injured by an IED that left him with a traumatic brain injury. She helps Justin with his anxiety and alerts him before his PTSD “gets out of control,” according to her bio on American Humane.

“She helps me on a daily basis with simple life tasks,” Justin wrote. “If it wasn’t for her showing me that it’s okay to be in society, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”

Roxy also visits veterans at the local VA hospital. Justin hopes Roxy wins to show the world that pit bulls are good dogs and are capable of being service animals.

Frances

Frances “Franny”

Franny is a guide dog to her owner, who lost her eyesight due to a rare complication related to her breast cancer battle. The yellow Labrador hails from New York and guides her human around town with her two kids. Franny also volunteers with her mom through the Visually Impaired Education Program, which educates children about the visually impaired community.

“She helps me juggle all that comes with being a working mom while educating our community about living with vision loss.”

Willow

Willow

Like Chi Chi, Willow was rescued from South Korea. He survived the dog meat trade there and is now spreading awareness for animal welfare topics with his human. Willow is also studying up for his therapy dog certification to help kids with disabilities through animal reading programs.

Ruby

Ruby

Ruby is a Rhode Island State Police K-9 who has literally saved lives. Before she found her new owner, Trooper Daniel O’Neil, Ruby was returned multiple times to an animal shelter, unable to find her forever home. Each time she was returned, volunteer Patricia Inman fostered her. Years later, Ruby returned the favor when Inman’ teenage son went missing. Ruby was the one who found Inman’s son, who had fallen and hit his head in the woods. The boy was severely injured but recovered.

“You can think what you may, but I believe that was Ruby’s way of saying thank you to Ms. Inman for taking care of her during her rough beginning,” O’Neil wrote on the American Humane site. “Ruby was given a chance at life and ended up saving a life.”

Sgt. Fieldy

Sgt. Fieldy

Sgt. Fieldy is an 11-year-old black lab who served multiple tours in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2011 to 2014. Fieldy retired after saving lives by sniffing out IEDs. One of his handlers from a previous deployment adopted him. Sgt. Fieldy has also walked in the Veterans Day Parade in New York City.

K-9 Flash

K-9 Flash

K-9 Flash is a retired police dog who spent her career sniffing out narcotics. After retiring in 2013, Flash’s handler was inspired to start a national nonprofit that helps retired K-9 heroes. Typically, once a dog retires, they lose assistance from the agencies they were a part of. The nonprofit helps pay for medical care, food and other expenses. Flash has her own children’s book and travels to “read” it to children across the country.

If you’re interested in seeing these good dogs during the Eighth Annual Hero Dog Awards, you can catch the award show on the Hallmark Channel on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST.

Photos via American Humane and Instagram

Originally published: October 24, 2018
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