Winner of the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog Award Revealed

New York, NY – American Humane unveiled the extraordinary winner of the 13th Annual Hero Dog Awards. Maverick, a European Blue Great Dane dedicated USO therapy dog, claimed the title. The news was announced with an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America.

Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane, joined Maverick and his human, Kelly Brownfield, for the announcement with GMA host Lara Spencer.

Maverick works alongside Brownfield, who serves as Center Manager for the Fort Leonard Wood USO Center in Missouri. He supports U.S. Army troops and family members stationed at the Army’s training facility.

“Maverick’s remarkable courage, intuition, and empathy have touched lives and brought comfort to countless troops and their families,” says Brownfield. “Maverick’s superpower is his ability to calm people with a touch of his paw, giving them the strength to move forward,” she said.

At home, Maverick continues his therapy work as Brownfield is in her sixth year of fighting cancer. The two have that in common because Maverick was diagnosed with cancer in his leg in 2022. He survived, thanks to a surgical procedure.

Maverick, weighing 150 pounds, was the big winner in the Therapy Dogs category sponsored by The Brady Hunter Foundation. The American Humane Hero Dog Awards searches nationwide to recognize America’s standout dogs in five categories: Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs, Shelter Dogs, Guide Dogs, Military Dogs, and Therapy Dogs.

Hundreds of inspiring dogs from across the country are nominated each year. Five semifinalists are then presented to the American public for voting to narrow the field to one finalist in each category. From there, a panel of judges selects the overall winner.

Maverick and the four other finalists will be honored at the 13th annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards® and Gala in Palm Beach on November 10th. Christie Brinkley and Carson Kressley are hosting the star-studded awards show. Lois Pope and the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation present the event.

The awards show gala will be televised nationally on November 26th on A&E.