Hero Dog Receives 'Paw of Courage' Award from the American Kennel Club for Finding Missing Child, 12

Nicholas Rice
·2 min read
4

The canine, named Biza, helped find a preteen who had been missing for more than two hours back in February

<p>courtesy of David Shilale Photography</p> Biza the dog

courtesy of David Shilale Photography

Biza the dog

A Massachusetts dog is being hailed as a hero!

Earlier this week, the American Kennel Club (AKC) awarded the canine, named Biza, with the organization's DOGNY Paw of Courage Award.

Biza, who is 3 years old, helped track down a 12-year-old child who had been missing for more than two hours back in February, according to a press release from the AKC.

After following the child's scent for "two miles," Biza was able to find the preteen and reunite them with their family alongside her partner, K9 officer David Ljunggren.

Biza, according to the AKC, is a "dual-purpose K9 who is nationally certified through the North American Work Dog Association on patrol functions and narcotics." She "enjoys long walks, playing fetch and swimming" in her free time, the organization adds.

<p>courtesy of David Ljunggren</p> Biza the dog

courtesy of David Ljunggren

Biza the dog

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Along with Biza, another dog, named Vishu, also recently received the Paw of Courage Award from the AKC.

Vishu, who works with the Kankakee Sheriff’s Department in Kankakee, Illinois, "has assisted on open water searches for drowning victims as well as missing persons searches for many surrounding police departments," the AKC said.

"She has been certified numerous times through United States Police Canine Association as both a tracking dog and detector dog," the organization continued, noting that Vishu is "trained to track and indicate on articles for live persons and find human remains in various stages and states of decomposition."

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The Paw of Courage award, according to the AKC, "demonstrates appreciation for the work that dogs do in the service of humankind."

“These two canines have demonstrated their dedication and commitment to keeping their communities safe every day,” AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo said in a statement. "The American Kennel Club is proud to honor these two incredibly deserving canines, K9 Vishu and K9 Biza.”

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