The American Humane Organization is committed to recognizing heroic dogs. So, to that end, they host a nationwide competition annually, beginning with initial rounds each summer, to search for America’s Hero Dogs in several categories that are announced the following January. But here in Maine, one local dog has never been nominated for any award, including the American Humane’s, but he deserves a huge shout out because he’s a superhero in his own right!
Katie Keenan of Richmond said her 6-year-old Maltese Shih Tzu Poodle mix, Ollie, has been a terrific boy from the get-go. He never needed training, “He’s the smartest dog I ever owned.” Katie, who works for Maine’s Department of Education, and her husband, Fonz (yes, like the legendary Happy Days character), found him through an area breeder and he’s been a joy. His temperament is perfect, and he gets along with his fur sib, Shih Tzu Poodle Annie, and chums with the couples’ adult kids when they visit. Ollie doesn’t bark or act up either. That’s why in the early hours of June 2, 2021, his barking was highly unusual.
Katie recalled she and Fonz were sound asleep in the master bedroom above the garage. Ollie barked enough to wake Fonz, but he told Ollie to settle down. Ollie persisted again until he said, “That’s enough.” Katie said it was then that Ollie let out a very mighty “Ruff, Ruff,” as loud as he could. That alerted Fonz to trouble, and he turned his head towards the window and saw an orange glare outside. Thinking it was their garage light motion sensor, he felt that his truck, full of his roofing company work tools, was being robbed. He hopped out of bed to go outside to investigate.
Once in the stairwell, he realized it was engulfed in flames. He raced back to their bedroom yelling, “Fire, get out, fire get out.” Katie said she finally awoke, groggily ran towards the hallway, and was greeted with a thick wall of smoke.
Her instincts kicked in—she grabbed her cell phone, Ollie, and Annie, then headed towards the deck off their bedroom. Fonz quickly joined her and while she called 911, he jumped to the ground as they didn’t have a fire escape. He grabbed a ladder, put it up to the deck, and Katie, with the two dogs, were able to safely get out of the home.
Firefighters from six towns responded. One responder told Katie had they been in that home three more minutes, the smoke inhalation would have killed them. She added that none of them had any injuries, and firefighters did not need to utilize their POMs (pet oxygen masks) on the small dogs. The experience shook her, “Oh my gosh it was so scary,” said Katie.
Katie explained that the fire started on the breezeway porch, and it spread quickly inside. While the house was not a complete loss, they had to stay with friends for a year while they rebuilt. While it was an inconvenience, she knows they’re incredibly lucky. “Had Ollie not woken us up when he did, we’d all be dead.” Thanks to Ollie’s insistent barking that commanded attention, this Maine hero dog was able to warn and save his family.
Ollie and his sister Annie
The American Humane Hero Dog Awards®
Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals. Through their leadership programs, they were the first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and humans. It’s a natural progression that they recognize special dogs and their owners.
The American Humane Hero Dog Awards® are an annual, nationwide competition that recognizes the heroes, as they say, on both ends of the leash. Five canines will be featured, and only one will be awarded the coveted American Humane Hero Dog title.
The purpose is to honor ordinary dogs who do courageous things to help their important, often selfless owners, achieve their goals. The categories for the hardworking dogs/teams are Law Enforcement and First Responder, Service and Guide/Hearing, Therapy, Military, and Emerging Hero and Shelter.
While the main round just ended on August 1 for this 14th Annual Hero Dog Awards, the semi-finalist announcement is September 9. Category winner voting is September 9 until October 9, with that winner announced October 15. The last voting cycle is October 15 through November 12. The 14th Annual Hero Dog Announcement is scheduled on or about January 8, 2025. It will be televised, but details haven’t been announced yet. If you’re interested, follow the awards, and vote for your favorite canine at herodogawards.org/.