One of the most integral aspects of the Presidential Secret Service are the unspoken canine heroes that are devoted to keeping the president safe. These canines have no concern for political party—they don’t see in terms of democrat or republican—they only have one mission: to keep the president, vice president, their families, and visiting heads of state safe. The stories of these dogs’ pet news rarely make headlines.
This keeps their missions secret, but recently unprecedented accounts from journalists have open the public’s eyes to the dogs of the Secret Service. The sworn duty of these dogs accompanying Secret Service operatives everywhere the president goes is astonishing pet news.
Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique offers this glimpse into some of America’s greatest four-legged furry heroes.
Secret Service Dogs
October 15th of last year, veteran journalist and New York Times bestseller Maria Goodavage published, “Secret Service Dogs: The Heroes who protect the United States.” This is Goodavage’s second book on dog heroism.
Secret Service Dogs is a nonfiction account that covers the tactical training, positions, stories, and bond between the Secret Service agents and their tactically trained dogs. Before the president visits, canines do a full nose sweep of the premises. K9 units constantly monitor the White House Lawn and Pennsylvania Avenue, sniffing for explosives. The book is poignant journalistic storytelling of every aspect of the lives of these dogs.
Goodavage also wrote, “Soldier Dogs: The Untold Story of America’s Canine Heroes” which made the New York Times bestselling list.
Awards for Valor
During President Obama’s second term two canines played an indispensable role in taking down a man who jumped over the White House fence and landed on the north lawn. The story broke on major media networks making national pet news.
Hurricane, a Black Belgian Malinois, and Jardan, a German Shepherd, took down the intruder as soon as he touched down. Within four seconds the first dog was already tackling the trespasser—Dominic Adesanya to the ground. Two seconds later, the second dog came in to assist. Nine seconds later and Secret Service agents subdued Adesanya.
“He didn’t even make it ten feet,” said a local witness.
Adesanya posted anti-presidential messages online and was arrested for trying to enter the White House. The heroic efforts of the dogs were recognized by the media and even the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Both dogs were given an Award for Valor for their efforts that night making amazing pet news.
Recognizing The Heroes
The bond between dog and human companion is an age old dynamic that extends into military service, police force teams, firefighters and more. One of the biggest pet news dog hero platforms is the American Dog Hero Award.
The American Humane Hero Dog Award annual campaign nominations are opening soon. Every year the competition opens to recognize dogs for their valiant efforts. Eight finalist and their human companions attend a Gala in Hollywood and are presented with the Emerging Hero Award. One nobel winner will receive the American Hero Dog title.
One of Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique’s favorite Emerging Hero winners is Harley. Harley was recognized in 2015 for his bravery in being the inspiration behind Harley to the Rescue—a rescue mission organization that frees abused dogs from puppy mills.
Harley himself was at one point in his life incarcerated in a puppy mill. The dog now goes along on every rescue and makes public appearances at events and schools to raise awareness. The poor guy is missing an eye from the abuse he suffered at a puppy mill when his cage was power washed with him inside.
If you or someone you know has a dog that deserves recognition this could be an opportunity to help credit a doggie who deserves it.
Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique salutes heroes on both sides of the leash, the ones to make pet news, and the ones that become our everyday heroes just by being there.
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