Miami Guide Dog Named Hero Dog Awards Finalist
The 3-year-old Labrador retriever is competing for the top spot in the guide and service category this December.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Dogs
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Eddie, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever from Miami, has been named a finalist for the American Humane Society's 16th annual Hero Dog Awards. He competes in the guide and service dogs category for his dedicated work assisting his blind handler.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the vital role of service animals in our community. Eddie is now one of five finalists in his category, with the final winners set to be honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. this December.
Eddie is one of five finalists selected for the guide and service dogs category of the 16th annual Hero Dog Awards. His final standing remains unknown until the awards ceremony scheduled for December 2026.
The players
Eddie
A 3-year-old Labrador retriever from Miami who serves as a guide dog for a blind handler and is a finalist for the 16th annual Hero Dog Awards.
American Humane Society
The national organization that administers the annual Hero Dog Awards.
The details
Eddie, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever, earned his spot as a finalist due to his work as a guide dog for his blind handler. He is currently competing against four other finalists within the same service category. The national organization will honor the eventual winners in Washington, D.C. later this year.
Timeline
October 2026: Eddie was named as a Hero Dog Award finalist.
Early December 2026: Award winners will be honored in Washington, D.C.
Beyond the 305
This selection follows the established 16-year tradition of the American Humane Society's annual Hero Dog Awards. It marks a local entry into the national recognition of service animals that the program has fostered since its inception.
Local residents can look forward to seeing if our local Labrador retriever, Eddie, takes home the top honor in his category. Winners will be announced and celebrated in Washington, D.C. this coming December.
The takeaway
Keep an eye on the American Humane Society's updates to see if Eddie wins his category. The awards ceremony will take place in Washington, D.C. in early December 2026.
Further reading
Follow local news and highlights for pet owners in our Dogs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale.
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