Meet the 2014 Hero Dogs: Part 4
Robin finishes up her four-part series interviewing the eight 2014 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards finalists. Up first is Justin Davis of the San Antonio, Texas Fire Department, the partner of Kai, winner of the Arson Dog category. Together, the pair have investigated some 200 arson cases in the San Antonio, Texas area. Later in the show, Corporal Brittney Neer of the Winchester, Virginia Police Department discusses her partner Kota, winner of the Law Enforcement Dog category. While responding to a burglary call in January, Kota fell and injured himself badly but helped Brittney and the other police officers complete the call.
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Justin Davis and Kai
The San Antonio Fire Department’s six-year-old black Lab was rescued from a shelter and given a second chance and a new lease on life. Her nose for finding things was apparent when she was seen digging the only tennis ball out of the shelter’s box of toys. After undergoing extensive training, she now helps keep others safe by investigating arson cases by using her powerful nose to detect the common accelerants that arsonists use to commit their deadly, destructive crime. In her four-year career she has taken part in more than 200 investigations and also helps to keep her community safe by teaching children about the importance of fire safety.
Brittney Neer and Kota
On January 3, 2014, this member of the Winchester, Virginia police force was injured while responding to a burglary in progress. While in the process of detaining the suspect – who had hidden himself in the upstairs crawlspace – the ceiling gave way and the dog tumbled to the hardwood floor eight feet below. Undeterred, he bravely climbed back up the stairs and helped his fellow officers finish the call, fighting with a severely fractured limb to ensure their safety. Kota is now undergoing extensive physical therapy with hopes of one day returning to active duty.