A Connecticut service dog has been named a top 25 semifinalist in the 2024 Hero Dog Awards after being credited with saving the life of his handler.
It was just another day of classes last November for Gateway Community College student Ariana Parker, when suddenly her service dog Percy, a Labrador retriever, began pawing at her to try and grab her attention.
When mast cells detect stress, injury, toxins or infection, they release specific chemicals which trigger an immune response.
Parker, who is from Meriden, is legally blind, hearing impaired and has mast cell activation syndrome, a serious illness which can be deadly if not treated immediately during an outbreak. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, MCAS "is a condition in which the patient experiences repeated episodes of the symptoms of anaphylaxis."
Percy, her black lab service dog from Guiding Eyes for the Blind, provides guidance but is also trained to detect medical emergencies.
Parker knew immediately something was wrong. Parker stepped out of her classroom into the hallway where she quickly broke out into hives and started having difficulty breathing. Percy, knowing she was having a medical emergency, guided her to a nearby bench.
Once Parker was sitting down, Parker's breathing became more labored, and she unable to get up she asked Percy to "go get help." Percy then ran into the classroom, bringing back help that allowing EMS to render lifesaving first aid.
Nearly a year later, Parker has made a full recovery, according to a statement from American Humane, an animal welfare organization who runs the Hero Dog Awards.
"Thanks to Percy's quick actions, Ariana's life was saved. Percy's actions that day show just how much of a hero he is," said American Humane.
Percy's quick thinking and "heroic actions" that day are now being recognized nationally. Percy is the only dog from Connecticut named as a semifinalist in the award program honoring courageous dogs around the country, according to the nonprofit.
The Hero Dog Awards is a nationwide competition that searches for and recognizes America's standout dogs in five categories including therapy dogs, service and guide dogs, military dogs, law enforcement and first responder dogs and emerging hero dogs. The award program allows five dogs to be featured and awarded, but only one dog is awarded the American Hero Dog title, according to the organization's website. The American Hero Dog is awarded after being voted on by people across the country.
"We are thrilled for all the incredible dogs that have been nominated for the Hero Dog Awards this year and were inspired by each and every story," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "We cannot wait to celebrate the joy these canines bring to our lives and look forward to seeing the votes come in for the top dog."
Percy, who is now 5 years old, was raised in Virginia before being paired with Parker in 2021.
"From the very beginning it was obvious that Percy was sensitive and sweet and loved his food treats with a passion. We had so many fun adventures together! We went to the mall and it was a crowded day. There were many people whistling to get his attention and reaching out to pet him. He didn't react to them. We kept moving and he made sure to keep checking in just like he always did," said Ellie and Jennifer Butler, who raised Percy for Guiding Eyes. "There is something so special about Percy and the way he looks at his person, that is so sweet. We are so happy he found his forever person and wish them both the very best."
The 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards winner will be announced on Jan. 8, 2025. Voting is open at www.HeroDogAwards.org.
It was just another day of classes last November for Gateway Community College student Ariana Parker, when suddenly her service dog Percy, a Labrador retriever, began pawing at her to try and grab her attention.
When mast cells detect stress, injury, toxins or infection, they release specific chemicals which trigger an immune response.
Parker, who is from Meriden, is legally blind, hearing impaired and has mast cell activation syndrome, a serious illness which can be deadly if not treated immediately during an outbreak. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, MCAS "is a condition in which the patient experiences repeated episodes of the symptoms of anaphylaxis."
Percy, her black lab service dog from Guiding Eyes for the Blind, provides guidance but is also trained to detect medical emergencies.
Parker knew immediately something was wrong. Parker stepped out of her classroom into the hallway where she quickly broke out into hives and started having difficulty breathing. Percy, knowing she was having a medical emergency, guided her to a nearby bench.
Once Parker was sitting down, Parker's breathing became more labored, and she unable to get up she asked Percy to "go get help." Percy then ran into the classroom, bringing back help that allowing EMS to render lifesaving first aid.
Nearly a year later, Parker has made a full recovery, according to a statement from American Humane, an animal welfare organization who runs the Hero Dog Awards.
"Thanks to Percy's quick actions, Ariana's life was saved. Percy's actions that day show just how much of a hero he is," said American Humane.
Percy's quick thinking and "heroic actions" that day are now being recognized nationally. Percy is the only dog from Connecticut named as a semifinalist in the award program honoring courageous dogs around the country, according to the nonprofit.
The Hero Dog Awards is a nationwide competition that searches for and recognizes America's standout dogs in five categories including therapy dogs, service and guide dogs, military dogs, law enforcement and first responder dogs and emerging hero dogs. The award program allows five dogs to be featured and awarded, but only one dog is awarded the American Hero Dog title, according to the organization's website. The American Hero Dog is awarded after being voted on by people across the country.
"We are thrilled for all the incredible dogs that have been nominated for the Hero Dog Awards this year and were inspired by each and every story," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "We cannot wait to celebrate the joy these canines bring to our lives and look forward to seeing the votes come in for the top dog."
Percy, who is now 5 years old, was raised in Virginia before being paired with Parker in 2021.
"From the very beginning it was obvious that Percy was sensitive and sweet and loved his food treats with a passion. We had so many fun adventures together! We went to the mall and it was a crowded day. There were many people whistling to get his attention and reaching out to pet him. He didn't react to them. We kept moving and he made sure to keep checking in just like he always did," said Ellie and Jennifer Butler, who raised Percy for Guiding Eyes. "There is something so special about Percy and the way he looks at his person, that is so sweet. We are so happy he found his forever person and wish them both the very best."
The 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards winner will be announced on Jan. 8, 2025. Voting is open at www.HeroDogAwards.org.
