Bo’s standout case was helping track down a missing child from 7 miles away, leading to a safe rescue.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the old saying goes, “Every dog has his day,” and for Gastonia’s beloved K-9 Bo, that day is Saturday.
Bo, who was named America’s “Hero Dog of the Year” by the American Humane Society, celebrated his second birthday on Feb. 15. Bo, who brought home the prestigious Law Enforcement Hero Dog of the Year in October, has gotten so famous he even led the Gastonia Christmas parade.
Bo was one of five dogs competing for the honor, which was announced live by NBC and American Humane on the “Today” show. The other dogs featured represented emerging hero and shelter dogs, service and hearing or guide dogs, military working dogs, and therapy dogs.
Gastonia Police say Bo had 18 successful tracks in his first two years on the force, including a young boy who was taken at knifepoint by a family member. Bo managed to find the child after following his scent for 7 miles. Bo then helped calm the child, who was in distress, by licking him and playing with him. Sgt. David Rowland, Bo’s handler, says his tracking success rate of 95% is well above the typical number for K-9s.
“Bo is the 2025 Hero Dog and GPD is so very proud of what he does for the department, the citizens and the city,” the Gastonia Police Department said in a statement issued to WCNC Charlotte.
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