This month is for the DOGS THAT SERVE

For July, we are honoring the dogs who serve.

This month’s Dog of the Month Contest is open to current or retired military dogs, law enforcement dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, fire department dogs, other first responder dogs, and current or retired service dogs who assist their owners with disability-related tasks.

These are the dogs who go beyond being beloved companions. They work. They protect. They guide. They alert. They search. They comfort in ways that are trained, specific, and life-changing. They stand beside their handlers and their humans with loyalty, courage, and purpose.

Because this month’s theme is specifically about working service, eligibility is limited to dogs who meet one of the following categories:

Current or retired military working dog
Current or retired law enforcement K9
Current or retired first responder dog, including search-and-rescue, fire, disaster response, or similar work
Current or retired service dog trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability

For service dogs, we are using ADA standards. That means the dog must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks directly related to the owner’s disability.

Emotional support animals, therapy dogs, and comfort animals are deeply loved and important, but they are not eligible for this particular contest unless they also meet the ADA definition of a service dog.

This is not meant to diminish the bond anyone has with their dog. Dogs change our lives in a thousand ways. But for July, we are specifically saying thank you to the dogs whose service is part of their daily work.

And here is the important part: the dog does not have to be yours.

If you do not have a dog who meets this month’s eligibility requirements, but you know someone who does, you are welcome to enter that dog in the contest. Nominate a current or retired K9, service dog, or first responder dog you know and help us shine a light on their service.

The winning dog will receive a Signature Studio Session, an 11x14 mounted print, a digital copy for sharing, and a social media feature.

Nominate your hero dog today, and help us honor the good boys and girls who have earned the words:

Thank you for your service.