This Adorable Pet Was Just Named ‘Hero Dog of the Year’ For an Amazing Reason

If you want a little inspiration today, look no further than an amazing dog named Boone. He’s a spirited pup who works with children every day — and he’s now being recognized for his efforts.

American Humane, a non-profit dedicated to ensuring animal safety, holds an annual contest honoring dogs who go above and beyond to help people and fellow animals, including service, therapy, military, and detection animals. Owners can nominate their pups for inclusion, and the public votes on who they should take home the victory.

Boone was one of this year’s big winners. Before he was taken to a shelter, he suffered awful cruelty in his puppy life, which rendered him unable to use his back legs in adulthood. Luckily, Boone was adopted into a family that was excited to care for him and love him unconditionally. After their dog fitted with a special wheelchair to help him get around, Boone’s owners, Tanya and Charley Diable, decided to see if he could be trained as a therapy dog. “His sweet nature and enthusiasm for life despite his challenges, make him a perfect fit for his new profession as a therapy dog,” American Humane wrote. “They say when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life, and that is the truth for Boone. Children light up when he enters the room.”

In this video, the Diables talk about their love for Boone and explain how they came to take care of him — and why he makes such a wonderful therapy dog, especially for kids.

“Boone deserves the title of American Hero Dog because he inspires those around him every day to overcome the obstacles that life throws at them,” his owners wrote on the American Humane website. “When he is not spreading joy as a therapy dog, he is working to make life better for dogs with mobility issues in shelters. Just look at his smile. He is going to change the world!”

Awwww, this win is so well-deserved, Boone! We love this beautiful tribute to a dog who truly changes lives.