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Best Therapy Dog: Indy and her owner Shiggy Ichinomiya
 
Indy is a AKC K-9 Good Citizen and volunteers at a children’s hospital. Nurses, patients and family members are surprised to see a pit bull volunteer as a therapy dog. When they see Indy wagging her tail and smile, the fact that she is a pit bull disappears. People are even more surprised when Shiggy tells them that he got Indy from an animal shelter. One day Indy and Shiggy volunteered at Children's Hospital LA, and there was a little boy there in great pain because he had surgery on both of his feet. He was not allowed to leave the hospital until the doctors could see him walk. Shiggy asked the little boy if he wanted to walk Indy. He had never walked a dog before, so Shiggy told him to hold onto the leash and to follow the dog and the boy got up grimacing in pain as he stood up. Then, step by step, the boy started to walk. He gently followed Indy taking care not to step on her paws. Intuitively, Indy knew to take it slow. They walked to the end of the hallway. His Mom was in tears when they got back to the boy’s room. She told Shiggy how much she wanted her son home with her. Several days later the boy was released from the hospital.
Best Patriotic Pair: Trevor and his owner Lorenz Medina.
 
Lorenz Medina served 4 years in the Marines, and developed severe PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and major depression as a result. As a result Lorenz was unable to interact with his friends and loved ones. Lorenz’s pit bull/boxer mix, Trevor, was the only one he could turn to to ease his pain and suffering. Without Trevor, Lorenz would not be able to go to school or talk to his loved ones. Lorenz says that there were a few times he wanted to end his life, and every time he was about to do it, Trevor, would sit next to him, put his head on Lorenz’s lap, and whine…Lorenz says "It was like Trevor knew what was about to happen". Trevor is always with him and Lorenz uses him to start conversations with his loved ones.
Sportiest: Roxie and her owner Jonesey Harp
 
Roxie was a shelter dog from the West LA Animal shelter. She had been beaten, had a bad leg, and suffered from severe depression from her previous life. Jonesey had too been attacked by a stranger and suffered a broken back. Together they healed. Roxie has given Jonesey the courage to face her fears (all of Roxie’s fears have been conquered also, save for the fear of skateboards) Jonesey did not want a dog, but her husband did. Now she cannot imagine her life without Roxie. Roxie is a total sports chick. Without any training, Roxie will return all wayward tennis balls on the court to the net. She is also a big surfer! Jonesey adds- "I’ve lost 35 lbs since Roxie came into my life!"
Best Family Dog: Blue "Bird" and her owner Emily Rose
 
Blue is about 18 months old. Emily says that Blue is a blessing to her family and to all who’s life she has touched. Blue is kind and gentle with everyone from infants to the elderly. Emily’s sister has a HUGE fear of dogs, especially pit bulls and she swore to never go to Emily’s house again when they brought Blue home. Now Emily’s sister can’t get enough of Blue’s devoted love and funny antics. Blue knows whenever a family member is sad and will do anything to cheer them up! Blue tucks Emily’s boys, who are 5 and 12 years old, in bed at night. They can’t fall asleep until they are clutching Blue. Blue is also fantastic with other dogs. Blue’s very best friend is a chicken. This chicken adopted Emily’s yard as its’ new home despite Blue’s attempts to play with it. The chicken trusts Blue now and you can find them out in the yard playing in the grass together. Thus earning Blue her nickname, 'Blue Bird'.
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