Feel-Good Friday: Hero Dogs and a Rescued Cat Represent America's Renewal

It's Fri-YAY! For the first time in many years we have something to feel good about on the political landscape, and I have been thoroughly enjoying it. But this column is about what matters: Americans and all the awesome things they do and accomplish. This week's Feel-Good Friday is going to the dogs, as well as one special cat.

Did you know there was a hero dog award? I just discovered it, and 2024's participants, as well as the winner, are really cool:

The American Humane Hero Dog Awards is an annual, nationwide competition that recognizes "America’s standout dogs," described as "often ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things, whether it’s saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight or hearing to a human companion, or helping people achieve their goals," American Humane says on its website.
Hundreds of inspiring dogs were nominated from across the country for the 14th edition of the competition that kicked off earlier this year in June. Five semi-finalists in each of the five categories were short-listed and "chosen to meet the American public," who then voted for their favorite four-legged hero in five different categories including:
Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs
Service and Guide or Hearing Dogs
Therapy Dogs
Military Dogs
Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs

The five finalists are absolutely precious: Dayo, a 9-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback; Niki, a 5-year-old Belgian Malanois-German Shepherd mix; Sampson, an 11-year-old Golden Retriever, Penny, a 4-year-old mixed breed, and Bo, an 18-month old Bloodhound:

“This is one of the most special and inspiring groups yet," president of American Humane, Robin Ganzert, said in an exclusive statement to USA TODAY. "All five of these courageous canines epitomize the resiliency, selflessness, and unconditional love that we are looking for in America’s next top dog.
"We are proud to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes who are too often overlooked," she added.

No swimsuit competitions or personality segments. Just America voting on which of these capable canines gets to go home with the top prize. The NBC News' "TODAY" show crew had the honor of presenting the Hero Dog award to its winner.

WATCH:

K9 Bo, a 17-month-old Bloodhound from Kentucky, began his remarkable journey with the Gastonia Police Department in North Carolina in April 2023. Despite his young age, Bo’s heartwarming story is one of exceptional bravery and dedication. After rigorous training, Bo began working as a Police K9 in October 2023, quickly proving his invaluable skills by locating an elderly dementia patient and an 11-year-old autistic child who had gone missing.
Bo’s achievements didn’t stop there. In a notable case, he tracked down robbery suspects despite heavy scent contamination, leading to their capture. On a particularly cold January night in 2024, Bo showcased his extraordinary abilities by tracking a missing elderly patient over miles and through harsh conditions, ultimately finding them safe.
Bo’s most touching moment came in May 2024 when he found a 7-year-old child who had been taken at knifepoint. Bo’s incredible work continues to bring joy and hope, making him a true hero and an inspiring presence in the Gastonia Police Department.

Congratulations, Bo! Although the other four finalists also have incredible stories and lives. Now in terms of the cats, little Sweet Pea was an abused cat who was saved and given a very sweet and thoughtful gift:

Sweet Pea was brought in to the shelter from a parking lot in central Arkansas as evidence in a cruelty case in which her ears were cut off with terrible wounds left still fresh.
According to Kerry McKeel from Best Friends Animal Society, which is a leading animal welfare organization working to prevent dogs and cats from euthanasia in America’s shelters and make the country without euthanasia in 2025, the rescue group took in the cat and gave her immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, the organization was already too full of cats and kittens in its care, therefore they couldn’t keep Sweet Pea so Best Friends NWA offered their help.
Kerry shared in the interview with Bored Panda that cat’s pointy triangle ears were gone yet, despite the injury, Sweet Pea was beautiful inside and out.
“Whatever happened to Sweet Pea, it hadn’t broken her loving spirit,” the woman said.

I will never understand anyone who delights in tormenting loving creatures. But the fact that this cat was still able to give and receive love without fear reflects incredible resilience. She may have been down, but she was never out:

The next day, after arriving at the Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Bentonville, Arkansas, Sweet Pea went to stay with volunteer Erin Parker. Surprisingly enough, despite everything the cat had been through, she somehow felt immediate trust for her new foster mom.
“She’s super sweet, so I think at one point she probably had an owner that really cared for her,” Erin shared. “She wasn’t shy at all. She wanted lots of attention.”
Knowing that this cat probably had really been through a lot, Erin wanted to do something truly special for Sweet Pea.
“I don’t want her to feel left out,” Erin said. “I don’t want her to feel different from other cats.”
It didn’t take long until the woman came up with an adorably cute and very creative idea. Erin asked her crafty girlfriend, Chloe, to crochet a pair of ears for Sweet Pea and the result was unexpectedly cute.

Shelter Cat Missing Her Ears Gets Special Gift So She Doesn't 'Feel Different' 👉 https://t.co/7kNT9v3MLN #caturday #crochet #sheltercat #love via @dodo 😻
— KnitHacker (@knithacker) November 2, 2024

While some people didn't like the prosthetic additions, the ears did the trick of getting Sweet Pea the attention needed. She found a fur-ever home with a family that loves her just the way she is:

“She adjusted to our household in no time,” the family, who adopted the cat, said. “She loves playing with her toys and sitting in the windowsill. Her ears also healed completely, and she doesn’t seem to be bothered by the trauma to them.”
And while Erin felt a bit sad to say goodbye to Sweet Pea, she’s also happy knowing that the cat is finally safe and appreciated. The woman also hopes that Sweet Pea’s story will remind people who’re looking to adopt a pet to take a second look at animals with injuries or physical differences.

America has been kind of like Sweet Pea these last few years. The people who we trusted to be in charge instead tortured us and clipped our ears; but it didn't break our spirit. We fought back, won, and now we'll bounce back.

Thanks to President-elect Donald J. Trump, America, and the dogs and cats, will be safe and have a bright future ahead.