MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake service dog Sherman Gepherd is one of 21 semifinalists out of more than 400 candidates across the country in the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards. According to a June 6 press release from American Humane.

“The Hero Dog Awards shines a bright light on man’s best friend and celebrates the strength, hope and beauty that dogs bring to our lives,” said Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane in the announcement.

The release said the American Humane Hero Dog Awards is an annual, nationwide competition that searches for and recognizes America’s hero dogs – 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 while contributing to their well-being.

“Like the voting public, we are captivated by the heartwarming stories of so many of these courageous canines and want to do everything in our power to help ensure they get the recognition they deserve,” Ganzert said.

“Sherman Gepherd is my lifesaver. I am a DUI crash victim/survivor and I live with PTSD. Two and a half years after my crash, I got Sherman and immediately began training him with the help of professionals. He changed my life. When I have flashbacks, he’s there. When I have to pull the car over because I’m having a panic attack, he’s there,” his handler, who was not named in the press release, said.

Sherman’s handler added that he’s always there to make life better and that there’s no doubt he’d sacrifice his life for his family.

“As he grew, I noticed his right front leg was curved. He had Carpal Valgus Limb Deformity. I took him to Washington State University Veterinary Hospital and they did reconstructive surgery. That ended up failing, so his leg was amputated. I momentarily considered retiring him, but he bounced back to his normal self within days. He was ready to go back to work. He doesn’t do any physical work, he just uses his mind and his heart so I kept him working. Being a tripawd never slowed him down one bit. He will always be my American Humane Hero Dog,” the handler said.

The second round of voting is open to the public to establish the seven finalists who will be participating in this year’s competition. The public is encouraged to visit www.HeroDogAwards.org between now and July 22 to vote once per day in each of the seven Hero Dog categories. Voting closes at 3 p.m. ET on July 22.

The 2022 Hero Dog Awards categories include: Law Enforcement and Detection Dogs; Service Dogs; Therapy Dogs; Military Dogs; Search and Rescue Dogs; Guide/Hearing Dogs; and Shelter Dogs.

Sherman Gepherd is competing in the Service Dogs category.