Gabe, a military working dog who participated in 210 combat missions and had 26 explosive and weapons finds in Iraq, has been named the top American Hero Dog at the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards. Gabe, accompanied by his handler/friend Sergeant First Class Charles Shuck, was presented with the award at a star-studded canine and human event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 6, 2012.

Emmy winner Kristin Chenoweth served as host for the sold-out event, which honors the bond between dogs and people and recognizes “extraordinary acts of heroism performed by ordinary dogs.” Hallmark Channel will air coverage of the awards show on November 8, 2012 at 8pm ET/PT.

More than 3 million votes were cast by the public, narrowing the field of nominees to eight heroic dogs. Gabe was chosen as this year’s American Hero Dog by animal advocates and celebrity judges including Whoopi Goldberg, Victoria Stilwell, Candy Spelling, Miranda Lambert, Kristin Bauer Van Straten, Michelle Forbes, J.R. Martinez, Tinsley Mortimer, Megyn Price, Prince Lorenzo Borghese, Edie McClurg, Tara Harper, Susan Orlean, Chrishaunda Lee Perez, Ashley Rhodes-Courter and Dr. Debbye Turner Bell.

Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Association, stated: “These courageous canines have gone above and beyond the call of duty, saving lives on the battlefield, comforting the ill, aged and afflicted, bringing hope to those who have lost it and reminding us the powerful, age-old bond between animals and people. Choosing a top dog is difficult because they are all so terrific, but we are proud to announce Gabe as the top American Hero Dog for 2012.”

The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards show also included a performance by Jewel as well as the presentation of the National Humanitarian Medal and the Legacy Award to life-long animal advocate Betty White.

The Hero Dog Finalists – Category Winners:

— Soot (Charleston, WV) – Category: Search and Rescue Dog: West Virginia Search and Rescue K-9
Soot, didn’t know he had a big job ahead of him when he was adopted by Lorrie Burdette. Soot’s training in air scent, scent discrimination, and certified search and rescue wilderness training gave him the tools he needed to rescue a lost 78-year-old diabetic grandfather lost in the wilderness on a cold December morning.

— Holly (Magna, UT) – Category: Service Dog, sponsored by Trupanion.
Seizure alert Service Dog Holly never takes her attention away from her guardian, Shanna Wilkinson, who suffers from epileptic seizures. With Holly by her side, Shanna is able to embrace all of life’s gifts and challenges without fear. Together they travel and together they teach elementary students the importance of Service Dogs.

— Daniel (Nutley, NJ) – Category: Emerging Hero Dog, sponsored by The Annenberg Foundation.
Daniel, a beagle from an Alabama shelter on “death row,” did the unimaginable in 2011 when he survived the most inhumane form of euthanasia, the gas chamber. Since adopted by his loving guardian, Joe Dwyer, Daniel the “Miracle Beagle” has used his second chance at life as an advocate for shelter adoptions and humane euthanasia legislation across the United States. Daniel won in the “emerging hero” category for ordinary dog who do extraordinary things.

— Tabitha (South Bend, IN) – Category: Guide Dog.
Tabitha is more than just a guide dog to her former guardian, Ann Drake, who lost her sight as an adult. Tabitha guided Anne back to a place within herself where she found the confidence that she had lost and overcame the fears of her new life. With Tabitha by her side, Ann went on to complete her undergraduate and graduate studies.

— Tatiana II (Plantation, FL) – Category: Hearing Dog, sponsored by MRB Productions.
Tatiana II, was matched with handler Cristina Saint-Blancard in 2011 as her hearing dog but quickly turned into her life-saving hero. Cristina suffers from asthma that is exacerbated by frequent ear infections and one night found herself struggling for breath nearly died. Tatiana II was quick to notice something was wrong and ran into the next room to alert Cristina’s family. If not for Tatiana II that night, Cristina would not have gone on to graduate from Purdue University last December.

— Jynx (Shillington, PA) – Category: Law enforcement/Arson Dog, sponsored by State Farm.
On the evening of June 29, 2011, Law Enforcement-Arson K-9 Jynx desperately worked to try and pull his guardian Sgt.Kyle Pagerly and another officer out of harm’s way as a crime suspect opened fire during a routine warrant delivery. Twenty-eight-year-old Sgt. Pagerly was killed in the line of duty leaving behind his pregnant wife. If not for the swift and heroic efforts of K-9 Jynx, more officers would have lost their lives that night.

— Stella (Mt. Kisco, NY) – Category: Therapy Dog, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health.
Stella and her guardian Marissa Levy, dedicate their time to bringing love and joy to the residents at Richmond Community Services, a not-for-profit organization that cares for developmentally disabled children and adults. Stella is unfazed by disabilities and diseases – befriending and unconditionally loving all she meets. Stella is the sunshine that beats the cloudy days for the residents and for that they are so appreciative.

Per the AHA:

Each of the eight finalists received $5,000 to be donated to one of American Humane Association’s charity partners, which include the United States War Dog Association, K9s4COPs, Dogs for the Deaf, Angel on A Leash, International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, Sage Foundation for Dogs Who Serve, Leader Dogs for the Blind and The Pine Street Foundation. Gabe won an additional $10,000 for the United States War Dog Association.