For a dog who once needed rescuing himself, Canyon has become the rescuer. The former shelter dog has been named the ASPCA Dog of the Year at the 2026 ASPCA Humane Awards, honoring his extraordinary work bringing comfort to communities facing tragedy.
The awards ceremony took place on October 8 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. The recognition celebrates Canyon’s contributions to disaster recovery — and, as his handler Bormann told PEOPLE, highlights what shelter dogs can accomplish when they receive care, training and opportunity.
“Canyon brings hope to communities facing tragedy,” Bormann said, adding that having his journey recognized is an honor — and that his achievements can encourage people to look differently at dogs waiting in shelters.
From rescue to rescuer
Canyon’s story is the kind shelters dream about. A dog who once needed saving now spends his working life showing up for people on their worst days, offering the steady, wordless comfort that only a dog can.
The ASPCA Humane Awards honor animals and people whose work advances animal welfare, and Dog of the Year is among its most visible titles — a national spotlight on what a so-called “unwanted” dog can become.
Retirement can wait
Although Canyon has already accomplished so much, his working career isn’t over. Bormann hopes to continue partnering with him for approximately two more years before allowing him to retire.
And when retirement finally arrives, Canyon already has a wonderfully ordinary future waiting: Bormann expects her hardworking partner to spend his days taking over the couch and pushing her out of bed — enjoying the comforts of home after years of helping others.
What the award means
The ASPCA Humane Awards spotlight animals and people advancing animal welfare, and the Dog of the Year title carries a message shelters repeat every day: the dog waiting longest is often the one with the most to give. Canyon’s journey from rescue to national honor is the argument made flesh — or rather, made fur. For every Canyon on a stage at the Plaza, there are thousands still waiting for someone to see them.
