South Jersey Therapy Dog Receiving Canine Excellence Award
Public Relations Manager, American Kennel Club
The 2019 AKC Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence by a Therapy Dog is honoring a South Jersey dog named Gunther.
The pup, a 6-year-old Rottweiler from Blackwood in Camden County, and his owner John Hunt have been deployed to countless national tragedies to comfort victims and families, according to an American Kennel Club press release.
The ACE Awards are presented by to celebrate loyal, hard-working dogs that have significantly improved the lives of their owners and communities. Something Hunt and Gunther have absolutely accomplished.
Hunt co-founded the non-profit group Crisis Response Canines to provide training and build a nationwide network of highly-trained crisis response canines at the ready to offer support and assistance when mass tragedies occur. Gunther most recently comforted the community in El Paso following this summer's mass shooting there.
Gunther will receive his award during the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin in Orlando, Florida in December.
Congratulations Gunther and John! You make South Jersey proud! Thank you for all you do.