Sweet Chihuahua Voted Most Heroic Dog in America

MacKenzie was declared the “most heroic dog” in America by combining public voting and a panel of celebrity judges.

The most heroic dog in America has been declared

Here we have MacKenzie, a Chihuahua who weighs only 4 pounds. He is the country’s “Most heroic canine.” Over 407 canine competitors participated in Monday’s American Humane Hero Dog Awards: 10th Anniversary Celebration and Carson Kressley hosted it on the Hallmark Channel.

Public votes choose the winner of public and a panel of celebrity animal lovers. Jamie Chung, Erik Estrada, Danielle Fishel, Daniel Henney, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Marcus Scribner Alexa, Carlos PenaVega, and Ariel Winter were there.

“The American Humane Hero Dog Awards honor some of the world’s most extraordinary heroes.” These were the words of Dr. Robin Ganzert. He is president and CEO of American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization. “These heroic canines have gone above and beyond the call of duty. They save lives on the battlefield, comforting the ill and aged, and reminding us of the powerful, age-old bond between animals and people. All seven category winners exemplify what it means to be a hero. We hope their stories will inspire people to value our animal friends. And recognize how much they do for us daily.”

MacKenzie biography

MacKenzie was born in Hilton, New York, with a cleft palate and struggled with contracting aspiration pneumonia, which nearly took her life. But MacKenzie overcame her congenital disability and other health issues and began working for The Mia Foundation. This non-profit rescues and nurtures animals born with genetic disabilities that cannot physically be with their mothers.

“Her job is to provide love and care for baby rescue animals born with congenital disabilities,” the American Humane shared in a release. “MacKenzie takes an interest in each baby from day one, no matter the species or size. She plays nurse and cleans, comforts, and cuddles them. She acts as their mother and teaches them how to socialize, play, and have good manners.”

In addition, MacKenzie interacts with children at schools.

“They learn kindness, patience, and that you can make a difference in the world no matter how small you are,” said the American Humane.

Along with MacKenzie’s honor, the American Humane Hero Dog Awards also gave prizes to 2020’s top therapy dog, service dog, military dog, guide/hearing dog, law enforcement dog, and search and rescue dog.