Saturday
May 18, 2024 
A canine that resides in Perkasie is among the semifinalists for American Humane’s annual Hero Dog Awards.
The Hero Dog Awards is a nationwide competition that searches for and recognizes America’s standout dogs in five categories, including therapy dogs, service and guide dogs, military dogs, law enforcement and first responder dogs, and emerging hero dogs.
America will vote to see which dogs will make it to the finals and winners will be crowned at a star-studded awards gala broadcast on national television.
Raina, one of five semifinalists in the Emerging Hero category, entered the world without the senses of sight or hearing. Throughout her journey, Raina steadfastly remained by her owner’s side, united in their dedication to the noble cause of the Blind Dog Rescue Alliance. Together, they invested countless hours in raising funds and raising awareness about the unique needs of dogs like Raina, all while Raina and her owner fostered other dogs with special needs, providing them a chance to find loving homes.
Everywhere she goes, Raina demonstrates that disability does not limit possibilities.
Her owner, a music teacher, developed the innovative Lending a Paw program, blending music education with community service. Through this program, students performed in fundraising concerts for local shelters. Later, Raina and her owner collaborated on a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about visible and invisible disabilities. The video gained recognition from REELabilities, a film organization supporting performers with disabilities.
Through her journey, Raina has inspired countless children to understand the value of giving. She has nurtured a generation of individuals eager to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Individuals can vote for Raina through Aug. 24 at https://www.herodogawards.org/nominees.
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