After collecting over a million votes from the American public and the opinions of an expert panel made up of celebrity animal lovers and dog experts, Chi Chi was named this year’s most heroic dog.

A four-year-old golden retriever from Phoenix, Chi Chi claimed the crown of “American Dog Hero” at the 2018 American Humane Hero Dog Awards and topped 265 other daring dogs to do so.

Chi Chi is a quadruple amputee who was left for dead in South Korea where she was found in a garbage bag with her legs bound, worn to the bone, and already necrotized. After being rescued, she was brought to the United States and adopted by a Phoenix family. 

When people hear Chi Chi’s story and experience her attitude of joy, they are often inspired to face their challenges with renewed courage and a fresh perspective. She positively impacts thousands of people all over the world via her online therapy work through her social media account.

The eighth annual Hero Dogs Awards is sponsored by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc. and Zoetis Petcare (a U.S. business unit of Zoetis) and will be broadcast nationally on Hallmark Channel October 24 at 8:00 pm ET/PT.