Local Dog in Contention to Win National Award

Jeffrey, known to his legions of followers as “Jeffrey, the Positively Peaceful Pit Bull”, is the faithful companion of Milford, CT resident Michele Houston. Out of dozens of applicants, Jeffrey has been honored to make round 2 of voting and be one of the final three for the American Humane Hero Dog Award in the Shelter Dog Category. The American Humane Hero Dog Awards® is an annual, nationwide competition that searches out and recognizes America’s Hero Dogs – often ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things, whether it’s saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight or hearing to a human companion, or helping people achieve their goals or proving that shelter dogs are always worthy of a second chance.

Rescued from the Manhattan Animal Care & Control, euthanasia list in 2010, Jeffrey, now lives a wonderful life as a treasured family dog, a champion rally obedience competitor, and a therapy dog. Jeffrey is the ideal ambassador for dogs still languishing in shelters awaiting needless euthanasia. He is the perfect embodiment that shelter dogs, given a chance, can achieve anything if just given the chance!

Jeffrey advocates by example.

In 2017, he began competing in the mainstream sport of Rally Obedience. To date, he has earned 82 perfect 210 scores in his rally career.

In 2019, he became the first Pit Bull in history to earn World Cynosport Rally’s highest achievement, the Rally Master Champion title, ARCH-MX!

In 2020, Jeffrey ranked #1 in the ARCH-MX division and #5 in the USA!

In 2021, he ranked #2 OVERALL in the USA!

Trained force free, Jeffrey has earned 9 Top 10 rankings and holds nearly 60 titles in 3 different dog sports!

Working as a complex rated Pet Partners therapy dog since 2012, he has served countless hours offering a comforting shoulder to lean on or a playful wag to make you smile. Beloved by our community, he’s in high demand for visits.

Jeffrey’s therapy dog work incudes working with children and adults from the COVE Center for Grieving Children, CT Hospice, Group homes, Sandy Hook Elementary, Reed Intermediate School, Newtown Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, New Haven Public Library, Grand Avenue.

Therapy dog ✓

Obedience Champion ✓

but Jeffrey’s achievements don’t stop there!

Each December, to honor all those in our community affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy, we host Jeffrey’s Joy of Giving Donation Drive. Over 10 years, we’ve collected 2 tons of pet food, 1 ton in food items, 150 coats, and nearly $7K in monetary donations. At 13 years old, he may be a senior but Jeffrey still an important message to share and lessons to teach about the importance of rescuing your new best friend.

Jeffrey is a shining example of the hidden gems waiting in shelters across the country and really embodies the fact that Shelter Dogs Rock!

To vote for Jeffery:

https://www.herodogawards.org/dog/2022/shelter/jeffrey-3

Voting for round 2 of the Hero Dog Awards closes July 22nd