Juju, a 60-pound pit bull from Norfolk, Virginia, has been named the 2026 American Hero Pet of the Year by Dogs on Deployment, an organization that assists service members by connecting them with volunteers to care for their pets during deployments or training. Juju was selected from a group of finalists that included dogs with formal service and search-and-rescue backgrounds. His owners, Melissa Sullivan and Joey Deaven, aim to raise awareness about the organization, highlighting that many military families remain unaware of its services.
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Juju’s journey began in May 2024 when Melissa picked up Joey from his job at the Pentagon and presented him with an unexpected mission. She had learned via social media that a two-year-old pit bull was at risk of euthanasia in a shelter in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The couple, accompanied by their dog Ellie, visited the shelter to ensure that Juju and Ellie could coexist. Their meeting went smoothly, which led them to consider adopting Juju.
However, complications arose during the adoption process due to residency discrepancies between their driver’s licenses and their current address, which was flagged by the shelter due to a county ban on pit bull ownership. With only 20 minutes before the shelter closed, Melissa contacted Pets for Patriots, a nonprofit assisting veterans and active-duty military in adopting shelter pets. The founder of Pets for Patriots helped clarify the issue to the shelter, allowing the couple to take Juju home that night.
Melissa later discovered Dogs on Deployment while exploring the Pets for Patriots website and decided to enter Juju in their annual contest. She completed the application with Joey over WhatsApp while he was deployed, noting Juju’s role in protecting her and their home during his absence. When a group of burglars attempted to break into their home, Juju’s barking deterred them.
The Sullivans are now actively promoting Dogs on Deployment, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of available resources. Melissa, who has a background in communications, has been reaching out to shelters, interviewing, and briefing ombudsmen. Many shelters reported that sailors often surrender their pets at the last minute, unaware of services like Dogs on Deployment.
Through its Hero Pet Boarding Network, Dogs on Deployment provides volunteer boarding at no cost to pet owners, who remain responsible for their pets' food and veterinary care. The organization also supports various species and offers financial assistance for qualifying veterinary and relocation-related expenses, essential for families stationed overseas or in expensive areas.
The Sullivans advocate for Dogs on Deployment to be included in the standard pre-deployment checklist for military families. Joey emphasized the importance of not waiting until the last minute to seek assistance, while Melissa underscored that "pets are family" and deserve to be with their owners throughout their military careers.