Stray Dog Rescued in Mississippi Becomes ASPCA's 2026 Dog of the Year

Canyon, a stray dog rescued in Mississippi in 2021, has transformed from a severely malnourished animal into a FEMA-certified search and rescue dog, earning the title of ASPCA's Dog of the Year for 2026. After being found and taken to the Hancock County Animal Shelter, Canyon received essential veterinary care before catching the eye of a search-and-rescue handler due to his intelligence and eagerness to work.

He was subsequently enrolled in the Category 5 K9 program, which trains dogs for specialized search and detection roles. Following rigorous training, Canyon received dual certifications in 2023 for human-remains detection and wilderness operations. His deployments include significant incidents such as the 2023 Maui wildfires, Hurricane Helene, and the Texas floods in 2025.

Canyon's training not only focused on command following but also on maintaining focus amid distractions like loud noises and challenging environments, which are essential for search-and-rescue dogs. His handler, Christy Bormann, noted that Canyon's physical capabilities, including size and agility, enable him to navigate places that might be unsafe for human responders.

His deployments required him to search expansive areas, particularly after the Texas floods, where he worked extensively along the Guadalupe River for over 90 days. In addition to his disaster response work, Canyon has also assisted with missing-person searches and homicide investigations, showcasing his specialized detection skills.

The ASPCA emphasized Canyon's remarkable journey from a neglected stray to a compassionate service dog as a testament to the potential of shelter animals. Bormann has expressed that Canyon's success highlights why rescue dogs should not be solely defined by their past circumstances.

Canyon will be formally acknowledged at the ASPCA Humane Awards luncheon at The Plaza Hotel in New York City on October 8, 2026. Bormann plans to continue working with Canyon for about two more years before he retires, allowing him to enjoy a quieter life post-service.