A San Antonio area rescue dog and a girl from Dallas are among the country's animal and human heroes recognized in a national award late last week.
Canyon, a former shelter dog who now works in the Texas A&M Task Force 1, and Eloise "Lulu" Peck, an animal lover who perished in last year's historic July 4 flood, are among the seven recipients of annual Humane Awards granted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The Texas awardees claimed Dog of the Year and Human of the Year, respectively.
The animal welfare organization recognizes "remarkable people and animal heroes nationwide who have made extraordinary contributions to animal welfare and improve the lives of those around them," according to a press release.
Canyon was rescued as a stray in Mississippi and brought to an animal shelter in 2021. There, a handler noticed his "exceptional intelligence and drive" and placed him in a Texas A&M nonprofit program that trains shelter dogs to search and rescue.
The lab-like pooch has helped with investigations into missing persons and homicides and deployed to major disasters like the Maui wildfires and Hurricane Helene. After floods swept through the Hill County in 2025, killing 139 people and leaving two still missing, Canyon spent more than 90 days searching for victims and survivors along the Guadalupe River.
"Canyon exemplifies the resilience, dedication and lifesaving impact that dogs can have when given a second chance," an ASPCA press release says.
The dog received two certifications in 2023: human remains detection from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and wilderness operations from the International Police Work Dog Association. He now works alongside his handler Christy to the southwest of San Antonio in Lytle.
"Animals show us extraordinary courage, resilience and an incredible capacity to trust and connect," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO. "The ASPCA Humane Awards celebrate remarkable animals whose stories inspire us and remind us why protecting and caring for animals matters so deeply."
The awards also recognize humans who contributed to animal welfare. That includes the 8-year-old from Dallas, Lulu Peck, who loved animals and "delighted in befriending every creature she met," the press release says. Peck was among the 27 campers and counselors who died at Camp Mystic in the unprecedented flooding.
To honor their daughter, the Pecks established a memorial fund called the Living for Lulu Foundation, which sends its contributions to Blueberry Hill Farm and Rescue, an Arkansas non-profit where Lulu had donated part of her earnings from walking dogs.
Canyon, Lulu and the other ASPCA awardees will be celebrated Oct. 8 in New York City.
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This article originally published at Camp Mystic rescue dog and victim win national hero awards.