From a malnourished stray on the streets of Mississippi to a nationally certified disaster response hero, Canyon’s journey highlights the extraordinary potential of rescue animals. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) named Canyon, a FEMA-certified search-and-rescue Labrador Retriever employed by Texas A&M Task Force 1 (TX-TF1), recipient of its 2026 Humane Awards’ Dog of the Year Award. The annual honor celebrates animals demonstrating exceptional bravery and service to humanity.
Canyon works alongside handler Christy Bormann, a canine search specialist with TX-TF1 and training coordinator for the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). Rescued in 2021 as an underweight stray, Canyon caught Bormann’s eye through a social media post displaying the dog’s relentless energy. Bormann recognized those high-drive traits as the raw foundation needed for disaster response.
“I absolutely love Canyon’s enthusiasm,” said Christy. “He loves everything he does. We should all love our jobs as much as Canyon does!”
After rigorous preparation to meet federal government canine training standards, Canyon earned search-and-rescue certification through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Canyon has since deployed to major disaster zones across the country, including the Maui wildfires, Hurricane Helene, and regional flash floods in Texas. High energy and keen scent-detection capabilities allow Canyon to scramble through dangerous rubble to locate survivors more quickly than human responders when time becomes rescuers’ biggest foe and commodity. Despite the arduousness of FEMA training and nationwide deployments, Canyon provides a sense of calm to those around him, especially during intense situations.
“Our task force canines, including Canyon, have a remarkable way of lifting spirits when situations are at their toughest,” said Merribeth Kahlich, TX-TF Media Coordinator and TEEX Senior Administrative Coordinator. “Their calming presence can brighten even the darkest moments and bring people together.”
Canyon’s national award highlights the life-saving bond between handlers and rescue dogs within state and federal emergency operations. Bormann and Canyon accepted the honor at the annual ASPCA Humane Awards in New York City, turning a story of survival into a testament to hope for shelter animals everywhere. Even though Canyon might not understand that he has been featured in People Magazine and The Washington Post, his handler knows Canyon enjoyed the attention he received on the press tour.
“I love that his story is bringing attention to the great things our search and rescue dogs do,” said Christy. “It’s wonderful to see people learning about the great things that dogs in shelters and rescues can do for their communities. Canyon has enjoyed the extra snacks he’s gotten throughout his press tour since being crowned ASPCA Humane Awards’ Dog of the Year!”
Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Communications
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