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A Heroic Pup with a Big Heart: Meet Besa

In the bustling world of dogs in the U.S., one special canine stands out with a remarkable achievement. Among the millions of pups, only Besa, a devoted 10-year-old German Shepherd, has proudly earned a ‘Human Trafficking’ qualification from the United States Police Canine Association.

Besa’s Brave Journey

Besa lovingly works with the Ohio Special Response Team. Her heartwarming mission? To keep people safe. With her handler, Sarah Gentry, Besa embarked on a journey that no other service dog has traveled in the U.S. She’s the only one to achieve this unique qualification, proving she's a true hero. Sarah couldn't be prouder, saying, "I'm blessed to have a dog like Besa!"

Captain Alan Plastow, from the Search & Rescue Unit, explained Besa's amazing talent:

• She uses scent articles, things people have worn, to track them down.
• Whether hidden away in rooms, vehicles, or outdoors, Besa's nose knows where to look.

Every year in Ohio, thousands of children go missing. Are they caught in human trafficking? Besa and her team aim to find out.

Celebrating Achievements

To spread the word about their noble work, the team held demonstrations at the All-American Cleveland Pet Expo. Captain Plastow encouraged the community, saying, "If your family member goes missing, you can ask the police to involve us."

Besa’s bravery doesn’t stop there. She recently helped in a disaster in North Carolina. Her heroic efforts earned her the Award for Canine Excellence in the Search and Rescue Dog Category from the American Kennel Club Humane Fund. Sarah humbly shared, "It’s an overwhelming honor as it recognizes the hard work we’ve done and inspires us to do even more."

Besa's Challenges and Triumphs

Our valiant girl, Besa, faced some tough battles too. She survived leptospirosis, a serious blood infection that claimed the life of her beloved sister, Gertie. Alongside Sarah, she also made it through a severe car accident. Not to be deterred, Besa, with a wagging tail, returned to her duties after emergency surgery last year.

Heartfelt Gratitude and Future Hope

Besa’s story is a gentle reminder of the profound love and service animals offer us. Her journey inspires everyone to embrace the joy that pets bring into our lives. Thinking of adding a furry friend to your family? Consider adopting and opening your heart to a pet who needs a loving home.

To continue celebrating amazing dogs like Besa, check out 32 things to know about service dogs. Let Besa's story inspire you to cherish the wonderful bond with your pet.