A Hudson Valley dog has been nominated for the American Humane Association's Hero Dog Awards. Here's how you can make sure our local K9 wins.

The annual award campaign held by the AHA recognizes here dogs and their handlers. This year eight finalists, along with their human companions, will attend a star-studded awards show in Hollywood that will be broadcast on the Hallmark Channel. Out of the finalists, one dog will be awarded the grand prize of $7,500 and the title of "American Hero Dog."

Kiah, a pit bull working for the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department has been nominated this year and needs your vote. Last July, Kiah became the very first pit bull police dog in New York State. The dog, working as a narcotics detection and tracking dog has become an ambassador for other pit bulls across the country.

The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department wound up with Kiah after being found injured and abandoned in a parking lot. The dog was trained and rescued by Universal K9, a group that rehabilitates “pit bull” dogs for law enforcement with funding provided by the Animal Farm Foundation in Dutchess County.

Working with Officer Justin Bruzgul, Kiah has gained recognition as one of the most willing law enforcement dogs Universal K9 had seen. According to the Humane Society, Kiah and Officer Bruzgul have set out to share their message about the value of rescue dogs, by visiting schools, K9 conferences and patrolling the community.

You can vote for Kiah by visiting the American Humane Society's website. The second round of voting ends on June 22 and all eight finalists will be awarded $2,500 to their charity partners. Kiah and Officer Bruzgul are competing for K9s4COPs.

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