Sgt. Bo may have started as a stray, but today he’s a community hero—and a top therapy dog recognized nationwide. His journey from the streets to the Today Show is a story of resilience, love, and unexpected joy, guided every step of the way by his devoted owner, Faye Okert of Hendersonville.

Faye, a retired Metropolitan Nashville School Resource Officer with over 34 years of service, first met Bo through a therapy dog training program for homeless dogs. “I put a preference in for a female short-haired dog, and they gave me Bo. I didn’t think he was a cute dog at all. I wanted to trade dogs and he makes me pay for that all the time,” she laughs. Even then, Bo had a way of proving people wrong—and for winning hearts.

Bo joined Faye at her work in January 2023. He quickly became a comforting presence for children, teachers, and community members. Faye often tells kids, “Don’t judge a book by the cover. Kids are really bad about, ‘I don’t like you because of what you’re wearing, or I don’t like you because of the way you look.’ And you’ll miss out on something great. I would have missed out had the trainer let me trade dogs.”

Bo’s caring nature earned him national recognition when he won the 2026 American Humane Hero Dog of the Year Award. Faye submitted his story not thinking much of it.

“I got an email that said he was in the top 5 of the therapy dogs. There were hundreds of applications, so I was happy just to be in the top 5,” she says. With support from local schools, her pickleball community, and even strangers she met at Hobby Lobby, Bo captured the hearts of voters across the country.

Despite the unexpected fame, Faye keeps Bo’s mission grounded in community service. They regularly visit local schools, reading with children and providing comfort during tough times. “It doesn’t matter what setting—schools, nursing homes, hospitals—we just want to help kids and adults. Bo has a fabulous story, from the time on the street to the prison, to the schools… he’s amazing,” Faye shares.

In his free time, Bo enjoys a more relaxed life, surrounded by Faye’s other pets. He’s fond of playing chase with her cat and carrying his favorite toy ducks around the house. And when it comes to snacks? French toast sticks reign supreme, thanks to a thoughtful teacher who delivered them to Bo after surgery. “He not only means a lot to me, he means it to a lot of people,” Faye says.

From a stray dog to an award winner, Sgt. Bo has touched countless lives through his warmth, gentleness, and unwavering dedication. His story is a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected friendships make the biggest difference—and that a small dog with a big heart can inspire an entire community.

For those interested in connecting with Bo for outreach or school visits, Stay Positive News can help facilitate contact with Faye and Sgt. Bo.