Five Working Dogs Honored By Diamond Pet Foods

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

META, Mo. / PRNewswire

Diamond Pet Foods, a leading manufacturer of super premium pet food, is recognizing five four-legged workers who have a fierce commitment to contributing to society and their owners' quality of life.

To honor "labor dogs" during Labor Day, Diamond asked working dog owners to submit essays sharing how their dogs contribute to their lives and/or communities. After reviewing the entries, five winners were selected to receive one free bag of Diamond pet food each month for one year.


"Diamond is proud to recognize the contributions of these dogs, and the thousands of working dogs nationwide, who are dedicated to bettering the lives of their owners and our society as a whole," said John Kampeter, director of marketing, Diamond Pet Foods.

The selected winners of the Labor Dog Essay contest are as follows: Golden Girl ("G.G."), a golden retriever, Katy, Texas

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, Gina Mosley and G.G. tackle everyday tasks together. Mosley said her assistance dog helps her balance, opens and closes doors, and has also boosted her self-confidence.

Hero, a rottweiler, Liberty, Mo.

While many therapy dogs specialize in working with one age group or individuals in similar situations, Hero, a rottweiler, serves the needs of people ranging in age from 6 to 96 in a variety of situations, including schools, nursing homes, and hospitals.

Kevin, a German shepherd, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

As a trained security dog, Kevin is on a tour of duty in Iraq with his handler, Dan McClain. During his first deployment to Iraq, McClain requested to be trained as a handler when he returned home. He and Kevin returned to Iraq in September.

Byron, an Italian greyhound, Key Largo, Fla.

After a serious car accident injured his owner, Byron, who was already trained as a therapy dog, helps his owner with daily tasks including removing her shoes and socks, fetching dropped objects, and helping with the laundry.

Snooker, a Jack Russell terrier Scout, Yankee and Smidge, maremmas, Windsor, Mo.

When a tornado ripped through their farm and home, Snooker, who had training as a therapy dog, stayed by the side of his wheelchair-bound owner while Scout, Yankee and Smidge, kept the family's sheep out of harm's way as shelters were uprooted and fencing was destroyed.