News Summary
Rudy, a therapy dog from Chatsworth, California, has been nominated for the 2023 Hero Dog Awards for his exceptional service, especially to first responders during emergencies. Over his six years, he has provided comfort to patients in hospitals and supported emergency responders with emotional comfort during crises, including the recent fires in January. Rudy’s work has earned him significant recognition, including the Presidential Gold Medal for Volunteer Service. He stands as a finalist in the Therapy Dog category, highlighting the invaluable role therapy dogs play in the community.
Chatsworth, California – A local therapy dog named Rudy has been nominated for the prestigious 2023 Hero Dog Awards, recognizing his significant contributions to the community, particularly in supporting first responders during emergencies. The Hero Dog Awards is a national competition organized by the American Humane Society to honor the most courageous and impactful dogs in the United States. Voting for the awards will conclude on September 15th.
Rudy, now six years old, has been actively involved in providing comfort to patients in local hospitals, children in schools, and first responders through the Los Angeles Police Department’s therapy dog program. He gained particular recognition for his work during the January emergencies at the Eaton and Palisades fires. During this time, Rudy and his owner, Steven Zonis, were present to support first responders early each morning, starting at 4 a.m., by attending daily briefings and functioning as a source of emotional comfort.
As part of his daily duties, Rudy offered responders the opportunity to interact with him, allowing them to pet him in a bid to alleviate stress and create a more comforting atmosphere amid challenging conditions. Zonis highlighted the calming influence that dogs can have on humans, providing not only companionship but also a brief respite from the pressures of their work.
Rudy’s journey began when Zonis, who was initially hesitant about getting a new dog following the passing of his previous poodle, Misha, was inspired by a dream his wife had about a black-and-white puppy. This led them to search for a new standard poodle and ultimately adopt Rudy, who they affectionately refer to as “Mr. Personality.” The couple aimed to train Rudy as a therapy dog, commencing his training first with their grandchildren before advancing to more formal settings.
After completing his training, Rudy was certified as a therapy dog and joined approximately 40 other dogs in the LAPD therapy dog program. This program collaborates with various emergency response agencies, ensuring that therapy dogs like Rudy are equipped to handle diverse and challenging environments, including sirens and crowded situations.
During his time in hospitals, Rudy has successfully calmed anxious children, enabling medical staff to perform their work without disruptions. Zonis noted that during these critical moments, Rudy’s presence made a significant difference, fostering a sense of comfort and safety within the hospital environment.
Rudy’s efforts have not gone unnoticed; he has amassed an impressive record of over 1,600 hours of volunteer service. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, both Rudy and Zonis were awarded the United States Presidential Gold Medal for Volunteer Service in 2023, alongside commendations from the LAPD’s Police Chief Michael Moore and LASD Sheriff Robert Luna.
Despite his calm demeanor while on duty, Rudy also exhibits the playful qualities of a typical dog at home, where he is known for his barking and lively personality. Zonis advocates for therapy dog training, emphasizing that with the right guidance and resources, any dog could potentially become a therapy dog.
Rudy stands out as one of five finalists in the Therapy Dog category of the Hero Dog Awards, being the sole representative from Los Angeles and California in this nationwide competition. His nomination underlines not just his individual merit but also the vital role that therapy dogs play in enhancing the lives of those around them during some of the toughest moments.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Los Angeles Celebrates 818 Day and Cultural Events
Los Angeles Cultural Events from August 11-15
Golden Retriever Dug Indulges in Luxurious Wellness Treatments
Maximalist Design Transforms Century-Old Home in Highland Park
Additional Resources
- LAist: Therapy Dog Recognized for Supporting First Responders
- Wikipedia: Therapy Dog
- KTLA: Dog Recognized for Heroic Work During Wildfires
- Google Search: Therapy Dogs
- NBC Los Angeles: Therapy Dog Awards in Los Angeles
- Google Scholar: Therapy Dogs Community Impact
- CBS News: LA County Therapy Dog Running for Award
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal-Assisted Therapy
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
