Labs being a popular home companion aside, the breed has a certain knack for fitting into a variety of important roles that serve humankind because of their personality, intelligence, and unflappability. These Labs made the news recently, reinforcing the breed’s place among us on the home front.
Firefighter
A yellow Lab named Maggie, age one, is the fourth ILDC (Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine) to join the state of Indiana. Located in Hendricks County at the Pike Township Fire Department in Indianapolis, Maggie works alongside veteran firefighter Troy Clements to work scenes of potential arson. Maggie can detect up to 60 different ignitable liquids and was trained through Jordan Detection Services. Since she belongs to Clements and not the department, she is a free agent to assist at potential arson scenes around the country. (Read more at https://bit.ly/3GVUHQ9)
American Heroes
Nominations for the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards Open June 2, 2025. Labs have been nominated and won in the past, including Poppy, Buda, Recon, Keb, Iiken, Kinley, Dolly Pawton, Lady, Yeager, Frances, and others. “The American Humane Hero Dog Awards® is an inspiring annual event celebrating the human animal bond. It honors courageous canines who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery, loyalty, and service. From search-and-rescue heroes to therapy dogs bringing comfort, each nominee showcases the profound impact dogs have on our lives. The competition highlights their stories, raises awareness for animal welfare, and inspires communities to support the human-animal bond.” (Read more at www.herodogawards.org)
New Recruit
The Newport Police Department has a new recruit, a chocolate Lab puppy named Bo. Bo will undergo training to become a therapy/comfort K9, whose mission will be to provide emotional support and help reduce stress after traumatic or sensitive events in the community. He’ll also do friendly outreach to schools. In addition, Bo will undergo scent training to detect danger, such as explosives. Bo’s role is intended to help not just members of the community, but members of the police department as well. Right now, his only mission, much to the satisfaction of the department, is to just be a pup. Talk about a lift to one’s spirit! (Read more at https://bit.ly/42NGVrE)
Official Dog
Arkansas has officially recognized the Labrador retriever as the state dog. The bill was signed into law in April 2025. The Lab was chosen because of its love for water, popularity among families, and its involvement in hunting and outdoor pursuits, which is a favorite pastime in this state. Arkansas joins 14 other states in the union, who already have designated state dogs. None, however, have chosen the Labrador retriever. (Read more at https://bit.ly/4k6jkYT)
Victim Advocate
The Michigan Attorney General’s Office announced it has acquired its first victim advocate dog. Baylee is a female yellow Lab trained to “support crime victims [in the Victim Right’s Division] by providing comfort during court hearings and meetings with prosecutors and victim advocates…. Baylee received her training through the Guide Dog Training Program at Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills.” (Read more at https://bit.ly/4iQifmQ)
