NC Therapy K9 wins award for her work after Helene

ASHEVILLE, N.C.– The Asheville Police Department’s therapy dog, K9 Officer Kora, is the 2024 winner of the First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award. Kora won after almost 8,500 people voted for their favorite therapy dog across the country. Her handler, Senior Police Officer, Debbie Lecroy, says that Highland Canine originally reached out to her about nominating Kora for this award. Following Hurricane Helene, Lecroy says that Kora’s job has become even more important. The Asheville Police Department is hopeful that Kora winning this award will inspire agencies across the United States to invest in therapy dogs.