The gentle-giant, people-loving Rottweiler named Hero enjoyed being around children most of all. Hero was a certified Dog Scout of America . He was a therapy dog. He and Heddie served in many animal-assisted therapy roles. They taught children to read at schools and libraries, provided support and encouragement for children with cancer and their families in hospitals, and provided therapy for children and families in domestic-violence shelters. They were dispatched by NAACR and assigned through the American Red Cross to assist with the mental-health unit after the EF5 tornado hit Parkersburg, Iowa. Hero will never be forgotten by all who were fortunate enough to have interacted with him and Heddie. His achievements, encouragement, compassion, and support will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him in his all-too-short life."