© Humane Society of the United StatesKANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
The story of Hank's heroism has gone national.
The Humane Society of the United States has bestowed its top award on the Kansas City dog who nearly died while saving his owner from domestic violence.
A group of judges selected Hank as the Valor Dog of the Year. A vote from the public also named Hank the People's Hero.
Last year, a woman known as McKenzie desperately called the Rose Brooks Center after her boyfriend nearly beat her to death with a hammer. As the man struck the woman with both ends of the hammer, the Great Dane leaped into the fray.
The dog jumped in and laid across the woman and absorbed most of the blows until the man threw her and the dog from a second-story window.
The dog's injuries were severe. They included a broken hip and ribs and other broken bones. The man left the dog in the street for dead.
"He saved her life," said Susan Miller, the center's chief executive officer.
The Humane Society agreed. The Valor Dog award celebrates canines who display an extraordinary sense of courage or resolve by heroically helping a person in need.
Hank and McKenzie will receive prizes from Belle Tocca Tags, Custom Glass Etching and Humane Domain.
To read about other brave dogs honored by the Humane Society, click here.
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