Canyon was found in Hancock County, Mississippi in 2021, severely malnourished and in a state that required months of veterinary care. During his recovery, handler Christy Bormann noted his sharp intelligence and relentless drive, which led to his placement in the Category 5 K9 program.
The training program sharpened Canyon’s natural scent‑tracking abilities, preparing him for the chaotic environments of disaster sites. In 2023 he earned FEMA certification for human‑remains detection and the International Police Work Dog Association certification for wilderness operations.
Certified, Canyon joined search teams at the 2023 Maui wildfires, 2024 Hurricane Helene, and the 2025 Texas floods. He spent more than 90 days along the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic, locating survivors and helping a San Antonio family reunite with a missing son.
The ASPCA announced Canyon as its 2026 Dog of the Year during the Humane Awards, highlighting how shelter dogs can become life‑saving assets. The award ceremony will take place in June, celebrating the partnership between animal welfare organizations and emergency responders.