BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Don’t let the sweet kisses of affection fool you, when it’s time to work, Piglet takes care of business.

She's one of the dogs that was honored as a finalist at the 2019 American Humane Hero Dog awards, recognizing her efforts as a volunteer search and rescue dog.

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Her mother and official handler, Lori Wells, took the time to train her into the hero she is today.

“Piglet is specially trained to find human remains, which is just as important for the families to get that answer. She is trained for land and water which means we can also help to locate drowning victims,” said Wells.

Piglet is a Catahoula Leopard dog from Lancaster, California. Wells knew it was a risk to allow Piglet to serve in this line of work, but she’s glad she took that risk.

“It was a huge learning curve for me but she is the best partner ever. She trained me. She taught me how to trust,” Wells said.

Last year, Piglet and Wells were deployed to the tragic Camp fire in Paradise, California. Her training provided much needed answers for searchers and families. Her work helped confirm that fire victims had made it out safely. 

And even though she has been loyal in often heavy environments, her spirit remains light.

“Piglet loves to kiss, she’s very popular that way,” said Wells.

As she received the Hollywood treatment at the Beverly Hilton for the 2019 American Humane Hero Dog Awards,  Wells says she is humbled to experience such recognition, and she hopes these award shows will help shed light on the love and service canines provide for humanity.

“I’m actually going through so many emotions right now. I wasn’t quite sure what it would feel like. And it’s overwhelming. It’s an honor. It’s humbling. It’s more than I imagined,” she said.

As for Piglet, she enjoyed getting all the celebrity recognition that she most certainly deserves.

The full awards show will air as a special on the Hallmark Channel on October 21.