Roma, a former shelter dog, has been honoured as the 2026 Rescue Pet Hero for her search-and-rescue work. The award was given by the Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Roma spent her early months on the streets of Los Angeles. She was later trained by the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

She deployed to Venezuela after a June earthquake. Alongside her handler Derek Morree, she helped find more than a dozen people trapped in rubble.

Morree called Roma a sweet but playful ball of energy. He said their five-year partnership has been the highlight of his career.

The award celebrates shelter pets who find purpose. Roma’s story shows how rescue animals can become heroes with training and care. Roma also received a year’s supply of dog food, which her handler donated to a local rescue. The ceremony was part of the annual Remember Me Thursday event. Shelter staff said Roma’s journey inspires many new adoptions each year.