Jennifer Li Shotz - Scout: Firefighter

SCOUT SEEMED TO KNOW THAT THE crowd had come to see him. He puffed out his chest and rotated his big, pointy ears to the front of his head. His brown-and-white fur had been shampooed and brushed for the occasion, making him look dignified and serious instead of goofy and eager, like he usually did. His brown eyes glittered playfully under the stage lights.

He was a handsome mutt, and he looked extra proud in his shiny new K-9 National Guard vest, stitched with an American flag and his name in capital letters: SCOUT .

The dog shifted from one paw to the other, trying hard to obey the sit command hed been given.

Matt knew what Scout really wanted to do. He wanted to hop to his feet, wag his tail wildly in the air, and prance around the room, sniffing at everyone. If dogs could smile, Matt knew Scout would be grinning from ear to ear.

But Scout was a good dog, and he was doing what good dogs do. He had been told to sit, so he sat. With his head cocked to the side, Scout focused on Matts mom, Colonel Tackett, who stood next to him onstage and spoke to the audience.

Colonel Tackett was beaming as she welcomed Scout to the National Guard K-9 unit of Nevada. Finally, after months of training and a dangerous rescue mission, Scout was officially on the job.

Matts mom held up Scouts certificate for the audience of servicemen and -women to see.

And now, for the dog of the hour, she said. May I present to you my friend Scout.

Matt let out a wild cheer, but he was drowned out by his older sister Bridgets woo-hoo! and his new friend Devs piercing whistle. The crowd around them burst into raucous applause. As they hooted and hollered, Matt and Scout made eye contact. At the sight of Matt, Scout bobbed his head and let out a silent woof, then swished his tail across the ground.

Matts mom laughed and waited for everyone to quiet down.

I think every single person here today knows how I feel about Scout. She winked at Matt, and Matt felt the eyes of the entire room on him.

Scout saved my kids and their friends lives. That is something a mother never forgets. So, Im honored to say that Scout has finished his training and is now a certified member of the National Guard. She squatted down next to Scout and put her hands on the sides of his head. Scout sniffed at her face, and Matts mom scratched him under the chin. She whispered something to him, and Scout licked her on the cheek.

Matts mom stood up. Her eyes were a little damp, and she brushed away a tear. She cleared her throat. And Id also like to thank my son, Matt Tackett.

Matts eyebrows shot up in surprisehe hadnt expected her to say that. His mom smiled broadly at him, her eyes still dewy, and Bridget elbowed him in the ribs.

Awww, Bridget exhaled, so softly only Matt could hear. Whos the hero now?

Matt elbowed her back but kept a straight face. He suddenly became hyperaware of his stiff new shirt and the weird way his hair was slicked down and neatly brushed. It was a strange feeling to have a whole crowd of people staring at him.

My son, his mom went on, saw something in Scout thatI wont lieI didnt see at first. But Matt and Scout understood each other. Matt knew that Scout needed time and encouragement to become the dog he was meant to be. So, Matt, this honor is as much for you as it is for Scout.

Matts face went hot. He looked around sheepishly and gave an awkward little wave at the assorted trainers and K-9 specialists who were, much to his embarrassment, still staring at him.

He hated being the center of attention, but he sure couldnt argue with his mom when it came to Scoutand the bond they had.

When Scout had arrived in Nevada, Matts mom had wanted to ship him right back to where he had come from. She didnt think he had what it took to be a highly skilled search-and-rescue dog.

Matt had begged her not to send Scout back, and hed even surprised himself with how upset he was about it. But Matt had been upset about a lot of things back thenfrom his familys sudden move to Silver City, to the need to make new friends again, to the fact that his dad, a first sergeant, was on a long deployment to Afghanistan.

Something about Scout had helped Matt start to feel better. He had seen how special Scout was from day one. Matt knew, from his own experience, that when youre the new guy in town, people often dont see you for who you really are. Just like Matt, Scout needed a friend to believe in him.

Matt had decided to train Scout in secret, hoping that he could convince his mom to keep the dog in her K-9 program. But before they could make any real progress, a dam broke and flooded their town.

Thats when Scout proved himself all on his own. The instant the flood hit, he transformed from a nervous pup to an unbelievably brave dog. He jumped into action, saving Matt, Bridget, Devand even some strangers too.

Now there was no doubt in anyones mind: Scout was heroic beyond their wildest hopes.

And though he was technically Colonel Tacketts dogwell, the National Guards dogno one could tear him away from Matt. Scout had become Matts shadow, following him around the house, whining when Matt left for school, and waiting for him by the front door when he came home. Scout was part best friend and part fierce protector, and Matt felt the same way about his dog.

Matt and Scout would do anything for each other.

They were a team.