Most police dogs are bred for their work. They’re trained from birth. A state police K-9 can cost $7,500. Many come from Europe. Corporal Daniel O’Neil looked at Ruby. A shelter mutt. Hard to manage. She just didn’t fit the bill.

Still, he took the risk.

Now Ruby and Corporal O’Neil have been partners for 11 years. They’ve teamed up on several successful rescues.

This winter, Massachusetts made a new law: First responders can treat police dogs injured in the line of duty. “Nero’s Law” was named for a K-9 dog that was shot while doing police work. Back then, state law didn’t let emergency responders treat dogs. Nero’s human partner, Sergeant Sean Gannon, was also shot. Mr. Gannon did not recover. But Nero did. He now lives with Mr. Gannon’s widow.

Heroes are helpers. They show selflessness. They may risk danger to help others. Officers like Corporal O’Neil and Sergeant Sean Gannon are heroes. So are dogs like Ruby and Nero.

We’re designed to admire heroes. Deep in our hearts, we know we need a hero. And in the big story God is writing, the perfect hero exists. His name is Jesus. Jesus is perfectly selfless. He gave up heaven to come to Earth. He willingly sacrificed. He died a horrible death so we don’t have to. Earthly heroes give us a tiny hint of who He is.

Human—and canine—heroes aren’t perfect. That includes Ruby. Ruby still has the occasional misadventure. Once, she bolted at a state park, prompting a 19-hour search. She turned up safe and sound later. Another time, she came back from an outdoor potty break with a skunk writhing—and spraying—in her jaws!