Blue can relate to the tumultuous year that was 2020. The Los Angeles Fire Department’s 2024 Howling Hero was separated from her mother as a puppy and found herself in what her owner, Kristen Nystrom, called, “a house of horrors.”

Nystrom described the illegal backyard breeding situation from which they rescued Blue. The off-the-books puppy mill was rampant with subpar conditions and a lack of care for the dogs.

Blue was nursed back to health after her rescue and fit right in with Nystrom’s family as soon as she came to her new home. She quickly became the center of Nystrom’s household and was a bright spot during the uncertainty and heaviness of the pandemic.

“It was such a difficult time for everyone, and she just brought this light and energy and love to our family, friends, and the neighborhood,” Nystrom shared.

Blue safely made “house calls” to visit Nystrom’s loved ones and brought comfort and normalcy to those in need during a very trying time, especially to Nystrom’s grandparents who were uniquely impacted by the pandemic.

More recently in January, an intruder attempted to break in while Nystrom was home. Blue’s sharp, loud bark cut through the air and alerted Nystrom’s household to the danger, scaring away the nefarious individual.

“It could have been really bad, especially if we weren’t home,” Nystrom reflected.

Nystrom’s boyfriend and his father are both members of the LAFD, and they shared the Instagram post announcing the contest with her. “I am dog obsessed so I figured this is our time!” Nystrom said of her decision to enter Blue, now three and a half years old, in the running.

“Honestly, I was very surprised,” Nystrom said when they announced Blue as the winner live on KTLA. But more than anything, she was proud of Blue. “She puts a smile on everyone’s face,” Nystrom shared.

Over 150 pups helped raise more than $28,000 for the 2024 Howling Heroes contest, with all of the proceeds going to support LAFD canine and other programs that help them save lives and protect communities.