We have a TON of celebrities from Georgia - Singers, Actors, Athletes and now America's Top Dog! Congratulations to Alpharetta Police K-9 officer Mattis and his handler Sgt. Mark Tappanon, runner up last night on the A & E show America's Top Dog. That's #2 out of 56 competitors!
Each week’s winning team received $10,000 and an additional $5,000 to donate to the animal charity of their choice. Mark and Mattis won in January chose to donate to the Georgia Police K9 Foundation.
Mattis, is a bit of a super hero! He is a multi-purpose K-9 who does narcotics detection and patrol work, which includes finding misplaced or tossed objects and tracking people who might be suspects or are lost. In 2016, he was doing his job chasing a suspect when suffered a 30 foot near fatal fall in the line of duty. He had a lacerated liver and heavy internal bleeding.
The staff at North Fulton Animal Emergency Hospital performed emergency surgery and Mattis was back on the job in a month! .
Mattis’ bravery earned him the Outstanding Officer of the Year award and a Purple Heart. He's namesake former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, also honored him!
Way to go Mattis! You are definitely Georgia's Top DOG!!!!