Loving dog who had tongue cruelly cut out wins incredible honor

Updated

America's eight most heroic pooches walked the red carpet on September 10 for the 6th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards -- and one gentle giant stole everyone's hearts.

After nearly a million public votes and input by a celebrity panel, Hooch the French Mastiff was honored as the 2016 American Hero Dog.

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The pup was rescued three years ago by Marley's Mutts in California after someone horrifically cut out his tongue and chopped off his ears.

Rescuers believe Hooch was brutally abused to prepare him to serve as a bait dog in a vicious dog-fighting ring.

See more of this sweet, award-winning dog:

A dog's tongue is crucial to help them keep cool, and the critical injury made it difficult for Hooch to get proper nutrition. As a result, Hooch was a staggering 40 pounds underweight.

Zach Skow, founder of Marley's Mutts, told InsideEdition.com that they fed the pup initially with a feeding tube to help get his weight up. But eventually, they learned the best way to keep him healthy was to pour warm water on his dog food and feed him by hand.

Due to the horrific abuse he suffered, Hooch was initially terrified of people -- but after bonding with rescuers he now loves everyone, especially children.

Hooch dedicates his time to Marley's Mutts Miracle Mutts division, where he works as a therapy dog. He loves working with autistic, abused and special needs children.

You can see Hooch's incredible story and the entire inspiring awards show on the Hallmark Channel on October 28 at 8 p.m. EST/PST.

See more heroic pups and stars on the red carpet:

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