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Rex honored with 'Heroic Dog Award,' reunited with woman who saved his life

Rex was recognized for protecting his teenage owner during a home invasion.
Rex is recovering after burglars shot him multiple times.

Rex is a brave dog, and was recognized Tuesday night for his heroism.

At a special award ceremony, PETA will presented the “Heroic Dog Award” to Rex the German Shepherd for protecting his 16-year-old owner during a home invasion in Des Moines last month.

Rex was shot in the neck and hind legs during the home invasion.

Along with a framed certificate and a get-well package, Rex was reunited with the Animal Control Officer who saved his life. Officer Jan Magnuson rushed Rex to the vet when he was critically injured.

Related: $5,000 for info on who shot Rex the 'hero dog'

"In risking his life to protect his young guardian, this brave dog demonstrated how intelligent and sensitive animals are," PETA Vice President Colleen O'Brien said.

Rex is recovering after undergoing a successful surgery at the end of February. Rex is not staying at his normal home right now because he is a bit scared from the ordeal. His owner, Javier Mercado, is the only human who can be around him right now.

The family has received a lot of well wishes, gifts and money.

PETA is offering up to $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction on cruelty charges of the intruder who injured Rex.

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