so many are asking why the family gave away their dog... I see it as a way of honoring the little boy and their family... that dog and that boy bonded in that experience and that by nature made the boy the dog's owner... in was honor that they let their dog go with the boy.
I would agree that the family would be receiving an honor. I just would not do it with MY dog =) I would simply be really really happy he/she helped someone and invite the boy over any time to hang out with the dog.