The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™

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Hollywood’s stars gathered together on Oct. 5 at the Beverly Hilton to celebrate a different set of stars. The night’s stars were some truly remarkable dogs, who remind us just why they are known universally as man’s best friend.

The night kicked off the 3^rd Annual American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards hosted by Joey Lawrence and special guest Betty White. Eight dogs were chosen by America to be honored in different categories from “Search and Rescue” to “Guide Dog.” One of those amazing eight dogs received the biggest award of the night being named, the “2013 American Hero Dog.”

“The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards were created to honor some of the most extraordinary heroes the world has ever known, the very best of our ‘best friends’ – ordinary dogs, who do extraordinary things,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Association.

The sold out event brought together stars like Jennifer Coolidge, Esai Morales, Ryan O’Neal, Naomi Judd, Pauley Perrette, Lisa Vanderpump, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Bailee Madison, Rico Rodriguez, Brian Baumgartner, Megan Blake, Max Carver, Torrey DeVitto, Matt Leinart, Lauren Potter, Eric Christian Olsen, Ben Savage, Austin Stowell, Chef Michael Voltaggio, Danielle Fishell, Lori Loughlin, Daphne Zuniga, Victoria Stillwell and many more to celebrate these courageous canines.

Over six months, 141 dogs were nominated for the award and over million people voted to select the eight special award recipients.

Each of the eight dogs received $1,500 for their partnered American Humane Association charity, and the American Hero Dog of the year received an additional $5,000 for its charity partner. The night’s winners in the eight categories included:

• Elle from Roanoke Rapids, NC who was the luck dog chosen to be the 2013 American Hero Dog. She partnered with the nonprofit Hand in Paw charity.
• Cassidy from Midvale, UT who won the Emerging Hero Dog Award, and partnered with the Sheltie Rescue of Utah charity.
• Jingles from Amsterdam, NY who won the Guide Dog Award, and partnered with The Seeing Eye charity.
• Lola from Bellingham, WA who won the Hearing Dog Award, and partnered with the Dogs for the Deaf charity.
• K9 Lakota from Locust Grove, GA who won the Law Enforcement/ Arson Dog Award, and partnered with K9s4COPs charity.
• CWD Carlos EDD from Colorado Springs, CO who won the Military Dog Award, and partnered with Military Working Dog Adoptions charity.
• John D from Little Rock, AR who won the Search and Rescue Dog Award, and partnered with The Sage Foundation for Dogs Who Serve charity.
• SD Bronx from Brunswick, GA who won the Service Dog Award, and partnered with Texas Hearing and Service Dogs charity.

“These courageous canines have gone above and beyond the call of duty, saving lives on the battlefield, comforting the ill, aged and afflicted, bringing hope to those who have lost it and reminding us of the powerful, age-old bond between animals and people. Choosing a top dog is difficult because they are all so terrific, but we are proud to announce Elle as the top American Hero Dog for 2013. As an organization that for years has fought breed-specific legislation (BSL), we are also pleased to honor a breed that has been often been unjustly maligned. We hope that Elle’s story will help to underscore the many tremendously positive qualities of this breed,” said Dr. Ganzert

The dogs’ stories are not only courageous but touching and truly heroic. Tune in to the Hallmark Channel on October 30^th to see and hear the incredible stories of these dogs. It will be a night to remember and admire America’s favorite four legged best friend.

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