Julianne Hough Promotes Hero Dog Awards

Julianne Hough, who will kick up her heels in an upcoming remake of Footloose, kicked off the voting campaign for the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards by paying a visit to patients and therapy dogs at the VA Medical Center-Manhattan/New York Harbor Healthcare System on June 20, 2011.

“I am thrilled to be working with CESAR and American Humane Association to raise awareness and celebrate these amazing dogs,” said Hough. “My two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels mean the absolute world to me, so I know how powerful the relationship with a dog can be, and I’m happy to be involved in such a great cause.”

Shining a spotlight on the Spots whose heroism has touched hearts, the upcoming American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards presented by CESAR Canine Cuisine will honor courageous canines in the following categories:

Law Enforcement and Arson Dogs
Service Dogs
Therapy Dogs
Military Dogs
Guide Dogs
Search and Rescue Dogs
Hearing Dogs
Emerging Hero Dogs

Dog devotees can log on to www.HeroDogAwards.org and cast a vote for their favorite Fidos. For each vote received, CESAR Canine Cuisine will make a donation to American Humane Association to help provide more specially trained animal assistance therapy dogs to people who need them most. Finalists chosen by the public will fly to Hollywood, where they will enjoy an evening as red carpet Rovers when the Hero Dog Awards are presented on October 1, 2011.

Celebrity Support

At the awards show the celebrated Spots will meet a number of famous fans of Fidos, including Betty White. “I just love dogs and all they do for people,” said Betty. “When I learned that the American Humane Association was honoring Hero Dogs and that I could share the stage with Roselle, the guide dog who led her blind master down 1,463 stairs to survival just before the World Trade Center collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001, as part of a special ten year tribute, I just knew I had to be part of this incredible celebration. I am so happy to be a presenter for the first ever American Hero Dog Awards.”

Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg has taken on the role of celebrity judge for the Hero Dog Awards. “I believe in American Humane Association,” said Goldberg. “They are there for the animals, and it’s only about the real interest of the animals. When other groups scream for ‘animal rights’ just to get into the spotlight, this group doesn’t make a lot of noise — it just gets the job done. As long as I can remember, American Humane Association has been there (and that’s a long time!). I’m a fan.”

Another celebrity judge for the event will be Orlando Brown from the former Disney Channel series That’s So Raven. A proud pet parent to dogs who were rescued from a puppy mill, the actor stated of his new role: “There are many things I love in this world. Music, acting, and animals are at the top of that list. I hope that through my ambassadorship and work with the Hero Dog Awards, I will inspire people to give more love to those who need it most.”

The leader of the judging panel pack will be the queen of canine comportment, It’s Me or The Dog star Victoria Stilwell. “The Hero Dog Awards celebrate the animals we love and the people who care for them on a daily basis,” says Victoria Stilwell. “While my job on television is to restore harmony in homes where pets are running riot and the family is in the dog house, I am excited to celebrate and honor the dogs and people sharing a mutually valuable relationship for the Hero Dog Awards.”

The awards show will be televised on Hallmark Channel on Veterans Day, November 11, 2011.

For more information:

• visit www.HeroDogAwards.org

For more information about CESAR Canine Cuisine:

• visit www.cesar.com

For more information about The American Humane Association:

• visit www.americanhumane.org

Photo Credit: PRNewsFoto/Mars Petcare US

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