Following Coast-to-Coast Voting, America's "Top Dogs" Chosen To Compete In The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™, Premiering On Hallmark Channel, Thursday, November 7

Americans Cast More than One Million Votes and Pick Country's Eight Most Courageous Canines; Final Voting by Public and Top Celebrities Begins Now to Choose 2013 "American Hero Dog"

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The country has spoken. After intense balloting and more than one million votes cast, eight courageous canines have been chosen as America's "top dogs" and will be going to Hollywood, where one heroic hound will be named the 2013 American Hero Dog at the third annual American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101108/DC97343LOGO)

The 2013 Hero Dog Awards, presented by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation and produced by Emmy® award-winning MRB Productions, will take place October 5 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Hollywood, and will air as a 90-minute special on Hallmark Channel November 7 as part of Hallmark Channel's Pet Project, the network's cross-platform advocacy campaign designed to celebrate the joy and enrichment animals bring to our lives, while addressing the country's epidemic of pet homelessness.

From an outstanding field of 141 four-legged heroes, eight of America's top dogs were chosen by the public as winners in each of their specialized categories: K9 Lakota of Locust Grove, GA won in the Law Enforcement/Arson Dogs category, sponsored by State Farm®; John D of Little Rock, AR won in the Search and Rescue category; Jingles of Amsterdam, NY won in the Guide Dogs category; Lola of Bellingham, WA won in the Hearing Dog category; CWD Carlos EDD of Colorado Springs, CO won in the Military Dogs category, sponsored by Royal Canin®; SD Bronx of Brunswick, GA won in the Service Dogs category; Elle of Roanoke Rapids, NC won in the Therapy Dogs category, sponsored by Zoetis; and Cassidy of Midvale, UT won in the Emerging Hero Dogs category, honoring ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things, and sponsored by Paul Mitchell Schools. The full stories on the winners are below.

The eight finalists will travel with their human partners to Hollywood for a star-studded gala and award ceremony featuring Betty White and other canine-loving celebrities. Each finalist will be presented with a Hero Dog Award for their feats of loyalty, bravery, and love, and win $1,500 for a selected charity partner.  In addition, one extraordinary dog among the eight finalists will be honored as the American Hero Dog for 2013, securing an additional $5,000 for his or her charity partner.

Voting Now Open to Choose 2013's American Hero Dog

To help choose America's top dog, the public can now go to www.herodogawards.org and vote for their favorite once a day through September 26. Information about tickets, table sales and sponsorships for the gala and awards ceremony are also available by calling (866) 242-1877 or by clicking here.

"Every dog who was nominated is truly an American hero," says Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Association. "Every day, in all sorts of ways, dogs protect, comfort, and provide unconditional friendship and nonjudgmental companionship to the sick, the infirm, our veterans and their families, and children facing difficulties. This is American Humane Association's third year celebrating the very special friendship and absolute heroic feats they perform for us daily. We thank the animals, their dedicated owners and handlers, and the generous sponsors who have helped bring about that recognition: The Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Hallmark Channel, MRB Productions, national online sponsor and Therapy Dog sponsor Zoetis®, Military Dog sponsor Royal Canin®, Law Enforcement and Arson Dog sponsor State Farm®, Emerging Hero Dog sponsor Paul Mitchell Schools, Best Producer sponsor Merial and print sponsor Modern Dog magazine. Dogs may be our best friends, but these caring organizations are theirs."

"Heroes come in all colors and sizes, and they don't just walk on two legs," Lois Pope says. "I have seen dogs bring such love and joy to the lives of children with cancer and other debilitating illnesses, and offer tremendous support and comfort to disabled veterans. I know there are dogs who are working alongside and protecting our police and fire professionals and our military. And of course, there are so many dogs who provide invaluable and life-transforming service to the blind and the deaf. They are true heroes and they deserve our love, our respect and our honor. That's why I'm so proud to be a part of this awards program and American Humane Association."   

"There is no way to truly quantify the contributions dogs make to our lives, whether heroic and loyal working dogs or those special pets that are such treasured members of our families," said Bill Abbott, president and CEO, Crown Media Family Networks. "We at Hallmark Channel are so proud to be a part of the Hero Dog Awards program, which is one way we can acknowledge and celebrate our canine heroes, while informing the public about the many ways dogs enrich, guard, and save our lives every day."

The Hero Dog Awards were created by American Humane Association to recognize and honor the powerful relationship between dogs and people. The annual national competition searches out and recognizes America's hero dogs who unreservedly help us in so many important ways, whether it's saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight or hearing to a human companion, providing therapeutic support to those suffering from cancer, or helping autistic children find their voice and connect with the world. 

And the Winners Are ...

EMERGING HERO DOGS CATEGORY (sponsored by Paul Mitchell Schools)
WINNER: Cassidy (Midvale, UT) -- Three years ago a good Samaritan pulled over to pick up a pile of trash on the side of the highway. Under the garbage was a skinny, matted, scared little black dog who had been hit by a car. Cassidy was rushed to the emergency vet where his front leg was amputated. Sheltie Rescue of Utah took him into their program and Cassidy found his forever home with Kathy. But Cassidy's amazing journey did not stop there; he is an advocate for special needs rescues and works to show that every life has value. He is proof that dogs are not disposable. Cassidy and his mom also do presentations for children about disabilities, acceptance and how everyone is different, special and has something positive to give to the world. Cassidy visits rehabilitation centers and is living proof that there is always hope and that anything is possible. Despite everything he has been through he has a very loving and trusting nature. He snuggles into each person's arms and shows them that he is perfect the way he is and that they too are perfect the way they are.

(Charity Partner: Sheltie Rescue of Utah)

GUIDE DOG CATEGORY
WINNER: Jingles (Amsterdam, NY) -- Jingles is a Lab/Golden cross guide dog who works as part of a heroic team with a diabetic alert canine to help Karen Ann, who is multiply disabled. Jingles is joy unbounded, full of exuberance, and works hard to guide Karen Ann safely in every situation. Crossing streets Jingles maintains focus in the face of blaring horns, screeching brakes, and quiet hybrid vehicles that sneak up out of nowhere. She's adept at avoiding kids on scooters, people bustling by, construction barriers and the distraction of yapping pet dogs on flexi leads. In stores she steers Karen Ann clear of day-dreaming shoppers darting out of aisles with loaded carts, and guides her safely to where she wants to go. Jingles was trained to work on the left side of her partner but since Karen Ann is unable to work a dog on that side, Jingles underwent additional training and now she is Karen Ann's "right hand" girl. Jingles is unusual among guide dogs as she's trained to work in tandem with a second service dog. Together they offer a profoundly special gift to Karen Ann, offering her independence, safety and dignity. Karen Ann says both dogs are her heroes, but "Jingles is absolutely a one of a kind guide dog." 

(Charity Partner: The Seeing Eye)

HEARING DOG CATEGORY
WINNER: Lola (Bellingham, Washington) – Lola, a dog rescued from abuse and neglect, is paying it forward—daily helping and rescuing her partner Charlene, who is deaf. Charlene relies on Lola for so many things, connecting her to the world of sound around her. Lola is her alarm clock, her exercise companion, and her reason to move beyond depression and self-imposed isolation. Lola expands her activities, reminding Charlene to improve, not compromise, her quality of life. Whenever the oven-timer buzzes, the phone rings, or someone knocks at the door—Lola alerts her and insists on Charlene's paying attention to the world around her. She's always game for going to the ballpark, hospital visits, grocery store, rides on airplanes – even canoeing. Lola is a gem of a partner; she lightens Charlene's spirit as a source of courage and peace. When Charlene is alone, she helps her cope with the impact of hearing loss. Says Charlene, "Let the trumpets blow, fireworks blast, and the parade begin—my hearing dog Lola is a life-saver—an unsung heroine who gives her best daily to fulfill a higher purpose and for whom I'll be forever grateful." 

(Charity Partner: Dogs for the Deaf)

LAW ENFORCEMENT/ARSON DOG CATEGORY (sponsored by State Farm®)
WINNER: K9 Lakota (Locust Grove, Georgia) -- K9 Lakota served alongside Officer Travis Fox for less than four years but made remarkable achievements in his short career, among them more than 80 apprehensions, 28 drug seizures, $60,000 seized, six vehicle seizures, the recovery of stolen property, and the seizure of $60,000. K9 Lakota's career was ended prematurely in route to a home invasion call when Officer Fox and K9 Lakota ended up in a serious car accident. The accident split the car in two, ejecting both the officer and the dog from the car. K9 Lakota was not expected to live but his strong spirit fought on and after four surgeries (with more expected in his future), he is enjoying life in retirement. His work and his will to fight and live have shown his heroic side and he has brought people all over the world together for his cause. His story is now being used to help change laws for Law Enforcement Officer K9s so that they are better protected by their departments in case they are injured in the line of duty. K9 Lakota has been a true hero both in the line of duty and in retirement.

(Charity Partner: K9s4COPs)

MILITARY DOG CATEGORY (sponsored by Royal Canin®)
WINNER: CWD Carlos EDD (Colorado Springs, CO) -- Explosive Detection Dog CWD Carlos retired in 2011 at the age of eight, after protecting U.S. and ISAF forces in continuous deployment for nearly five years. CWD Carlos, who worked with the U.S. Army's 3rd & 4th Infantry Divisions in Baghdad for two and a half years, was then transferred to Kandahar in 2009 to work in direct support of U.S. Special Forces on the front lines. Carlos is credited with finds on missions that saved the lives of many American soldiers. As Carlos aged, he was transferred to work with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), a NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan that was established by the United Nations Security Council. Sadly, upon retirement Carlos seems to have been the victim of neglect. To this day, Carlos still carries ligature mark scars on his back legs from hobble-style restraints. Fortunately for this hero, he was reclaimed, eventually adopted by the Ridpath family, and got a "Freedom Flight" HOME! Carlos continues to bring awareness to the contributions of all working dogs. A warrior with a zest for life in spite of his challenging medical issues, CWD Carlos is a true hero who saved uncounted lives while deployed, attends events, visits schools, and is an inspiration to everyone he meets.

(Charity Partner: Military Working Dog Adoptions)

SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG CATEGORY  
WINNER: John D (Little Rock, AR) -- John D is a Search and Rescue dog, human cancer detective and all-around humanitarian. When needed, John D is called in to find the missing in kidnappings, disasters, drownings, and other emergencies. One day, John D was called in for a river search. Moments after he arrived, a woman approached and asked to pet him. She hugged him and whispered in his ear, "YOU are my only hope. Please go find my child. Please bring my baby back to me." There was an immediate bond between them. John D then boarded a boat and went out on the river. For hours he searched. John D was drawn to the water, completely focused on it and began dipping his nose at the same spot. When the boat returned to shore, this hero dog leapt off the boat, running straight to the woman who had greeted him. He leaned hard against her. She bent down and hugged him. When she lifted her face from John D's fur, there were tears. John D had found her son who had drowned two days before. John D also works to save lives by using his remarkable scenting ability to advance the use of canines in detecting ovarian cancer and other cancers, which may help save a mother, daughter or sister from a devastating disease. John D's determination to work, despite his own severe hip dysplasia, provides inspiration to others. Once a rescue dog saved by people, now John D spends his life helping and saving them.

(Charity Partner: The Sage Foundation for Dogs Who Serve)

SERVICE DOG CATEGORY
WINNER: SD Bronx (Brunswick, GA) -- Can you imagine having your whole world change? Can you imagine having no friends? For 14-year-old Christopher those two questions were his reality. At the age of nine, Christopher began having seizures and was spending most of his childhood in the hospital trying to get answers. The answers were coming, but none of them were good. The doctors found out what was causing the seizures and they tried to use medicine to control them - one medicine after another. The seizures made it impossible for Christopher to attend school and other kids no longer wanted to be his friend - they were afraid of the seizures. Even Christopher was too afraid to sleep in his bedroom and didn't like leaving the house – the seizures had taken his childhood from him. Enter SD Bronx! Suddenly Christopher was not alone in his terrifying fight. His hero dog would tell him when seizures were about to happen and quickly alert others to help. SD Bronx stayed by his side at all doctor visits, and was there when Christopher lost half his field of vision, stepping into another role and working with Christopher and his sight cane. The challenges were hard but hero dog SD Bronx has helped Christopher to do more than he ever dreamed he could.

(Charity Partner: Texas Hearing and Service Dogs)

THERAPY DOG CATEGORY (sponsored by Zoetis)
WINNER: Elle (Roanoke Rapids, NC) -- Elle began her journey as a therapy dog in 2010 and has touched many hearts, leaving a lasting impression on those she meets. Elle is saving lives by teaching children dog safety and making positive life changes for people by helping them overcome their fear of dogs. Since becoming a volunteer, Elle started a therapy dog reading program called "Tail Wagging Tales," helping children enjoy books and improve their reading skills. Elle is making a difference by creating happiness all around while visiting her friends at an elementary school, a middle school, and a retirement home. Elle also reaches out to educate families about being responsible pet parents, sharing stories about her job as a therapy dog, and spreading positive awareness about dogs that are misunderstood. Everyone loves her signature "high-five" greeting when making a new friend, allowing for a real life meet-and-greet with a pit bull. Elle was invited to have her school portrait in the Vaughan Elementary School Annual and she is now called a "Hometown Hero" in her community. Hero Dog Elle hopes her work will create a better future for young people to learn about love, understanding, and kindness to all.

(Charity Partner: Hand in Paw)

About American Humane Association
American Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

About Lois Pope, The Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., and LIFE (Leaders in Furthering Education)
Lois Pope is one of America's leading philanthropists and humanitarians.  Through her various charitable mechanisms, including the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., she is devoted to saving lives, helping people help themselves, improving the quality of life for families in need and encouraging young Americans to become leaders by helping others.  Her foundations also provide awards for medical research, college scholarships, humanitarian relief, the performing arts, and animal welfare. Among the many organizations that benefit from her leadership are American Humane Association; the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation, which she founded to spearhead the development of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, the nation's first and only permanent public tribute to the three million living disabled American veterans and the thousands who have died; the University of Miami, where her major contribution endowed the Lois Pope LIFE Center, the top catastrophic neurological research facility in the world and home to the renowned Miami Project to Cure Paralysis;  Leaders in Furthering Education, which has provided a summer camp experience for more than 15,000 disadvantaged and special needs children, as well as college scholarship support to dozens of disadvantaged high school students who aspire to careers as physicians/researchers; Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's Red Cross, for new ambulances; and the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League for a new mobile pet adoption unit.

About Hallmark Channel
Hallmark Channel, owned and operated by Crown Media Holdings, Inc., is a 24-hour basic cable network that provides a diverse slate of high-quality entertainment programming available in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to a national audience of 86 million subscribers. Hallmark Channel is the nation's leading destination for quality family programming with an ambitious slate of original TV movies and specials, as well as some of television's most beloved sitcoms and series, including The Golden Girls, The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, and Frasier. The channel is also home to a range of lifestyle programming, anchored by Home & Family, a daily two-hour live show shot in a fully functional house located on the Universal Studios lot. Hallmark Channel's sibling network, Hallmark Movie Channel, available in HD and SD, focuses on family-friendly movies with a mix of original films, classic theatrical releases, and presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library. For more information, please visit www.crownmediapress.com . Hallmark Channel on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter (Join the conversation at #HeartofTV), Pinterest, GetGlue, YouTube

About MRB Productions
Launched in 2001 by Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer Matthew Brady, MRB Productions has quickly become one of Hollywood's go-to production companies, garnering 15 Emmy nominations and 2 wins for its visually striking content. In features, MRB's political comedy, GRASSROOTS, starring Jason Biggs, opened theatrically in the US and Europe and is also available On Demand. EMANUEL AND THE TRUTH ABOUT FISHES, a psychological thriller starring Jessica Biel, premiered in competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and was picked up for distribution by Tribeca Film. In television, MRB is the production company behind two seasons of FREE RADIO (VH1 and Comedy Central), THE OTHER MALL (ABC Family), and the annual HERO DOG AWARDS for Hallmark Channel. MRB also produces content for HBO, ESPN, NBC, ABC, NFL Network, and Longhorn Network. In the digital space, MRB's work ranges from comedy shorts on Funny or Die to the critically acclaimed Webby Award winning THE CONFESSION, starring Kiefer Sutherland, produced exclusively for Hulu and distributed internationally by Sony Pictures Television.

About Zoetis
Zoetis (zō-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on a 60-year history as the animal health business of Pfizer, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, with a focus on both farm and companion animals.  In 2012, the company generated annual revenues of $4.3 billion.  With approximately 9,300 employees worldwide at the beginning of 2013, Zoetis has a local presence in approximately 70 countries, including 29 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries. Its products serve veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals in 120 countries. For more information on the company, visit www.zoetis.com.

About Royal Canin USA
Royal Canin USA is a leader in science-based cat and dog health nutrition. Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 40 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. In collaboration with an expert team of nutritionists, breeders, and veterinarians from around the world, Royal Canin places cats and dogs at the central point of the innovation process. The Royal Canin product line offers a range of diets based on size, age, breed, life style and therapeutic requirements. Royal Canin diets are available at veterinary hospitals and pet specialty stores nationwide. Royal Canin is a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated. To learn more about Royal Canin visit www.royalcanin.us and "LIKE" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/royalcanin.us.

About State Farm®
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 18,000 agents and more than 69,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 44 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.

About Paul Mitchell Schools
At Paul Mitchell Schools, we believe that education is an adventure and the learning experience needs to be fun. Our instructors—we call them "learning leaders"—are trained to draw out the artist in every student and prepare them to compete in the real world. Through our annual "FUNraising" campaign, we've raised and donated millions of dollars in support of many charitable causes. We've built homes with Habitat for Humanity, fed thousands of African orphans, and supported the victims of AIDS, breast cancer, homelessness, abuse, and hundreds of other causes. Established over 30 years ago, the Paul Mitchell network is nearly 100,000 salons strong and in 81 countries worldwide; every professional hairdresser knows the Paul Mitchell name. Now, with the arrival of Paul Mitchell Schools, we've taken the world of cosmetology education by storm! Visit www.paulmitchell.edu to learn more.

About Merial
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 6,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2012 sales were $2.8 billion (€2.2 billion).Merial is a Sanofi company. For more information, please see www.merial.com.

About Modern Dog Magazine A must-read for dog lovers! Get inspired with the best ideas and solutions for life with dogs. Each issue features breed profiles, budget buys, activities for you and your dog, health & wellness, dog-friendly travel destinations, rescue stories, product reviews, photo contests, giveaways and more! Modern Dog is your guide to a better bond with your dog.

SOURCE American Humane Association

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