Nation's Governors Honor America's Hero Dogs

29 States Proclaim "American Humane Association Hero Dog Day"

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This country is really going to the dogs. And that's a good thing. The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™, presented by Cesar® Canine Cuisine, were just launched in a star-studded gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles to honor and celebrate the daring deeds of dogs everywhere.  But they aren't the only ones paying tribute to these capable canines. Earlier this summer the President and CEO of American Humane Association invited all 50 governors to recognize these magnificent animals by issuing proclamations declaring October 1, 2011 as American Humane Association Hero Dog Day in their respective states.

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

As of today, 29 governors have made such proclamations, and though October 1 is past, more keep coming in each day.

"Hero Dogs come in all shapes, sizes and breeds," says Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. "I'm proud to know that so many of our nation's governors recognize the important work thousands of dogs in each state do every day to keep millions of Americans safe, healthy and happy. Though we can never lose sight of this heroism that comes on four legs, October 1 was a day to go to the dogs, literally."

The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards effort involved a nationwide search over the course of six months, hundreds of dogs from all 50 states were nominated and some 400,000 votes were cast by the American public, culminating in the selection of eight extraordinary canine finalists in the categories of Law Enforcement and Arson Dogs, Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Military Dogs, Guide Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Hearing Dogs, and Emerging Hero Dogs (ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things). On Saturday, October 1, all were honored in a spectacular awards gala that was reported by media coast to coast, and one top American Hero Dog for 2011 was announced: Roselle, the guide dog who led her blind master safely down 78 flights of stairs following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.  The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards were produced by Emmy Award-winning MRB Productions, and will be broadcast nationwide by Hallmark Channel on Veterans Day, November 11, 2011. The public can read all the stories at www.herodogawards.org.

Here is the list of enlightened states that have already proclaimed American Humane Association Hero Dog Day. Check to see if your state is on the list and if it isn't, maybe you should ask why not!

Alaska, Governor Sean Parnell
Arizona, Governor Janice Brewer
Colorado, Governor John Hickenlooper
Connecticut, Governor Dan Malloy
Hawaii, Governor Neil Abercrombie
Idaho, Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter
Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn
Indiana, Governor Mitch Daniels
Kansas, Governor Sam Brownback
Maine, Governor Paul LePage
Maryland, Governor Martin O'Malley
Michigan, Governor Rick Snyder
Mississippi, Governor Haley Barbour
Missouri, Governor Jay Nixon
Montana, Governor Brian Schweitzer
Nebraska, Governor David Heineman
Nevada, Governor Brian Sandoval
New Hampshire, Governor John Lynch
New Mexico, Governor Susana Martinez
North Carolina, Governor Bev Perdue
Ohio, Governor John Kasich
Oklahoma, Governor Mary Fallin
Oregon, Governor John Kitzhaber
Tennessee, Governor Bill Haslam
Utah, Governor Gary R. Herbert
Virginia, Governor Bob McDonnell
Washington, Governor Christine O. Gregoire
West Virginia, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin
Wisconsin, Governor Scott Walker

About American Humane Association
Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting children, pets and farm animals 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 CESAR® Canine Cuisine
CESAR® Canine Cuisine is an exceptional line of high-quality cuisine and treats for small- to medium-sized dogs. We offer individually prepared entrees available in two textures, original pate and gourmet filets in sauce. From the filet mignon flavor to CESAR SUNRISE breakfast entrees, CESAR® Canine Cuisine features a variety of irresistible flavors and caters to the taste of small- to medium-sized dogs. Visit www.cesar.com to learn more.

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 87 million subscribers. The top tier program service is distributed through approximately 5,492 cable systems and communities as well as direct-to-home satellite services across the country. Hallmark Channel is the nation's leading network in quality family programming with an ambitious slate of original TV movies, lifestyle and general entertainment content, and is the home of "The Martha Stewart Show", which anchors the channel's daytime original programming block. Hallmark Channel's sibling network is Hallmark Movie Channel, also available in HD and SD, which focuses on the family-friendly movies with a mix of classic theatrical films, presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library, original Hallmark Channel movies and special events. For more information, please visit www.HallmarkChannelPress.com . Become a fan of Hallmark Channel on Facebook and Twitter .

About MRB Productions
MRB is an Emmy-winning production company specializing in producing content across all media platforms.  MRB's recent projects include the acclaimed web series The Confession, staring Kiefer Sutherland, which acquired paramount success, leading to a feature deal with Image Entertainment.  MRB's feature department is currently in post-production on a Stephen Gyllenhaal film Grassroots, slated to premiere later this year.  On the television side, MRB produces the pre-taped segments, coordinates talent logistics and the VIP program for the past decade for ESPN's ESPY Awards.  Most recently, MRB garnered two Emmy nominations for the 2010 NBA Draft Opening Sequence.  Additional TV projects include two seasons of the mockumentary comedy show Free Radio on VH1 and Comedy Central.  MRB's commercial repertoire includes collaborations with Leo Burnett, Periera O'Dell, Team Detroit, Goodby, Silverstein and Partners for clients such as Geico, Kellogg's, Ford, Sprint, Mattel, Corona, Miller Lite, Smirnoff, Sony, NBC, Wal-Mart, Hyundai and University of Phoenix.

SOURCE American Humane Association

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