Actor & Musician Orlando Brown Named National Ambassador for American Humane Association

Animal-loving star to serve as celebrity judge for American Humane Association's Hero Dog Awards™

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Actor and musician Orlando Brown has been named a National Ambassador for American Humane Association, the nation's voice for the protection of children and animals. The animal-loving star has also agreed to serve as a celebrity judge for American Humane Association's Hero Dog Awards, presented by CESAR® Canine Cuisine.

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Mr. Brown will use his name and famous voice to help carry a message of caring and compassion nationwide. He is well-known for living out that message, adopting dogs rescued from a puppy mill. As a judge for the Hero Dog Awards, he will be part of a national effort to identify and recognize the powerful bond between people and animals. This coast-to-coast search is now underway and is accepting nominations through www.herodogawards.org in eight categories: Law Enforcement and Arson Dogs; Service Dogs; Therapy Dogs; Military Dogs; Guide Dogs; Search and Rescue Dogs; Hearing Dogs; and Emerging Hero Dogs. Nominations close on May 31, 2011, and voting by the general public will begin on June 1, 2011. Finalists in each category will be judged by a blue-ribbon panel consisting of both celebrities and animal experts, to determine the winning American Hero Dog. The winning American Hero Dog will be announced at the first-ever American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards celebrity gala, presented by CESAR® Canine Cuisine, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California on October 1.  The event will be broadcast on the Hallmark Channel on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2011.

Orlando Brown may be best known for his portrayal of Eddie Thomas in the popular Disney series, "That's So Raven," but he has a long list of credits in the film, TV and music world.  He made his debut in the comedy "Major Payne," starring Damon Wayans, and went on to major roles as 3J in "Family Matters," Max in "Two of a Kind," "Coach," "In the House," "Sister, Sister," "The Wayans Bros.," "The Pretender," and "The Jamie Foxx Show."

Mr. Brown's manager, Reno Rankin of Titus Production & Management, said he is very proud of this opportunity for Orlando Brown.

"Orlando will give his all and do the best in his new role," said Rankin. "His passion for people and animals is very high." 

"There are many things I love in this world," says Mr. Brown. "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."

About American Humane Association

Since 1877 the historic 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 human-animal interaction and its role in society. As the nation's voice for the protection of children and animals, 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.

SOURCE American Humane Association