American Humane Association's Hero Dog Awards(TM) Kicks Off in Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Is your dog a hero? American Humane Association's Hero Dog Awards™ national search kicks off today at www.herodogawards.org.

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The Film & Television Unit of American Humane Association is heading up the search for America's Hero Dogs. Dogs may be nominated 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. Finalists in each category will be selected by the public from the pool of contestants, and the winners 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, 2011.  

The Hero Dog Awards recognize the powerful relationship between dogs and people and celebrate the many benefits of animals and people sharing their lives together. "Championing American values of caring, compassion and hope, the Hero Dog Awards celebrate the animals we love and the people who interact with them on a daily basis," says American Humane Association President and Chief Executive Officer Robin R. Ganzert, Ph.D. "This national signature event for American Humane Association helps to elevate the status of animals in society by honoring that inextricable link between animals and people, strengthening the human-animal bond."

According to Karen Rosa, Senior Vice President of the Film and Television Unit, “Dogs are an inseparable part of our everyday lives. We work to protect animal actors and animal athletes in more than 2,000 monitored film and television productions every year through American Humane Association’s Film and Television Unit.  The Hero Dog Awards allow us to recognize the contributions to society of many other dogs, including therapy dogs working with children in hospitals, military dogs protecting U.S. soldiers abroad, and even dogs who learn to detect cancer in people, saving human lives.  As search and rescue dog teams are dispatched from across America to help people in areas devastated by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, we recognize most vividly how important it is to pay tribute to our dog heroes.”

Launching today, it is free to nominate a dog in one of the eight categories at www.herodogawards.org. 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. All of the finalists will be flown to Hollywood, where they will walk the red carpet and be recognized in a moving video tribute at the black-tie awards show on October 1, 2011 when the winning American Hero Dog will be announced. Seventeen participating charities have a chance to receive a share of $50,000 in grant prizes awarded by the Hero Dog Awards to recognize the work of the organizations. Charities include Canine Companions for Independence, United States War Dog Association and the National Association for Search and Rescue.

"We are thrilled to team up with American Humane Association's Hero Dog Awards™," said Tierney Monaco, director for CESAR® Canine Cuisine. "Because of our shared belief that having a relationship with a dog can improve every life, we are working together to spotlight the thousands of dogs giving comfort to people in need every day."

CESAR® Canine Cuisine and American Humane Association have joined together to spread the love through the Hero Dog Awards. As the Official Canine Cuisine of the Hero Dog Awards, CESAR® Brand is bettering thousands of lives by providing more specially trained Animal-Assisted Therapy dogs to people who need them. By participating in the Hero Dog Awards, the public can participate in an exciting opportunity with both CESAR® Canine Cuisine and American Humane Association to make a difference.

Complete rules and entry information can be obtained by visiting www.herodogawards.org.

About American Humane Association

Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement 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.

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SOURCE American Humane Association