Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy Winner Whoopi Goldberg Joins American Humane Association's Hero Dog Awards™ as Celebrity Judge

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy winner Whoopi Goldberg announced today that she will serve as a celebrity judge for American Humane Association's Hero Dog Awards™, presented by CESAR® Canine Cuisine, in Hollywood. This nationwide search for America's top dogs was created by the 134-year-old nonprofit to celebrate the powerful relationships between dogs and people; nominations are now underway at www.herodogawards.org.

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"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."

Goldberg has won a Grammy, two Emmys, two Golden Globes, a Tony and an Oscar — one of the few entertainers ever to have won all these awards. In addition, she received a British Academy Film Award and four People's Choice Awards and has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is also well-known for helping start Comic Relief in 1986 with Billy Crystal and Robin Williams to raise funds for homeless people.

"Whoopi Goldberg is no stranger to giving back, and she certainly knows a thing or two about awards," said American Humane Association President and CEO Robin R. Ganzert, Ph.D. "We are extremely honored to have her serve as a celebrity judge for our inaugural Hero Dog Awards, which celebrate the special bond between people and animals — and the better world they create as a result of that relationship. Whoopi's compassion, talent and joy for life reflect the essential nature of what American Humane Association's Hero Dog Awards are all about."

Hero Dogs may be nominated in eight categories at www.herodogawards.org: Law Enforcement and Arson Dogs; Service Dogs; Therapy Dogs; Military Dogs; Guide Dogs; Search and Rescue Dogs; Hearing Dogs; and Emerging Hero Dogs, which includes pets. 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 winner 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 on Oct. 1, 2011.

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.

SOURCE American Humane Association