Meet the Hero Dogs at The American Humane Association Hero Dogs Awards

You have to tune in on Friday, November 11 at 8/7C on the Hallmark channel to see the Hero Dog Awards!

The first annual star studded awards show was actually held in October 2011 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

There was a nationwide search over the course of six months and hundreds of dogs were nominated.  They came from all 50 states and over 400,000 votes were cast. Out of that came 8 extraordinary finalists.

They were nominated in 8 different categories:
Law Enforcement/Arson Dogs
Service Dogs
Therapy Dogs
Military Dogs
Guide Dogs
Search and Rescue Dogs
Hearing Dogs
Emerging Hero Dogs

I won't name the winning dog as I want you to watch the show, but each and every one of them is a hero - and their names are:
Roselle
Sadie
Zurich
Stacey Mae
Bino
K9 Sage
Harley
Richochet

Each of the 8 finalists received $5,000, which was donated to one of the American Humane Association's charity partners. These include The Pine Street Foundation, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Dogs for the Deaf, National Fire Dog Monument, U.S. War Dog Association, National Search Dog Alliance, Canine Companions for Independence, and Paws and Effect.

The winner also won an extra $10,000 for his charity.  The 400,000 votes that were cast helped to reach the charitable goal of a $200,000 donation by cesar canine cuisine to the American Humane Association. That money will be used to support therapy dogs who help people in need all across America.

The contest for 2012 opens on Saturday, November 12, 2011 and ends on October 5, 2012. If you would like to nominate or vote for next year's award please visit www.herodogawards.org .

Governors in 33 states proclaimed October 1st as American Humane Association Hero Dog Day!

There is a powerful relationship between our four legged friends and people and this is one way we can show our thanks to them for being so special in our lives!