“Probably the most famous rescued shelter dog in the world, Clark G, who has over 95 million views on YouTube of the ‘Ultimate Dog Tease Video’ is the perfect national ambassador for this year’s Hero Dog Awards," said Robin Ganzert, President of the American Humane Association.
"We work to elevate the status of animals in society, in our homes, and in our families by recognizing the important role they play in our lives every day. Clark G’s devotion to his family – who he loves even more than bacon – demonstrates that powerful bond between people and animals that we embrace and recognize through the Hero Dog Awards."
Created by the association to celebrate the relationship between dogs and people, the annual national competition searches out and recognizes heroic canines – often ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things, whether saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight or hearing to a human companion, or just welcoming you home at the end of a hard day.
Finalists will be selected by the public and flown to Hollywood with two of their human friends to the Hero Dog Awards black-tie gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California on October 6, 2012. There they will walk the red carpet, attend the awards show and be recognized in a video tribute. Broadcast by the Hallmark channel, the winning American Hero Dog will be announced that evening.
According to Clark G, “We’ve been very busy around my house lately! A whole bunch of people came to visit me, then we went to visit some other people. To top it all off we went to visit a bunch of critters who are looking for homes! People keep talking about the Hero Dog Awards. I don’t know what that is yet but they say I will soon.” If you enjoyed the YouTube video, Clark G fans can "Like" and follow him at www.facebook.com/clarkgthedog.
Dogs can 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 (the category for ordinary dogs).
Finalists in each category will be judged by a blue-ribbon panel consisting of both celebrities and animal experts, including Whoopi Goldberg, Candy Spelling, CBS’ Debbye Turner Bell, “America’s Veterinarian” Dr. Marty Becker, actresses Kristin Bauer Van Straten, Megyn Price, Edie McClurg, and Christie Brooke, among others.
Is your dog a hero? Nominations close on March 26, 2012, and voting by the general public will begin on April 1, 2012. Complete rules and entry information can be obtained by visiting www.herodogawards.org.