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Your dog does everything for you, so how about throwing ’em a bone by taking five minutes to nominate your best friend for the 2021 American Humane Hero Dog Awards®? Nominations may be made online for just one more week (until March 2) at www.HeroDogAwards.org.
This hugely popular national effort searches out and recognizes America’s Hero Dogs who help us in so many important ways, whether it’s saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight or hearing to a human companion, providing therapeutic support to children suffering from cancer or other illnesses, or just greeting us with a wagging tail at the end of a hard day. Heroic hounds may be nominated by anyone at least 18 years of age in one of seven categories: Law Enforcement and Detection Dogs, Military Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, Shelter Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs and Guide/Hearing Dogs.
Following the nomination period, 21 semifinalists (the top three in each category) will be chosen in a first round of voting by the public. The second round, featuring a combination of public and celebrity judge voting, will narrow the field to seven category finalists who will then vie, through a final round of public and celebrity judge voting, for the title of 2021 American Hero Dog. The Hero Dog Awards will be broadcast nationwide as a two-hour special on Hallmark Channel this fall.
During the past 10 years, Americans have cast millions of votes for thousands of dogs, all seeking the coveted title of American Hero Dog. The program reached more than four billion people last year and draws the support and participation of top celebrity dog lovers from all over the world. Hosts, judges, award presenters and entertainment acts have included Vivica A. Fox, Jay Leno, Billy Crystal, Betty White, Ariel Winter, Rebecca Romijn, Faithe Herman, Marcus Scribner, Dean Cain, Katharine McPhee, Shannen Doherty, Whoopi Goldberg, Denise Richards, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chelsea Handler, Martin Short, Jewel, Wilson Phillips, Carson Kressley, Miranda Lambert, Pauley Perrette, Kristin Chenoweth, Naomi Judd, Eric Stonestreet, Fred Willard, Danica McKellar and many, many more.
“Whether they protect us on the battlefield, help us with medical challenges, or just lighten our spirits with an enthusiastic kiss after a hard day, dogs save and improve our lives every day,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane’s president and CEO. “The American Humane Hero Dog Awards is our way of saluting our best friends and we invite every dog lover to take a few minutes to recognize the love, skill and loyalty these remarkable animals show us every day by nominating their canine companion now at www.HeroDogAwards.org.”
Key dates for the 2021 American Humane Hero Dog Awards contest include:
- Nominations: Jan. 6 – March 2
- 1st Round Voting: March 25 – May 6
- 2nd Round Voting: May 27 – July 15
- 3rd Round Voting: July 29 – September 7
- Hero Dog Awards gala: Coming this fall
All rounds open and close at 12 p.m. Pacific Time.
More information about the 2021 American Humane Hero Dog Awards, including complete contest rules and entry information, can be obtained by visiting www.herodogawards.org and be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
