Images from the Red Carpet event at the Hollywood Hilton Hotel from the October 1, 2011 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards. Then, behind-the-scenes photos from the 'after party.'
I love the celebration of ordinary dogs achieving the extraordinary. The show, airing November 11 on the Hallmark Channel, will be filled with hero dogs, with host Carson Kressley, John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting, Betty White, Peter Fonda, Faith Ford, Jason Lewis, Pauley Perrette, Mickey Rooney, Michelle Forbes, Kristin Bauer, Victoria Stilwell and many more.
(all photos are mine, unless otherwise noted)
I had the honor before the red carpet event and the TV show taping for the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards to interview Jim Hogan, a hearing and visually impaired U.S. Vietnam veteran. Clearly Attitucs, the Hero Dog Awards Grand Marshall provides a service to Jim, while Jim provides a service to many veterans, some older folks from Vietnam and before others are recently returning veterans. Jim and Atticus have traveled the world. His wife Pam (pictured here) told me, "I have confidence that Jim will be safe, no matter where her goes, because of Atticus." You often hear about the special bond service, assistance and Guide dogs have with their handlers. I think this picture illustrates that bond. Hero Dogs were named in eight categories. Guide Dog, Hearing Dog, Law Enforcement/Arson Dog, Service Dog, Therapy Dog, Military Dog and this is Sage, the winner in the Search and Rescue Category. After 9/11 she searched at the Pentagon. She also worked Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. She even went to Iraq on one occasion to search for missing soldiers. Tinsley Mortimer walks down the red carpet. The problem is that I am vertically impaired...What I didn't know is that there are three lines of paparazzi shooting photos and video at these red carpets. Some even bring their own step stools. Who knew? Not traveling with a step stool, I pretty much just jumped into the air and shot photos. By the way, you won't see any photos of the actually Hallmark Channel Broadcast of the Hero Dog Awards (except two...one of legendary Betty White and another of me doing the announcing).With Peter Fonda looking on (he gave a touching 9/11 dog tribute during the show), Michael Vartan greets Emerging Dog Hero Ricochet. He has one of the most unique jobs of all dogs, he surfs, and shares that surf board with disabled kids. He's also raised over $100, 000 for various non-profit causes. Two American Humane Association Ambassadors, Tinsley Mortimer and Orlando Brown. He worked the social media room, and also performed "Hero," at a party the night before. This song was written specifically for the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards.
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Walking the Red Carpet, this is the Cesar Canine Cuisine dog, named Cesar I believe. Calm, cool and collected as any Hollywood celeb, Cesar stopped every few feet to sniff, pose and mark. As I said, like any Hollywood celeb. Carson Kressley who was the show's emcee, Cesar and Julianne Hough on the Red Carpet at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2011 in Beverly Hills (Photo by Michael Rueter) (C) 2011 Michael RueterBeautiful host Talitha Wegner (wife husband Bill) being interviewed by one of dozens of reporters covering the eventMichelle Forbes and Kristin Bauer (Photo by Michael Rueter) (C) 2011 Michael RueterNot sure who's dog this is with Pauley Perrette, Abby Scuito on “NCIS”
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Hollywood celebs, pet publicity person Jo Hunt with the delicious Sandy Robbins, pet writer/pet style expert - demonstrating she's not so bad with human style either. He's on the American Humane Association Film & Television Unit Advisory Board, and supported this show as President and CEO of Hallmark Channels, Bill Abbott....so here, petting the Hearing Dog Award winner, Harley....you must figure, he is a huge animal lover. I learned that indeed that's true. But he's a hero himself, supporting trap/neuter/return of feral cats in New York City, personally helping a colony. So, maybe this who I pitch my idea of a new awards shows...The Hero Cat Awards! I concede, it may be a much shorter show.Stacey Mae is this 4-year old Greater Swiss Mountain Dog who won the award for Therapy Dog. Her job is delivering Teddy Bears and plush animals to kids in hospitals and adults in nursing homes. She's distributed nearly 2,000 bears and plush animals, so far. Hearing the recipients tells their stories, their dog's story on stage - so incredibly touching. There's never been an awards show quite like this.I have no clue who Karen Rosa, Sr. VP Film & TV Unit American Humane Association (far right), is hanging out with - but wow - she certainly doesn't appear to be complaining. Apparently no humans were harmed during the taking of this photo - I think....The hardest working Chairman of any Board of Directors, Chair of our Board at the American Humane Association Eric Brunner, with Hollywood's own Karen Rosa, Sr. VP American Humane Association Film & Television Unit.
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Interesting coincidence, this guy was the handler of a dog who worked at Ground Zero 9/11, the same dog who appeared on a cover of Dog World magazine for a story I wrote, as I covered the search and rescue dogs. It took a while, but we figured out the connection....pretty amazing -
Also here, my hero - cancer veterinarian Dr. Alice Villalobos. She's a hero, yes....because of what she's done for veterinary medicine. But she's also a hero because when my bow tie unraveled, she did what any good surgeon would, she stitched it up. Her husband Ira found a needle and thread and she went at it. Eric Brunner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Humane Association presenting a special Animal Defender Award before the TV broadcast itself to Steve Cooley, Los Angeles County District Attorney.Mr. Cooley has worked tirelessly to defend animals against abuse and created an anti dog fighting hotline. Cruelty cases are not after thoughts in his office, he's serious about prosecuting those who may be cruel to animals. I was honored to meet Carol Gardner for the first time. Her Zelda line (named for a Bulldog named Zelda) brings laughter to people, mostly children, in hospitals. She is an absolute delight, and understands the significant role of animal assisted therapy. We are with Eric Bruner, Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Humane Association.Robin Ganzert, CEO/President of the American Humane Association, and her team made this night - a historic night for animal welfare and working dogs of all types.
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Dr. Michael McFarland of Pfizer Animal Health honors a man that impacted my career, and has been an inspiration to so many, John Payne with an award for Significant Achievement in Animal Welfare. John's contributions have touched pets everywhere. John Payne currently serves as the CEO of Banfield Pet Hospital. And I might add, very simply a nice man. Dr. McFarland is also a member of the Board of Directors of the American Humane Association.Robin Ganzert, CEO/President American Humane Association; award recipient John Payne; American Humane Board member Dr. Michael McFarland, American Humane Ambassador Tinsey Mortimer (one of many, many celebrity ambassadors attending) and Eric Bruner, chair of the American Humane Association Board of Directors.I was honored to announce the Hero Dog Awards. Also, Robin (my wife) and I created a fund to support the Trophy for the winner in the the Animal Assisted Therapy Category. You can read about it, http://americanhumaneblog.org/2011/05/lucy-funny-little-dog-she-lived-to-put-smiles-on-faces/
and hopefully help support our efforts to continue supporting these dogs: www.americanhumane.org/lucyfund. (photo by Scott Sowers)
One shot from what happened on stage....Emcee Caron Kressley with the amazing and legendary Betty White. She talked about her favorite, warm partner in bed (a Golden Retriever). She was VERY funny. Also on the show, Mickey Rooney as you've never seen him before. Betty has a long history with the American Humane Association. (Photo by Michael Rueter) (C) 2011 Michael RueterPauley Perrette clearly and absolutely loved the dogs....most of the celebs did....Guide dog winner Stacey Mae with Maria and Richard Mandel.
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Debbie Kandoll with Victoria Stilwell, and Military Working Dog winner Bino. Debbie is working on advocacy to support and elevate the status of military working dogs. Learn more at www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com. I am proud to be a blogger on her website, American Humane National Ambassador and from Animal Planet's "It's Me or the Dog," the wonderful Victoria Stilwell. She was in charge of the Hero Dog Awards judging panel. Listen, I know they called this the Hero Dog Awards, but there were hero people there too....For YEARS, whenever there's a disaster, you likely know American Humane Association's Red Star Emergency unit is on the scene - from wildfires to hurricanes to floods and tornadoes....and more....and leading the brigade, away from her home for weeks and weeks at a time....Debrah Schnackenberg, Sr. VP Red Star Emergency Services, here with a favorite actress. No offense Pauley, but Debrah is the star here.Did my bow tie change shape in this photo with Pauley Perrette? Definitely, something happened. Clearly Pauley is touched to be with me. Clearly.Celebrities from around the country; from Oklahoma, Pat Hawkins and Sandy Fleming - mom and aunt to Sean Hawkins who worked 26 hours a day helping to put this effort together. This is my favorite shot - the Hero Dog Award winners and families. I have never been so proud to be a member of the American Humane Association Board of Directors. (Photo by Michael Rueter) (C) 2011 Michael Rueter
An exploration of Chicago from a dog's point of view. Written by a dog for dogs (with an occasional interruption from humans for the two-legged perspective).
