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Hallmark Channel announced today that international film star Ewan McGregor (“The Beginners”) will join actress, comedian, and author Betty White (“Hot in Cleveland”) on stage as a celebrity presenter, while film, stage, and television actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth (“Glee”, “Pushing Daisies”) and health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels (“The Doctors”, “Dr. Phil”) will join Whoopi Goldberg, among others, as celebrity judges for the inaugural American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™, which will premiere as a 90-minute original special on Hallmark Channel, Friday, November 11 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C).
“I promote lifelong, healthy relationships between dogs and people both on camera and in my everyday life. Healthy, happy pets mean longer lives for many people. It’s just something that I believe. I was thrilled to lend my name to the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards® as one of the celebrity judges,” says Michaels. “I am truly honored to be a part of this very special program.”
Presented by CESAR® Canine Cuisine and produced by Emmy® Award winning MRB Productions, the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards involves a nationwide search for and tribute to America’s top dogs, which will culminate in a red carpet, star-studded awards gala in Beverly Hills on October 1. At the event, one dog from each of eight categories — Law Enforcement and Arson Dogs; Service Dogs; Therapy Dogs; Military Dogs; Guide Dogs; Search and Rescue Dogs; Hearing Dogs, Emerging Hero Dogs (ordinary pets who do extraordinary things) – will be presented with an award and have their story told in a moving video tribute. Voting is currently underway at www.herodogawards.org.
In addition to honoring the eight category winners, canine superstar Rin Tin Tin, who bravely served the U.S. Military during World War I and went on to become an American icon and movie idol, will be recognized with a special “Legacy Award,” presented to one of his direct descendants, along with the dog’s human handler. A scripted tribute, retelling Rin Tin Tin’s incredible journey from war orphan to one of the most famous dogs on the planet, will be narrated by beloved actor and comedian Mickey Rooney.
What do you think about the Hero Dog Awards star judges lineup? Will you watch Hero Dog Awards on November 11 on Hallmark? Let me know in the comments section.
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