LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, October 17, 2018 —

For animal lovers, it is television’s biggest night of the year and it is coming soon! Tune in to watch the 2018 American Humane Hero Dog Awards^® on Wednesday, October 24 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on Hallmark Channel. Bestselling author Beth Stern and actor James Denton (“Good Witch,” “Desperate Housewives”) co-host the two-hour star-studded celebration of heroes on both ends of the leash, honoring outstanding working dogs from around the country for their bravery and compassion.

Following more than a million votes by the American public and a panel of celebrity animal lovers and dog experts, the nation’s most heroic canines of the year will be revealed on the telecast. From dogs who have served our country overseas in Afghanistan, to dogs who have been rescued from the South Korean dog meat trade, to dogs who work with children in local schools – the 2018 Hero Dog Awards celebrates the powerful relationship between dogs and people, and recognize extraordinary acts of heroism performed by ordinary dogs.

Celebrity presenters include Ariel Winter (“Modern Family”), Dr. Marty Becker (veterinarian/author), Erik Estrada (“CHiPS”), Danielle Fishel (“Girl Meets World”), Jerry O’Connell (“Billions,” “Bravo’s “Play by Play”), Bailee Madison (“Good Witch”), Kellie Martin (“Hailey Dean Mysteries,” “ER”), Debbie Matenopoulos (“Home & Family”), Cameron Mathison (“Home & Family,” “All My Children”), Brandon McMillan (“Lucky Dog”), Barbara Niven (“Chesapeake Shores”), Carole Radziwill (“Real Housewives of New York”), Denise Richards (“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”), Rebecca Romijn (“The Librarians”), Alison Sweeney (“The Biggest Loser,” “Days of Our Lives”) and Larissa Wohl (“Home & Family”). A video message from wildlife conservationist and TV personality Jack Hanna, and video packages narrated by actor Dean Cain (“Lois and Clark,”  “Hit the Floor,” “My Winter’s Dream”).

The category winners who are competing to be named the one-and-only top “American Hero Dog” for 2018 include:

• LAW ENFORCEMENT/ARSON DOG OF THE YEAR “K-9 Flash” from Detroit, Michigan (sponsored by K-9 Courage from Zoetis Petcare)
• EMERGING HERO DOG OF THE YEAR: “Willow” from Las Vegas, Nevada
• GUIDE/HEARING DOG OF THE YEAR: “Frances” from Staten Island, New York
• MILITARY DOG OF THE YEAR “Sgt. Fieldy” from McAllen, Texas (sponsored by K-9 Courage from Zoetis Petcare)
• SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG OF THE YEAR: “Ruby” from East Greenwich, Rhode Island
• SERVICE DOG OF THE YEAR “Roxy” from Canton, North Carolina (sponsored by Modern Dog magazine)
• THERAPY DOG OF THE YEAR “Chi Chi” from Phoenix, Arizona (sponsored by Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food, the Official Pet Food of the 2018 Hero Dog Awards)

The 2018 American Humane Hero Dog Awards will air as part of Hallmark Channel’s Adoption Ever After initiative, the network’s cross-platform pet rescue and adoption campaign that aims to create a world in which every pet has a loving home. During American Humane’s annual “Adopt-a-Dog Month” in October, the organization is teaming up with Hallmark Channel to help get more of the millions of beautiful animals left in shelters each year into forever homes. All throughout the month, animal lovers can go to www.AmericanHumane.org to find adoptable dogs in your area, tips on preparing their home for a new four-legged companion, and other vital information, social media campaigns and blogs to help build a better world for our best friends.

The 2018 American Humane Hero Dogs Awards is sponsored by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc. and Zoetis Petcare (a U.S. business unit of Zoetis). For more information, please visit www.herodogawards.org.

Click HERE for Select Photos (Credit: Invision for American Humane / AP Images)

Click HERE for Red Carpet & Show Clips (Credit: American Humane)

About American Humane

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, please visit www.americanhumane.org.

About Lois Pope, The Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., and LIFE (Leaders in Furthering Education)

As one of America’s leading philanthropists, Lois Pope has positively impacted the lives of individuals at the local, national and international levels.  She has established three separate organizations dedicated to helping those in need.  These organizations are the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., Leaders In Furthering Education (LIFE), and the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation.  For more than 20 years she has been the driving force behind the Lois Pope LIFE Center at the University of Miami School of Medicine, The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, and a groundbreaking new program with American Humane in Palm Beach County. Lois Pope has recently donated several Lois Pope Rescue Vehicles. Each rescue vehicle is a 50-foot long response unit, complete with a Ford F-350 truck and trailer, which is specifically designed and outfitted to provide an array of animal emergency services and cruelty responses within the region.

On October 5, 2014, Mrs. Pope saw the completion of a decades-long dream – the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, which was dedicated by President Obama in Washington DC.  It will stand in perpetuity as a reminder to the public and legislators of the courage and sacrifices of the four million-plus living disabled veterans and all those who died before them, as well as the need to be vigilant in assuring their support and understanding the human cost of war.  Through her advocacy, October 5 every year will serve as a National Day of Honor for disabled veterans.

A mother and a grandmother, Lois has trained for and completed five New York City Marathons.

About Hallmark Channel

Hallmark Channel is Crown Media Family Networks’ flagship 24-hour cable television network, distributed nationwide in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to 88 million homes.  As the country’s leading destination for quality family entertainment, Hallmark Channel delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand.  In addition to its signature new, original movies, the network features an ambitious lineup of other new, original content, including scripted primetime series, such as “Good Witch,” “When Calls the Heart” and “Chesapeake Shores”; annual specials including “Kitten Bowl” and “Hero Dog Awards”; and a daily, two-hour lifestyle show, “Home & Family.”  Additionally, Hallmark Channel is the exclusive home to world premiere presentations of the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame franchise.  Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate life’s special moments, Hallmark Channel also offers annual holiday programming franchises, including “Countdown to Christmas,” “Countdown to Valentine’s Day,” “Summer Nights,” “Fall Harvest” and “Winterfest.”  Rounding out the network’s diverse slate are some of television’s most beloved comedies and series, including “The Golden Girls” and “Frasier.”

Hallmark Cards, Inc. owns and operates Crown Media Family Networks.

For more information, please visit www.crownmediapress.com

To visit the network website, please visit www.hallmarkchannel.com

Hallmark Channel on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube

About Zoetis (Law Enforcement/Arson Dog of the Year & Military Dog of the Year Sponsor)

Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products, genetic tests, biodevices and a range of services. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2017, the company generated annual revenue of $5.3 billion with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

About Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food (Therapy Dog of the Year Sponsor)

Chicken Soup for the Soul understands the unique relationship between people and pets. Health conscious consumers have been feeding their cats and dogs Chicken Soup for the Soul wholesome and balanced, super premium pet food for over 15 years. Holistic in nature, the entire line of products is made from only the finest ingredients: real meats, fruits, vegetables and herbs. With no added corn, wheat, soy, artificial coloring, flavoring or preservatives, Chicken Soup for the Soul pet food is inspired by your love for pets, and promotes overall health and well-being for dogs and cats.  The products are proudly made in the USA, and feature rescued shelter pets on every bag. Core and grain-free formulas and a line of treats are available in independent pet specialty stores nationwide and online.

A portion of all proceeds from the sale of Chicken Soup for the Soul pet food goes to help shelters and pets in need through Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Fill-a-Bowl … Feed-a-Soul™ program. The program, which was launched in association with the American Humane, aims to provide over a million meals to shelter pets annually. www.chickensouppets.com.

About Modern Dog magazine (Service Dog of the Year Sponsor)

Modern Dog — “the best dog magazine ever” and the #1 dog publication in North America — is a must-read for dog lovers. Your source for the best ideas and solutions for life with dogs, Modern Dog features training tips, insight into your dog’s behavior, the best gear, wellness, rescue, DIY how-tos, contests and more! A large part of Modern Dog’s mission is to support rescue and the organizations that work tirelessly to help dogs in need. Find Modern Dog online — www.moderndogmagazine.com — on newsstands across North America, and on all major social platforms. Modern Dog, your guide to a better bond with your dog!