Elle and actress Betty White sharing a smile during the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2013.
SPOTTED: Betty White, Ryan O’Neal, Jennifer Coolidge, Esai Morales, Naomi Judd, Pauley Perrette, Lisa Vanderpump, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Bailee Madison, Rico Rodriguez, Brian Baumgartner, Megan Blake, Max Carver, Torrey DeVitto, Matt Leinart, Lauren Potter, Eric Christian Olsen, Ben Savage, Austin Stowell, Chef Michael Voltaggio, Danielle Fishell, Lori Loughlin, Daphne Zuniga, Victoria Stillwell and many more at the American Humane Association’s 3rd Annual “Hero Dog Awards” held at The Beverly Hilton on Saturday, October 5th.
Elle, pictured above with Betty White, is a pitbull which was named this year’s “American Hero Dog” at the 2013 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards. This top therapy dog is from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina and helps teach children about dog safety, reading, and overcoming prejudice and stereotypes – something a pit bull knows too much about.
Actor Ryan O’Neal speaks during the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2013.
Host Joseph Lawrence preps to take the mic at the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2013
The Hero Dog Awards were created to celebrate the powerful relationship between dogs and people and recognize extraordinary acts of heroism performed by ordinary dogs. The event will be broadcast nationwide by Hallmark Channel on October 30 at 8 pm/7 Central. The 90-minute program will air as part of Hallmark Channel’s Pet Project, the network’s cross-platform advocacy campaign designed to celebrate the joy and enrichment animals bring to our lives.
Actress Lori Loughlin and Hero Dog Jingles playing backstage at the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2013
Actresses Jennifer Coolidge (L) and Pauley Perrette (R) catch up backstage during the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2013.
Lisa Vanderpump and her dog Giggy arrive during the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2013.
Real Housewife of Miami star Joanna Krupa looked dashing in sea foam during the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2013.
Actor Rico Rodriguez arriving at the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2013 held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, in Beverly Hills, California.
Hero Dog Bronx and actress Bailee Madison showing each other some love at the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2013 held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Musician Naomi Judd in a unique ensemble at the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2013.
Actress Danielle Fishell flattered in red at the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2013.
During a nationwide search over the course of six months, 141 dogs from all across the country were nominated and more than a million votes were cast by the American public, culminating in the selection of eight extraordinary canine finalists.
“The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards were created to honor some of the most extraordinary heroes the world has ever known, the very best of our ‘best friends’ – ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Association. “These courageous canines have gone above and beyond the call of duty, saving lives on the battlefield, comforting the ill, aged and afflicted, bringing hope to those who have lost it and reminding us of the powerful, age-old bond between animals and people. Choosing a top dog is difficult because they are all so terrific, but we are proud to announce Elle as the top American Hero Dog for 2013. As an organization that for years has fought breed-specific legislation (BSL), we are also pleased to honor a breed that has been often been unjustly maligned. We hope that Elle’s story will help to underscore the many tremendously positive qualities of this breed.”