KTLA Reporter Lu Parker Nominated for a Genesis Award

Lu Parker, special correspondent for KTLA in Los Angeles and founder of the Lu Parker Project, has been nominated for a Genesis Award by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

She is being nominated for her work on three of her special segments: “Puppy Mills Exclusive Investigation;” “Dog Fighting Investigation” and “Hatchery Hell – Investigative Report“.

Parker expressed her excitement and joy of being nominated in a recent press release: “When I was told I was nominated for a Genesis Award, it brought tears to my eyes. While we never work to earn an award, being recognized for dedication, focus and storytelling is gratifying beyond words. I am honored to be included with such a talented group of journalists.”

Parker recently founded the Lu Parker Project, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth and homeless animals through direct service, education, and advocacy. The organization also creates projects that focus on, but are not limited to, raising funds for environmental improvements within the Los Angeles animal shelters, such as their recent Donate a Bed campaign.

i Love Dogs was fortunate enough to catch up with the animal lover and pet parent of  Monkey, a 3-1/2 year-old Terrier mix,  and Boogie, her 9-year-old cat, to congratulate her on her nomination and ask her a few questions about the stories that she was nominated for.

Parker described what it was like as a pet parent to write a puppy mill investigation story.

“It was probably one of the most difficult stories I’ve ever done, not just because of the images and what I had to see and go through, but putting it together to tell the story correctly and authentically. We had to tell a story that that not only educates, but to also tell it where it’s not too depressing,” Parker told i Love Dogs. “I took it very personally and I worked on the story constantly, and I’m glad that it paid off. It means a lot to me.”

Parker will be competing against some top contenders such as CNN, “CBS News Sunday Morning,” “Today Show” and “Anderson Cooper 360.” According to the Humane Society website, “The nominees will be attending a gala event this Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles. The event will air as an one-hour TV special on Animal Planet in early Spring.”

“These are the stories I want to tell. I want to tell stories that are not always beautiful to watch, but have a message, a beautiful message of education and enlightenment. That’s why we are here to be able to educate people and say hey, this is happening, you can get involved and make a difference,” Parker said.

Check out our Hollywoof Heroes video interview with Lu here.

PHOTO: Bark Pet Photography

Kara Ogushi

Contributing writer Kara Ogushi is a pet mom to two dogs and five rabbits. When she isn’t writing travel tips for pooches, she’s exploring new ways to share and create media.

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