Pooch and People Stars Shine at Hero Dog Awards

Jason Lewis and Surf Dog Ricochet

The inaugural American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards brought the nation’s top eight canine contestants to the Beverly Hilton for a celebratory night of cavorting for a good cause.

The American Hero Dog of 2011 top prize was awarded posthumously to Roselle, a true hero of 9/11 (and in the history of working dogs) who led her blind handler, Michael Hingson, down the stairs after disaster struck the Twin Towers.

The star-studded event was hosted by Carson Kressley (“Dancing with the Stars”) and attracted human celebrity judges and presenters including Victoria Stilwell (Animal Planet’s “It’s Me or the Dog”), Pauley Perrette (“NCIS”), Jason Lewis (“Sex and the City”), Julianne Hough(“Footloose”), Faith Ford (“Hope & Faith”), Peter Fonda (“3:10 to Yuma”), Tara Harper (Bravo’s “Most Eligible Dallas” and “Paws in The City”) and Kressley’s DWTS parter, Anya Trebunskya.

: Victoria Stilwell

The notable American Hero Dog contenders we met on the red carpet included San Diego’s Surf Dog Ricochet, military working dog Bino and Sage from the Sage Foundation for Dogs Who Serve.

Tune in to the Hallmark Channel on November 11 to see your favorite hero dog strut his or her stuff on the red carpet and hobnob with celebrities, both canine and human.

PHOTOS: Patrick Mahaney

Copyright of this article (2011) is owned by Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr. Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr. Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

Dr. Mahaney

Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA has a thriving veterinary practice in Los Angeles. His clients respond favorably to his combination of Eastern and Western medicine, including acupuncture. In addition to making house calls, Mahaney makes himself available via social media outlets such as his blog and Twitter. He is dog dad to i Love Dogs canine ambassador Cardiff.