HERO DOGS The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 9/11. Roselle held AHA’s top honor It was a star-studded gala at the as American Hero Dog for 2011 and Beverly Hilton Hotel with celebrity now her owner (Hingson) will guide judges including Whoopi Goldberg, the selection of her successor. In Miranda Lambert, Victoria Stilwell, countless speaking Michelle Forbes, J.R. Martinez, Whoopi engagements, feaCandy Spelling and Kristin Bauer ture articles, TV and Van Straten. Special guest judge radio appearances, was #1 New York Times bestsellHingson shared ing author and blind 9/11 survivor, Michael Hingson, owner of Rosell, Roselle’s story of who was posthumously named the trust and teamwork Michelle as Ambassador for 2011 American Hero Dog Award Candy AHA’s Hero Dogs Winner for her heroic service on September 11, 2001. Broadcast throughout 2012. nationwide on the Hallmark Channel, Michael Hingson the American Humane Association is a speaker and the Hero Dog Awards are produced by author of Thunder Emmy winning MRB Productions Dog: The True Story J.R. who recognize America’s Hero Dogs. of a Blind Man, His Miranda Dogs are nominated in eight Guide Dog & the categories: Law Enforcement & Arson; Triumph of Trust at Service; Therapy; Military; Guide; Ground Zero and Search and Rescue; Hearing and Thunder Dog the film Emerging Hero Dogs (category for released in 2013. He pets). Finalists are selected via onis ambassador for the Kristin line voting by the American public Braille Literacy CamVictoria and judged by a blue-ribbon panel paign and founder of “Roselle's Dream of celebrities and animal experts to Foundation,” providing assistive techcrown the winning American Hero Dog. Guide dog Roselle worked fearlessly nologies to blind children and adults. l as a team with Hingson to guide him and www.michaelhingson.com. countless others down 1463 steps to safety The American Humane Association from tower one of the World Trade Center on www.americanhumane.org
A Doggie Runway Fashion Show Benefitting Canine Companion For Independence The Humane Society of the United States' H-Couture Fur-Free Fashion Show dazzled with designs from Marc Bouwer, John Bartlett, Charlotte Ronson, Kimberly Ovitz and Victoria Bartlett. Hosts were Paul Wesley and Torrey DeVitto (The Vampire Diaries) who brought the fashion and animal protection worlds out to support conscious living and compassion in fashion. “Anti-fur has been something I’ve been very passionate about for a very long time. We are not cavemen anymore; we don’t need it for warmth,” said Torrey. “There are faux alternatives that keep us just as warm, are as soft and beautiful. We are more than happy to take part in this great cause. That these designers are very successful and have really hip, cool clothing that doesn’t involve torturing and killing animals will make young people say, “oh wait a minute, I’d rather wear that, said Paul. Marc Bouwer’s gowns are worn by Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Halle Berry and Portia de Rossi. He said, “It was very important for me to do this benefit for The Humane Society. Fur belongs on animals, not on people. If I want the look and feel of leather or fur, I can duplicate it exactly with faux materials that look fabulous.” Designer John Bartlett said, “To me, compassion in fashion is very sexy and cruelty is a total turn-off. Everything I do is plant-based, which for me is very sexy, very exciting.” Proceeds went to The HSUS’ Fur-Free Campaign and Hollywood Outreach program which works with designers, retailers and fashion students to promote alternatives to animal fur. It exposed major retailers selling animal fur as faux and revealed domestic dog fur sold in the U.S. “We’re delighted our first major fashion event emphasized how cool and stylish fashion without cruelty can be. Why would anyone feel comfortable wearing clothing involving the suffering
Cole Massie
Matt Sorum
and inhumane killing of an animal?,” asked Beverly Kaskey, senior director of HSUS’s Hollywood Outreach Program. We’re grateful to Paul, Torrey and our designers for making a fur-free stand.” Other HSUS members who attended were President & CEO Wayne Pacelle, Chief Program and Policy officer Mike Markarian. l
PHOTOS: Michael Benzjian
Michael Hingson author of the #1 New York Times bestselling book Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog & the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero
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Tommy Davidson