WGN Radio Petcast, American Humane Association Salute to American Canine Heroes

Listen HERE to this very special WGN Radio Petcast (note, this podcast may take a few moments to load).

A celebration of the The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards, presented by Cesar Canine Cuisine, seen on the Hallmark Channel on November 11.

This is the first ever televised celebration of ordinary dogs (and people) achieving the extraordinary. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of the American Humane Association kicks off this audio celebration,explaining how over 400,000 votes were cast on a Hero Dog website culminating in the selection of eight finalists.

From Des Plaines, IL., the Hero Dog Award winner for Service Dog, a Labrador named Zurich. The ways which Zurich assist Patricia Kennedy are amazing, and touching. It’s astounding what dogs can physically do to assist, but it’s really how Zurich has wiggled his way into Patty’s heart that really matters. In fact, her husband Dione Luper tells me his wife is alive today solely because of Zurich.

Ironic, the Hero Dog Awards will be seen on Veterans Day. Most civilians aren’t aware of the uncredited role of Military Working Dogs. On average, each military working dog is responsible for 150 lives saved. Debbie Kandoll, talks about the winning Military Working Dog, named Bino, and also talks about how a community of people are working to assist Military Working Dogs to be adopted when their distinguished careers are completed, and how these dogs could and should receive official recognition from the U.S. Military.

Other winners were in the categories of Law Enforcement/Arson Dog; Therapy Dog; Guide Dog; Search and Rescue Dog; Hearing Dog and Emerging Hero Dog.

Atticus, a very special Guide Dog to Vietnam Veteran Jim Hogan was named an honorary Hero Dog Award recipient, and Grand Marshall of the Hero Dog Awards. I speak Jim and his wife Pam; they’ve traveled  the world with Atticus. Jim is both visually and hearing impaired and spoke eloquently about his relationship with his canine partner.

Cllick HERE for this special WGN Radio Petcast.

Click HERE for more on the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards, including stories I wrote for my national newspaper column, a piece I authored for a blog for Victoria Stilwell’s (“It’s Me or the Dog,” Animal Planet), behind-the-scenes celebrity photos and a promotional reel.