Following National Vote, 24 of America’s Most Courageous Canines Chosen to Compete for Title as America’s Top Dog

Public Voting Opens to Choose Eight Finalists for 2015 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™

Presented by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, national campaign to culminate in red carpet awards gala and two-hour special on Hallmark Channel this fall

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2015 — The results are in! Following more than 600,000 votes by animal lovers across the country, 24 courageous canines are advancing to the semifinal rounds of the 2015 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™, presented by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation. Two dozen heroic hounds were chosen by the American public to advance to the next round from a field of 171 remarkable candidates.  The public is now invited to visit www.HeroDogAwards.org every day between now and June 26 to vote once per day for their favorite in one of eight categories. The eight finalists will be flown to Los Angeles to take part in the star-studded Hero Dog Awards gala on September 19 at the Beverly Hilton, where one will be chosen as the 2015 American Hero Dog. This must-watch event for animal lovers will be broadcast as a two-hour special by Hallmark Channel in October.

In both the semifinal and final rounds in the competition, the winners will be determined through a combination of votes by the general public vote and a special celebrity judging panel. The top dog in each category will win $2,500 for their designated charity partner and the winning 2015 American Hero Dog’s charity partner will receive an additional $5,000 for a grand total of $7,500. Each charity partner is dedicated to celebrating the role of dogs in our lives, and like American Humane Association, focuses on the importance of the human-animal bond.

The eight categories for 2015 are: Military Dogs, sponsored by the Zoetis Rimadyl K-9 Courage Program; Arson Dogs, sponsored by State Farm; Service Dogs, sponsored by Modern Dog magazine; Emerging Hero Dogs, a category that pays tribute to ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things, sponsored by NexGard; Law Enforcement Dogs; Search and Rescue Dogs; Guide/Hearing Dogs;Therapy Dogs. Zoetis is the official online sponsor for the competition.

Over the past four years, millions of votes have been cast for nearly a thousand dogs, all seeking the coveted title of American Hero Dog. The program reaches more than 1 billion people each year and draws the support and participation of top celebrity dog lovers from all over the world. Hosts, judges, award presenters, and entertainment acts have included Victoria Stilwell, Betty White, Whoopi Goldberg, Pauley Perrette, Beth Stern, James Denton, Joey Lawrence, Lisa Vanderpump, Mickey Rooney, Burt Reynolds, Chelsea Handler, Denise Richards, Martin Short, Jewel, Wilson Phillips, Five for Fighting, Carson Kressley, Miranda Lambert, Kristin Chenoweth,Naomi Judd, Lou Wegner, Bailee Madison, Hugh Jackman, Gary Sinise, and many, many more.

“The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards were created to spotlight the invaluable accomplishments of dogs everywhere,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association president and CEO. “I know the public and our judging panel will have a tough time choosing their favorite dog because each of these 24 extraordinary heroes is worthy of taking home top honors in September.”

“We have an especially accomplished field of terrific candidates this year,” said Lois Pope. “From those who defend our country to those who help us heal, guide us, protect us, and help find the lost, every single contender exemplifies the courage and heroism we seek to spotlight in this campaign. Our goal is not only to honor these magnificent dogs but to inspire America to reflect on the outsized contributions that animals make to our lives each and every day.”

Key dates for the 2015 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ contest include:

• May 25-June 26: Voting to determine the 8 category finalists
• July 4-September 7: Voting to determine 2015’s American Hero Dog
• September 19: Fifth annual American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards event in Los Angeles

To vote for your favorite Hero Dog once per day, please visit www.HeroDogAwards.org. More information on sponsorship opportunities can be had by emailing Paul Raybould at paulr@americanhumane.org or by calling 1-800-227-4645.

Meet the 24 incredible Hero Dog Awards semifinalists!

Arson Dogs category (sponsored by State Farm)

• Glory (Evansville, WI) – Glory is a certified accelerant detection canine, trained to sniff out minute traces of hydrocarbon-based accelerants and combat the growing problem of intentionally set fires. While her team does the majority of their work around their home base in Beloit, Wisconsin, they are also called to investigate fires anywhere within the state, neighboring states, and around the country. According to her team, Glory’s keen senses go far beyond detecting accelerants. With firefighters and paramedics dealing with situations that affect them emotionally, she has the ability to sense who is having a rough day and will spend time with them, which helps relieve their stress. Public education is also a large part of the job, and Glory and her handler visit schools, clubs, and organizations, to teach people about fire safety, fire prevention, and arson awareness.
• Judge (Allentown, PA) – Allentown Fire Department Arson K9 Judge is a six-year-old yellow Labrador retriever who has been in service since early 2011. According to his human partner he was a tad more vocal than the other dogs in his class but he attributed it to his outgoing personality and drive. Judge has worked more than 200 fire scenes and evidence he has found has led to criminal arrests and civil penalties. The number of arson fires in the Lehigh Valley has dropped nearly 50 percent since Judge has been in service. One day while doing an investigation, word got out that Judge was on the scene and may have found something. Several juveniles returned to the scene to confess to starting the fire because they knew that if Judge found something it was just a matter of time before they were caught. They were fined and paid restitution. Judge has participated in more than 400 fire safety programs and demonstrations.
• Spring (Gilbert, AZ) – Spring began her career as a seeing-eye dog, then transitioned to become an accelerant K9 with the GilbertFire & Rescue Department.  Spring is considered an integral part of the department. She and her handler/investigator have been called out to assist with arson investigations over a wide geographic area and those who get the opportunity to watch them operate as a team are impressed. Investigators have watched people deny they had any involvement with the fire only to be reduced to tears and change their story after Spring arrives and goes to work. Spring is heavily involved with fire safety programs, always drawing a crowd.

Emerging Hero Dogs category (sponsored by NexGard)

• Brian (Sherman Oaks, CA) – Brian was brought to the Baldwin Park animal shelter starving and only weighing 41 pounds. He had been used as a backyard breeding dog and when he became more of a liability than a source of income, the breeders left him to die. He was in such bad health he was going to put in down in 45 minutes. Luckily, one of the shelter workers knew of a rescue for last-chance, senior care, and hospice care animals called Leave No Paws Behind who picked him up first thing the next morning. Doctors did not think he would make it, but they did everything possible to give him a chance. After two weeks at the vet’s, he was released into foster care, where he was fed nine cups of food a day. He was not allowed to move much since he needed every calorie. After three months he was medically released to go for short walks, and after six months he was completely medically released to slowly build back his muscles.
• Harley (Berthoud, CO) – Harley spent 10 years living in a small cage in a puppy mill before he was rescued and found a loving home. His journey of physical and emotional healing inspired a campaign called “Harley to the Rescue,” which has raised the funds to save (and provide medical care for) more than 500 dogs from puppy mills over the past two years. Harley personally goes on these rescue missions; and there is no doubt Harley is keenly aware of what is happening! There is something indescribable in the way he communicates with the sad and scared dogs. As a spokes-dog against puppy mills, Harley has educated thousands of people, of all ages, about the horrors of the commercial dog breeding industry.  Harley makes public appearances at events and schools where he gladly accepts love and attention from everyone. Harley’s grizzled appearance is a testament to the care and nurturing that he had never received. He had issues: a diseased heart, a mouth filled with rot, a fused spine, a broken tail, gnarled toes, and legs that were deformed. And then there is the missing eye as the result of his cage being power-washed with him in it (an all too common practice in puppy mills). All of these conditions were the result of years of horrendous neglect and abuse. Harley is a voice for the thousands of breeding dogs still living in puppy mills, and by winning the Emerging Hero Dog Award it will draw attention to help further his mission.
• Juno (Sturbridge, MA) – Known as “the little dog who does big things,” Juno is a six-pound Chihuahua and the pack leader at Juno’s Place. Juno was adopted when she was two months old and sick with pneumonia but was nursed back to health by her adoptive mom Deborah Young. Her calm demeanor has made her the perfect ambassador and she is popular at public events. Organizations supported by Juno include Kane’s Krusade, Spay Worcester, Pet Rock Festival, The Cold Noses Foundation, SweetPea Animal Shelter, Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog, Paws For A Cause, and efforts to end breed-specific legislation. Juno campaigned on behalf of SweetPea shelter and was awarded a Petco Foundation grant totaling $18,461, which provided much-needed renovations and the construction of the “Freedom Yard.” Juno’s Paw-it-Forward project collects supplies for a school where 98 percent of the students live at the poverty level. Juno has also raised money for cancer research and she and Young are now spearheading their “Speak Up” nationwide campaign, which encourages people to recognize the link between domestic violence and animal abuse.

Guide/Hearing Dogs category

• Chara (Waynesboro, VA) – Chara was originally trained as a signal service dog. However, due to a work accident in 2008, her handler developed a neurological condition known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy type II with Dystonia. Thanks to the bond between handler and dog, Chara has trained herself to depict impending myoclonic dystonic attacks (15-45 minutes before episodes). This newfound “alerting” skill was formed not just with her handler. Two weeks after her handler gave birth to her son, he developed a severe cold. Unknown to his mom (who is also hearing impaired), he stopped breathing. Chara alerted her that something was terribly wrong and if it was not for her quick response and love for her newest pack member, the boy would have succumbed to a condition known as SIDS. Chara has gone beyond her original skills of hearing dog and is now considered by her family to be their furry guardian angel who watches over everyone and everything.
• Izaac DeMaio (Newington, CT) – As soon as his handler received him, there was an instant bond with Izaac. The dog has given his owner the ability to live a full, energetic life while also increasing his sociability and sense of security. Izaac has enabled his handler, the director of the town’s Parks and Recreation Department, to visit their outdoor public pools, parks, monuments, stadiums, and more. He is fabulous with people and crowds, helping his handler navigate among 50,000 participants at the July 4th festival or directing his handler to the stage to introduce bands. He regularly attends Parks and Recreation, Youth Services, Person with Disabilities, and Senior Center Commission meetings, and, most visibly Town Council Meetings. The pair are exercise buddies, kayaking, swimming and playing ball together. Last summer Izaac enabled his handler to fly across country for the first time without another human by his side to the Oral Hull Blind Adventure Camp in Oregon. And with his newfound confidence the handler and dog just attended the Top Dog FunVention in South Carolina.
• Kannon (Madison, WI) – Kannon is said to be a hero “because she makes [her handler’s]dreams come true,” helping her live out a lifelong dream by marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade. She has a steel-trap memory, remembering from year to year how to navigate annual conferences. Together the pair advocates and educates people on blindness prevention and the importance of giving the gift of sight and life. They ring Salvation Army red kettle bells, run senior bingo, organize school supply drives, and promote wellness and exercise. Together, the pair encourages inclusion for anyone and everyone, whether or not they have disabilities.

Law Enforcement Dogs category

• Dax (Ashland, MA) – K9 Dax’s human partner Officer Chris Alberini, owes his life to this dog after Dax saved him from being shot by climbing into an attic where a suspect was hiding with a shotgun. On July 2, 2013 the team was called to assist in the search for the suspect, who had an active arrest warrant. Officer Alberini called into the house the suspect had entered and told him to come out or he would send in Dax. When no one responded, they started to search the house. Dax found a ceiling hatch leading to an attic and alerted his companion, who yelled up to the suspect to come down. The man did not respond. Officer Alberini hoisted Dax into the attic, where he bit the suspect’s leg. Officer Alberini followed, carrying a flashlight and found Dax fighting with the suspect. When the man started reaching for a shotgun by his left side, Officer Alberini began fighting for the weapon and then drew his service weapon and shot the suspect twice. The man would have likely fired at Officer Alberini immediately if Dax had not gone into the attic first. Investigators later learned that the suspect had texted his attorney and girlfriend about killing police.
• Fox (Hollywood, AL) – K9 Fox served three years protecting and defending soldiers and civilians in the war in Afghanistan. Once the war came to a close he was returned to the U.S. and was recommissioned as a police K9 by AMK9 and donated to the HollywoodPolice Department by K9s4COPS. K9 Fox has only been a police K9 for a short time but he has already made a huge impact at his police department. Fox is described as loving everything he does, whether chasing the bad guys or sniffing out drugs. Through his brave service protecting men and women in uniform in Afghanistan and keeping the streets of his hometown safe, Fox has dedicated his life to making the world a better place.
• Hero (Bloomfield, CT) – It is a parent’s worst nightmare: their child goes missing for no apparent reason. In an instant, fear turns smiles and happiness into panic and despair. In the case of a three-year-old boy who wandered off into the woods following a stray puppy, the outcome could have been much worse without the search and rescue efforts of the appropriately named K9 Hero of theConnecticut State Police. After searching the area for more than two hours with friends, neighbors and local police officers, K9 Hero was called into action with his handler Trooper Mike Zella. Hero was given a scent article by the missing boy’s mother and Trooper Zella sent Hero on a search of the deep woods. Hero carefully worked through the area previously contaminated by the well-intentioned human search party seeking the boy’s scent. Following his training and his nose, Hero quickly located the boy wandering another trail around a pond. Trooper Zella said, “Without Hero, the outcome could have been much worse.”

Military Dogs category (sponsored by the Zoetis Rimadyl K-9 Courage Program)

• Matty (DeSoto, MO) – Army Specialist Brent Grommet and MWD Matty were deployed in Afghanistan, and on more than one occasion saved numerous lives of servicemen and women. Both were injured in an IED attack and were recommended for medals for their heroics. Upon arrival back in the United States they were separated, seemingly never to see each other again. SPC Grommet filed adoption papers for Matty twice but both times the Army lost his papers and Matty was eventually adopted by someone else. Local and national media intervened as well as several members of Congress to bring this pair back together. With each suffering from the post-traumatic stress, the pair is now helping each other heal.
• Rambo (Converse, TX) – Sgt. Rambo served in the Marine Corps from January 2011-April 2012 as an explosive detection MWD based out of Cherry Point, N.C. While on active duty, Rambo conducted 994 hours of training and 622 missions on base and in his local community. Rambo was medically retired due to a left shoulder injury and in November 2012 had to have that limb amputated. Rambo has gone on to be Alamo Honor Flight’s mascot, accompanying countless World War II veterans toWashington, D.C. and even having the honor of meeting Senator and Mrs. Bob Dole, serving as the official ambassador for the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act, and attending press conferences with both Congressman Walter Jones of North Carolina and Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. Rambo is currently the mascot for Gizmo’s Gift, a Texas nonprofit that offers financial support to families who adopt a retired working dog. While visiting local nursing homes he is able to bring love and life to the residents who suffer with dementia. He visits youth groups during the summer and brings hope to children with special needs.
• Rexo (Hemet, CA) – Army Staff Sergeant Brandon Sanford served as a Military Police officer for 11 years with six of those years spent as a K9 handler with his explosive detection dog MWD Rexo. They deployed together to Iraq in 2008 where they both received Purple Hearts for injuries sustained from a roadside bomb. When they returned to the states they were separated because Sgt. Sanford was being medically retired due to injuries he received on deployment. In April 2012, Rexo was retired following five deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Sgt. Sanford was able to submit an application to adopt Rexo. MWD Rexo has done many VIP missions including presidential details in New York City and Baghdad, Iraq when President Bush visited in 2008. While on deployment, the team was very successful, finding 22 weapons caches including guns, IED components, and explosives, and uncovering 22 IEDs from January 2008 to January 2009. He served his fifth and final deployment in Afghanistan in 2011 before his retirement in April 2012.

Search and Rescue Dogs category

• Franklin (Cave Creek, AZ) — Franklin was rescued from a backyard breeder at 15 weeks of age. He has since become a certified member of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Search Dog Unit, a service dog for his handler, and a therapy dog where he excels with children and visits hospitals and senior facilities. His handler uses Franklin at The Fetch Foundation to socialize other dogs. But his handler describes Franklin’s real talent as search and rescue. Franklin works as a human remains detection dog, earning certificates and praise from his unit and the North American Search Dog Network (NASDN) for his drive and perfect nose. One of his NASDN evaluators said if her child were ever lost, she would want Franklin on the search. Franklin also excels at air-scenting for finding live subjects and is known for his range far and wide to find subjects.
• Glory (Sun Valley, CA) – Glory is an eight-year-old Bloodhound who has been trained and certified to track lost pets. During her long and successful career, she has helped bring closure to hundreds of families. Glory works in extreme temperatures and under difficult conditions and is devoted to her work, as several relieved pet owners can attest: “We were terrified,” said Stephanie, the owner of a lost cat, Pistol. “Pistol was gone from our front yard and we had no idea where to look. When Glory led to the freeway and wanted to cross, I couldn’t believe it. But Glory was right, and we had Pistol back that same afternoon – Pistol had crossed the 101 freeway and was right across from where Glory indicated.” “How does one even put words to an experience of knowing we may never have seen Paisley again?” said the owner of a Yorkshire lost for three days. “Without Glory’s devotion to her work, we wouldn’t be sitting here with Paisley tonight.” “When I received the devastating news Goldie was missing, I spent six nights walking through the area and calling into a megaphone, put up 300 posters and offered a $1,000 reward,” said Derek, the owner of a lost Pomeranian. “Goldie was lost 60 miles away with no food or water – it was more than my family could bear. Our hearts were broken. At nine days missing Glory found Goldie alive under crates in an outdoor factory.”
• Maddy (Southaven, MS) – Tossed aside from the world a malnourished, fearful dog, Maddy knew only hunger and terror. For months her handler searched for a dog to join her in volunteering for search and rescue missions, and found the perfect one inMaddy Grace. After a few weeks of love and attention to get her physically well, they began training. On evaluation day her owner said no matter what she would keep Maddy, but they need not have worried as the evaluator was blown away by her natural ability. Maddy and her handler are a nationally dual-certified search and rescue team serving the entire Mid-South region.  Additionally, they attend local events advocating for adopting shelter dogs. Maddy also has a gift for listening to children and letting them tell her what is troubling them, calming their broken spirits with natural compassion. Because of this gift, the team now works with disadvantaged inner-city youths and the Special Olympics.

Service Dogs category (sponsored by Modern Dog)

• Axel (Fredericksburg, VA) – Five years ago, now-retired Marines Captain Jason Haag was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury after returning from two combat tours in the Middle East. When he finally made it home, he was in a constant state of severe depression and mental agony. He struggled with alcohol abuse and took more than 30 medications to deal with his debilitating symptoms. In 2012, his wife urged him to reach out to K9s for Warriors, an organization that provides veterans with service canines, which is how he met who he calls his “lifesaver,” a German shepherd named Axel. On deployment, every soldier is paired up with a battle buddy, and these days his battle buddy is not another Marine, but Axel. Day in and day out, Axel is by his side, ensuring that he is in a constant state of peace and not fear. Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge from Axel to remind him that he is out of the combat zone. Other times, Axel goes into full activation mode, using his training to remove Captain Haag from an environment when a severe panic attack has begun. When he met Axel, the dog was one week away from being put down, sleeping on a shelter floor while Captain Haag was sleeping in his basement with a gun under his pillow. Now he shares a bed with his “big, furry security blanket.”
• Jackson (Howell, MI) – Jackson is a Mobility Service Dog, obtained from Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence (ADAI) inSylvania. OH. Jackson’s handler has Parkinson’s Disease, Crohn’s Disease, and Anxiety Disorder. Before Parkinson’s she was active as a full-time service director for a major airline at Detroit Metro Airport. When her health deteriorated, she went from doctor to doctor trying to diagnose what was wrong. She was dragging her leg, and had twitching legs, fingers, and eyes. Finally, she was diagnosed and had to retire. When she fell, people would not help because they thought she was drunk. She then discovered ADAI and felt that finally someone understood. After a year on a wait list, she was matched with Jackson, a smooth-coated Collie. With the help of Jackson and ADAI her life changed. Jackson helps her balance and counterbalance. He picks up things she drops, takes her coat off, brings her shoes, covers her up, gets help, and makes her laugh. Jackson and ADAI have given her independence and confidence back, and her husband does not have to worry about her while at work as long as Jackson is around.
• Midas (Dana Point, CA) – Midas came into Juan Valdez’s life when he needed him the most, after a tough deployment toAfghanistan. Afghanistan had been his last deployment, and he had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress several times before. At only 11 weeks old Midas started trying to wake him up from nightmares, and started trying to mitigate his disability. Because of Midas, Valdez’s transition from military to civilian has been smoother, and having Midas by his side in school has given him the motivation he needed to excel academically. After watching Midas interact with other veterans and the effect he had on them, it gave Valdez the inspiration needed to help other veterans who are in similar situations. Together with Dogs on Deployment the pair work tirelessly to stop veteran suicide as well as to inspire veterans to use the tools they learned in the military to achieve their dreams.

Therapy Dogs category

• Hudson the Railroad Puppy (Castleton, N.Y.) – At just three weeks old, Hudson and two of his siblings were found nailed to the railroad tracks in Albany, N.Y. and Hudson’s paw had been cut off. After lifesaving treatment for Hudson and Pearl (sadly, their sister Carina did not make it) they became known as the “Railroad Puppies.” After several surgeries it was decided that Hudsonwas a great candidate for a prosthetic limb and Hudson became one of the first dogs in New York State to be fitted with a prosthetic paw. After being adopted, Hudson’s family knew he was special and could do great things and spread awareness about animal cruelty and so they had him trained to be a therapy dog. Now he visits schools, hospitals, adult day care facilities, and they are also now hospice volunteers visiting with patients and their families. The team teaches children and everyone they meet that just because you are different, you are still special in your own “Wooftastic” way. Hudson the Railroad Puppy brings smiles to everyone he meets and is changing hearts and minds about the pit bull breed one at a time.
• Mango (Las Cruces, N.M.) – Mango is a three-year-old rescue who is paralyzed and registered as a certified therapy dog. Mango uses a wheelchair full time because of her paralysis but is still able to visit veterans suffering from physical and emotional disabilities. When she rolls into a room to meet disabled veterans they see a small dog who uses wheels instead of legs and yet is happy and never thinks of herself as handicapped. Mango helps these veterans realize that they are special and not disabled. They relate to Mango and Mango seems to understand them. Mango and her family created Freedom Wheels in November 2014. Because of Mango’s paralysis and her use of a wheelcart, she understands how important mobility is to a dog or cat. Through generous donations Freedom Wheels has purchased and provided more than 25 dogs and cats custom wheelcarts that their family could not afford otherwise. They have also teamed up with Ruff Rollin Wheelchairs in Montana to put disabled animals in their own custom-made wheelcarts. Her goal was initially 12 carts a year but she has far exceeded that within just the few months since Mango’s Freedom Wheels was created.
• Parker (Aloha, OR) – “You have very aggressive cancer.” Those are words you never want to hear, but Dan McFarling did not give up. Enter Parker, a new furry family member who helped him through it. Now eight years cancer-free, McFarling and his four-legged partner visit hospitals, spreading hope to those facing similar diagnoses. Parker began life as an animal actor and model, but with his amazing disposition his family knew he was destined for something bigger. His true calling is providing comfort to those who need it at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and other hospitals in Portland. He calms nerves when a child is undergoing treatment that may cause fear or pain and he offers a nuzzle for someone undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. His non-judgmental eyes garner confidence in children who read to him at the library. Parker spends time working with charitable organizations to raise awareness about cancer. He wears a vest with more than 2,500 names of cancer patients, and has walked all over the West Coast for a cure. In 2013 Parker was cast as Sandy in a live theater production of “Annie.” Tragedy struck the cast when one of actresses playing an orphan and her sister were killed in a hit and run. Parker’s role went from playing Annie’s lovable mutt to resident therapy dog, providing comfort to the cast, crew, and the parents.

About American Humane Association
American Humane Association is the country’s first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we’re also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

About Lois Pope, The Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., and LIFE (Leaders in Furthering Education)
As one of America’s leading philanthropists, Lois Pope has positively impacted the lives of individuals at the local, national and international levels.  She has established three separate organizations dedicated to helping those in need.  These organizations are the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., Leaders In Furthering Education (LIFE), and the Disabled Veterans’ Life Memorial Foundation.  For more than 20 years she has been the driving force behind the Lois Pope LIFE Center at the University of Miami School of Medicine, The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, and a groundbreaking new program with American Humane Association in Palm Beach County. Lois Pope has recently donated two Lois Pope Red Star Rescue Vehicles. Each rescue vehicle is a 50-foot long response unit, complete with a Ford F-350 truck and trailer, which is specifically designed and outfitted to provide an array of animal emergency services and cruelty responses within the region.

Mrs. Pope recently saw the completion of a decade’s long dream – the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, which was dedicated by President Obama in Washington, DC on Sunday, October 5, 2014. The Memorial will forever stand as a reminder to the public and legislators of the courage and sacrifices of the four million living disabled veterans and all those who died before them for the need to be vigilant in assuring their support, as well as being aware of the human cost of war.

A mother and a grandmother, Lois has trained for and completed five New York City Marathons.

To learn more visit www.life-edu.org or call 561.582.8083.

About Hallmark Channel
Hallmark Channel is Crown Media Family Networks’ flagship 24-hour cable television network, distributed nationwide in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to 85 million homes. The country’s leading destination for quality family entertainment, Hallmark Channel delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. In addition to its signature original movies, the network features an ambitious lineup of other original content, including scripted primetime series, such as Cedar Cove, Good Witch, and When Calls the Heart; annual specials like Kitten Bowl and Hero Dog Awards and; a daily 2-hour lifestyle show, Home & Family.  Additionally, inNovember 2014, Hallmark Channel became the exclusive home to world premiere presentations of the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame franchise. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate life’s special moments, Hallmark Channel also offers such annual holiday programming events as Countdown to Christmas and Countdown to Valentine’s Day. Rounding out the network’s diverse slate are television’s most beloved sitcoms and series, including The Golden Girls, The Middle, Little House on the Prairie, and Frasier. Complementing Hallmark Channel’s light-hearted and comedic fare, sibling network Hallmark Movies & Mysteries presents a unique mix of content that is more dramatic in tone, including original movies and such acquired series Matlock, Murder She Wrote, and Hart to Hart.

Crown Media Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRWN), owns and operates Crown Media Family Networks.

For more information, please visit www.crownmediapress.com
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About Zoetis
Zoetis (zō-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. In 2014, the company generated annual revenues of $4.8 billion. With approximately 10,000 employees worldwide at the beginning of 2015, Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in 120 countries. For more information, visit www.zoetisUS.com.

About State Farm®
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve over 82 million policies and accounts – nearly 80 million auto, home, life, health and commercial policies, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 41 on the 2014 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visithttp://www.statefarm.com.

About Merial, Makers of NexGard
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health and well-being of a wide range of animals. Merial employs 6,100 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide with over $2 billion in sales in 2014. Merial is a Sanofi company. For more information, please see www.merial.com.

About Modern Dog magazine
Modern Dog magazine is a must-read for dog lovers! Get inspired with the best ideas and solutions for life with dogs. Each issue features cool finds, design, insight into your dog’s behaviour, best buys, wellness, rescue, training, fun DIY how-to’s, contests and more! Modern Dog is your guide to a better bond with your dog. A large part of Modern Dog’s mission is to support rescue and the organizations that work tirelessly to help to dogs in need. www.moderndogmagazine.com