Hallmark Channel’s AMERICAN RESCUE DOG SHOW Highlights Rescue Dogs Competing in Unique Categories!
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (February, 6, 2020) –Two Helen Woodward Animal Center rescue pups are stealing the limelight on national TV, proving they’re on par with Westminster Dog Show pooches. Putting dog adoption on a national stage, Hallmark Channel’s AMERICAN RESCUE DOG SHOW, is proving rescue dogs can go paw-to-paw with the best, turning heads in adorable, snuggly and inspiring categories such as “Best in Belly Rubs,” “Best in Wrinkles,” “Best in Ears,” “Best in Talking,” and “Best in Special Needs.” The two night special will feature more than 70 former shelter dogs from across the country vying for Best in Rescue in the world’s most adorable dog show competition. Helen Woodward Animal Center rescue pets, Balonee and Champion, are ready for their close-ups on the Hallmark Channel, next Sunday, February 16 and Monday, February 17 @ 8 p.m. PT. Viewers in other markets should check their local listings for airtimes.
The “2020 American Rescue Dog Show” is part of the Hallmark Channel’s cross-platform campaign “Adoption Ever After,” aimed at raising the profile of shelter pets. During the star-studded special, canines from various shelters and rescues will compete for grants for their alumni shelters from the Pedigree Foundation in such adorable categories and ultimately Best in Rescue. All of the animals competing in “The American Rescue Dog Show” were adopted into loving homes. The goal of the show is to inspire viewers to adopt their next dog from their local shelter or rescue organization. The special is hosted by Rebecca Romijn and Rodney Peete with co-hosts Ross Mathews and Larissa Wohl covering all the action ringside. Celebrity judges include animal lovers, Gabby Douglas, Kevin Frazier, Jennie Garth, Sandra Lee and Melissa Peterman. The show is partnering with Adopt-A-Pet.com to also encourage local pet adoption. Website: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/american-rescue-dog-show
FIRST ALUMNI COMPETITOR – CHAMPION: BEST IN SPECIAL NEEDS
The Center is thrilled to support alum, Champion who is competing in the Special Needs Category at the American Rescue Dog Show. Early last year, Helen Woodward Animal Center transferred Champion from a rescue group in urgent need of help after having just pulled over 50 animals from an extreme hoarding situation in Arizona. Upon his arrival at the Center, veterinarians determined he had a severely broken leg that had been left untreated for months and was developing arthritis. With Champion’s best interest in mind, the Center’s medical team proceeded to remove Champion’s leg, giving him the best possible chance at an active, healthy life.
Through his months-long recovery, Champion quickly proved he had the will to push through his challenges despite life on three legs. It wasn’t long before the Cariss family took note of Champion at Helen Woodward Animal Center and quickly decided to welcome him into their home.
“Since we adopted Champion from Helen Woodward Animal Center, he’s brought our family so many smiles and is a daily inspiration,” Dana Cariss, Champion’s adopter said. “The Hallmark Channel is providing a great platform to not only showcase rescue pets but highlight the greatness within pets with special needs.”
Champion’s contender-profile can be seen here: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/american-rescue-dog-show/meet-the-dogs-2020-american-rescue-dog-show/38#listheade
SECOND ALUMNI COMPETITOR – BALONEE: BEST IN SENIOR
The Center is also lending its support to Pomeranian blend Balonee, adopted by Helen Woodward Animal Center’s own Pet Encounter Therapy Manager, Robin Cohen. Balonee will be representing the Center in the Senior Category. Now 16 years old, Balonee came into the Center’s care after being abandoned in a parking lot. In awe of his good looks and loving spirit, Cohen volunteered to foster Balonee while he received medical care. It wasn’t long before Cohen fell in love and decided to make Balonee a permanent member of her family. Now, Balonee inspires others and puts a smile on senior’s faces as a Pet Encounter Therapy dog.
“It really is quite special to be a part of such an amazing televised event that has the singular goal of highlighting the incredible dogs that can be found in rescue,” Cohen said. “So many dog lovers come together to share their stories and I know that it will inspire many viewers to find room in their hearts and homes for dogs in need.”
Balonee’s contender-profile can be seen here: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/american-rescue-dog-show/meet-the-dogs-2020-american-rescue-dog-show/23#listheader
The 2020 AMERICAN RESCUE DOG SHOW will air locally on the Hallmark Channel, next Sunday, February 16 and Monday, February 17 @ 8 p.m. PT. Tune in to watch Balonee and Champion and other rescue dogs, prove that shelter pets can not only steal your heart but they can do anything they set their minds to.