American Humane Association sending America's hero dogs to Hollywood!

Via PR Newswire - Everyone agrees that there are few things as heart-warming, meaningful and joyful as those amazing stories you hear about a hero dog saving a platoon of soldiers from a deadly IED, a therapy dog that helped a little girl battle cancer, or a heroic hound who overcame incredible odds.

With close to one million votes cast so far, folks all across America have cast their ballots for their favorite heroic hounds at www.herodogawards.org.

Every day for the next week, people can read the remarkable stories of the 141 courageous canines competing in this year's annual American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards, and help choose the nation's eight finalists for 2013.

These incredible stories of love, loyalty and innate intelligence are impressing people across the country, and each day you can vote for your top choice in each of eight categories: Law Enforcement/Arson Dog, Service Dog, Guide Dog, Therapy Dog, Military Dog, Search & Rescue Dog, Hearing Dog or Emerging Hero Dog.

Once this initial voting round is completed, and eight category winners have been chosen, a second round of public voting will begin in August. The eight finalists and their handlers will be flown to Hollywood where on October 5, at the star-studded Hero Dog Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the American Hero Dog of the year will be named.

The Hero Dog Awards highlights the powerful relationship between dogs and people and helps raise much-needed resources to support the vital work of American Humane Association – the nation's voice for the protection of children and animals.

The "National Spokesdog" for the 2013 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards is Super Smiley, a two-time shelter dog, animal actor, and animal advocate whose mission is to help all the shelter pets get adopted and share the message that dogs are healers, teachers and heroes.

"For far too long, the brave work of our hero dogs has gone unnoticed," said. Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association.

"I'm happy to say that because of the Hero Dog Awards, the public is paying more attention than ever before to the invaluable work done by millions of dogs every day to keep us healthy, safe and, yes, happy. I encourage all Americans who enjoy the love and benefits of this unique human-animal bond to vote for these fabulous four-legged heroes."

Tickets for the Hero Dog Awards Beverly Hills gala may be purchased online at herodogawards.org. For those unable to attend the gala, Hallmark Channel will broadcast the event as a two-hour national television special on November 7.

But it all starts with choosing the final eight. So go to www.herodogawards.org and cast your ballots!