Posted: October 12, 2011, 3 a.m. EDT
Roselle, who led her blind master safely down 78 flights of stairs following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, has been named the top American Hero Dog at the first American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards.
Roselle, who passed away this summer, was honored at a gala attended by her master, Michael Hingson, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Oct. 1. Hosted by Carson Kressley, the star-studded event recognized extraordinary acts of heroism by ordinary dogs in eight hero-dog categories. The event will be broadcast nationwide Nov. 11 on the Hallmark Channel.
“Every day, across America, dogs protect, comfort, and give their unconditional friendship and affection to the ill, the infirm, the wounded veteran, and the frightened child,” says Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. “It was time to recognize the contributions of man's best friends and celebrate the heroic feats they have performed for us every day.”
More than 400,000 votes were cast to select the
eight finalists. A panel of celebrity judges, including Kristin Chenoweth,
Betty White,
Victoria Stilwell, and Whoopi Goldberg, picked the winner.
For more on the awards,
click here.