Roselle, the guide dog who led her blind master down 78 flights of stairs following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, has been named the top American Hero Dog during the first American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards.
Roselle, who passed away this summer, was honored at the Hero Dog Awards with her master, Michael Hingson. The awards celebrated the relationship between dogs and people and recognized extraordinary acts of heroism performed by ordinary dogs. Roselle was chosen among hundreds of nominated dogs from 50 states.
In announcing the winner and importance of the evetn, Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Association, said:
“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. It was time to recognize the contributions of man’s best friends and celebrate the heroic feats they have performed for us every day. Every dog nominated is a bona fide hero, and all eight finalists were winners in their categories. Now, after hundreds of thousands of votes by the American public and consideration by a panel of VIP judges, we are proud to announce Roselle as the top American Hero Dog for 2011.”
The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards was produced by Emmy-award winning MRB Productions and will be broadcast on Hallmark Channel on November 11, 2011.