WHOOPI GOLDBERG 

Goldberg has won a Grammy, two Emmys, two Golden Globes, a Tony and an Oscar - one of the few entertainers ever to have won all these awards. In addition, she received a British Academy Film Award and four People's Choice Awards and has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is also well-known for helping to start Comic Relief in 1986 with Billy Crystal and Robin Williams to raise funds for homeless people.  

MIRANDA LAMBERT

Miranda Lambert is country’s reigning female vocalist of the year, as bestowed by both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. She’s won the prized album of the year trophy from both organizations, as well – from the ACMs for her second record, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and from the CMAs and ACMs for her third, Revolution. She received the top country female vocal performance honor at the most recent Grammy Awards for “The House That Built Me.” And, lest all her honorifics be so high-minded, she’s been named one of People magazine’s Most Beautiful People and one of Maxim’s Hottest Women of Country. “I'm a singer songwriter from Texas and I act like one. I've been playing and writing professionally since I was 17. No matter what I'm singing, I want to say something that makes people think. I want people to hear my songs and feel something. When I'm not touring I love: Riding my four wheeler, playing with the dogs, listening to music, picken' on the porch with family and friends, and eating!”

Emmy and Tony Award winner and Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee, Kristin Chenoweth effortlessly transitions between stage, television and film with captivating grace.  Many remember her show-stealing, Tony-winning performance in "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" and her triumphant star turn when she originated the role of Glinda the Good Witch in "Wicked," which earned her a leading actress Tony Award nomination. She received an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for the critically acclaimed television show "Pushing Daises" and has a recurring role in the hit show "Glee, " for which she is currently Emmy nominated. Her autobiography, "A Little Bit Wicked" was a New York Times bestseller.  Kristin was recently seen on Broadway starring in the revival of "Promises, Promises." She will next be seen in ABC’s “Good Christian Belles” and has a CD, “Some Lessons Learned” coming out in September.

Michelle Forbes Guajardo is an American actress who has built a career of work in television and independent film and has acted in productions in both the United States and in the United Kingdom. Forbes first gained attention from her dual role in daytime soap opera Guiding Light, for which she received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. She has also been nominated for multiple Screen Actors Guild- and Saturn Awards during her career. Although she has appeared in significant roles in movies such as Escape from L.A., Kalifornia and Swimming with Sharks, Forbes is known for her recurring appearances on genre and drama shows such as Star Trek: The Next Generation and her regular role as Dr. Julianna Cox on Homicide: Life on the Street during the 1990s, while building her career with recurring roles throughout the 2000s in Battlestar Galactica, 24, In Treatment, Durham County, Prison Break and her series regular role as Maryann Forrester on True Blood. She is currently on the main cast of the AMC television series The Killing, for which she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination on July 14, 2011.

J.R. Martinez is an actor, motivational speaker, retired soldier, author and now father. It is hard to believe that 2012 maybe his best year yet. J.R and girlfriend, Diana Gonzalez-Jones welcomed their daughter, Lauryn Anabelle Martinez the evening of May 2, 2012. His book Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength and Spirit will be published by Hyperion in November.

The past eight months have been quite something for J.R., not only did he and his dance partner Karina Smirnoff take ABC’s “Dancing With The Star” season 13 coveted mirror ball trophy, he was also named the 2012 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal. He was the November 7th cover of People Magazine, featured in the Sexiest Man Alive issue and is one of their 25 Most Intriguing People of 2011.

He received the Unsung Hero Award at the Lady in Red Gala, the Person of the Year Award from the American Motivation Awards, was honored by the Ivy Awards for his work on behalf of the Disabled in the Entertainment Community, he received a Proclamation from the City of Los Angeles, recognizing his life-changing story, his dedication and passion to serve those around him and his work as a source of inspiration for veterans and he received the 2012 National Red Cross Spirit Award.

His website: www.knowjr.com

Since 2007, Megyn Price has played Audrey Bingham, the long-suffering spouse of Jeff Bingham (Patrick Warburton) on the hit CBS sitcom “Rules of Engagement.”

The role is the latest in a string of successes for Price, who rocketed into primetime television with a brief run on "The Drew Carey Show." She followed that with lead roles in “Common Law" (ABC), "Lateline" (NBC), "Grounded for Life" (Fox) and “American Dad,” in which she provided the voice of Linda Memari.

After shooting more than 250 episodes of television in front of the camera, Price is now making a move to expand her presence in primetime television as a director. In preparation, she's been shadowing several of her favorite Emmy-award-winning directors, including Andy Ackerman (Seinfeld) and Mark Cendrowski (The Big Bang Theory).

Price grew up in Oklahoma with five sisters, two brothers, 20 hickens and a cat. She flew the coop to California after high school, and graduated Stanford University with a double major in economics and communication. After graduation, she began her career in investment banking. Quickly, she realized that few people in the world of finance "got the joke," and she jumped into her true passion: acting.  

In the past two years, she's become an accomplished triathlete, winning the Celebrity Division of the Nautica Malibu Triathlon in 2010, and plans to compete in the future as much as her busy schedule allows. She also loves writing, hiking, rock-climbing and traveling. She's an avid cook and was a celebrity judge alongside Michelin-starred chef Michel Richard in a weeklong cooking competition. In addition, Megyn is currently writing a vegetarian cookbook, which she blogs about on her website, www.scrambledmeg.com, and on Twitter @MegynPrice.

Price was born on March 24 in Seattle, Washington.  She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, who’s an emergency room physician, their daughter and one obese beagle. In real life, she is far more content than Audrey is.

Blake Koch

Blake Koch (born August 5, 1985) is an American stock car racing driver. He currently competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, driving the No. 24 for SR² Motorsports.

Blake didn't start racing till the age of 22 after he graduated from college with a Associates Degree in Marketing and Business Degree at Northwood University. Prior to racing on 4 wheels. Blake raced on 2 wheels and was considered one of the top 20 motorcross riders in the state of Florida. Blake raced 8 years until the end of 2008 when he made the transition to NASCAR.

In 2009, He started racing in the NASCAR Camping World West Series. He finished 8th in the final point standings and finished runner up in the Rookie of the Year standings. In 2011 He made his 1st Nationwide Series race at Phoenix and finished 17th and on the lead lap. He earned 4 top 20 finishes in 2011 and finished 18th in the final point standings

Dr. Marty Becker

Dr. Becker, "America's Veterinarian," is the popular veterinary contributor to ABC-TV's "Good Morning America," the resident veterinarian on "The Dr. Oz Show" and the pet expert for the American Association of Retired Persons. He is a frequent guest of national media and has served as a consultant to or veterinary spokesman for top animal health companies. He had been a contributor to Parade magazine and is the syndicated pet-care expert for Universal Uclick.  He is also a practicing veterinarian at Lakewood Animal Hospital in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, and North Idaho Animal Hospital in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Dr. Becker’s most recent best-selling book is “Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual: Hundreds of Secrets, Surprises, and Solutions for Raising a Happy, Healthy Dog,” published by Grand Central Life & Style and released April 2011. The companion book, “Your Cat: The Owner’s Manual,” will be released in spring of 2012. Dr. Becker co-authored the fastest-selling pet book in history, "Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul.” He is either sole author or co-author of other top-selling books, including "The Healing Power of Pets" and "Fitness Unleashed: A Dog and Owner's Guide to Losing Weight and Gaining Health Together!"

Victoria Stilwell, who is also a national ambassador for the American Humane Association, is best known for her role as the host of Animal Planet's hit TV series It's Me or the Dog.  Stilwell is a passionate advocate for positive-reinforcement training methods that enhance a dog's ability to learn while increasing his confidence.  The results are a healthy, well-adjusted pet.  Named 2009's Dog Trainer of the Year, Victoria is certified by Animal Behavior and Training Associates and is a proud member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

American film and television actress Kristin Bauer Van Straten, who has been in the business since her early 20’s, is most known for her role as Pam, the vampire co-owner of Bon Temps’ Fangtasia bar, in True Blood. Born and raised in Racine County, Wisconsin, Kristin had an idyllic childhood centered around nature and animals. In junior high, she got interested in the arts, specifically drawing, and being done with academics, after graduation, she compiled a portfolio and applied to a fine arts school in St. Louis, Boston, and New York, of which she attended all three until in 1993, Kristin decided to pursue a career in acting and moved to Los Angeles, California.

In 1996, Kristin appeared in one of her most memorable guests as “Man Hands” Gillian, Jerry’s girlfriend on Seinfeld. Throughout the years, she has played a few other series regular characters including Geneva Renault, the buxom secretary of a high-tech security agency, on the short-lived action drama Total Security, Candy Cooper in the CBS family drama That’s Life, and the sexy softball “porn mom” on the NBC comedy Hidden Hills. In 2008, Alan Ball tapped her to co-manage the vampire bar Fangtasia with the formidable Viking Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgard) on HBO’s original drama True Blood.

Today, she lives in Los Angeles with her musician, S African husband, Abri van Straten, and two rescued dogs. She splits her time between shooting, painting, and trying to bring light to things that should not be happening. She works with IFAW, The Amanda Foundation and other charities. Nature and animals are her greatest passion as they “Have always given selflessly to me, so much more than I ever could have dreamed or given back. Mother nature is the greatest, most magical art I have ever seen.”

Candy Spelling, author of the bestseller, STORIES FROM CANDYLAND (hardcover published by St. Martin’s Press, April, 2009; trade paperback in April, 2010), had a 50-year hiatus from writing.  In the meanwhile, she excelled in school cooking and sewing classes, was a cheerleader, model, interior designer, married twice, had two children, became one of Hollywood’s most-famous wives, built the largest home in Los Angeles, ran a gift store, designed dolls and jewelry for cable shopping networks, and performed public service work.

Fifty years later, Candy was asked to start “blogging.”  After looking up what that was, she began with celebrity website TMZ.com, offering advice and counsel to troubled young celebrities.  She then became a columnist for The Huffington Post and a contributing editor to Los Angeles Confidential Magazine. She later added columns for Momlogic.com, and started providing entertainment news reports for BBC Radio in Summer, 2009.   In 2010, she became a contributor to Yahoo’s site for women, “Shine,” writing  and doing videos on the topic of “Make Home A Haven.”

Candy’s television series, “Bank of Hollywood,” made its debut on E! in December 2009, and is airing internationally.

Then, in Spring, 2010, she took on another role as a first-time Broadway co-producer of the award-winning musical “Promises, Promises.”  The show won a Tony Award and starred Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth.

Chrishaunda Lee Perez has been a lover and supporter of animals and children for all of her adult life, having become an advocate soon after she adopted her first dog as a college sophomore, an English Cocker Spaniel named Reina, whose loyalty endured nearly seventeen years. Chrishaunda has served as a patron and volunteer for organizations like the HSUS and the ASPCA, The East Harlem School at Exodus House, The National Foundation Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) in NYC, as well as her alma mater, Miss Porter's School. These experiences strengthened both her passion for and knowledge about animals and children, and thus, Chrishaunda began to incorporate her levels of support through her career as well. First acting as a Marketing and Public Relations professional in New York for a decade, Chrishaunda used her voice and expertise to help launch and maintain educational initiatives for children throughout the metro area. When she transitioned her career to television, starting as an on-air correspondent for outlets like The Oprah Winfrey Show and Entertainment Tonight, Chrishaunda later became a co-host for a PBS family-oriented pet show called Animal Attractions TV. On AAT, each week Chrishaunda profiled and celebrated several domesticated dog and cat breeds, and educated the public about the best ways to cultivate fulfilling, long-lasting relationships with their pets. Currently, Chrishaunda serves on the Board of Directors for one of the nations highly respected shelters, The Atlanta Humane Society, which just opened its doors to a new state-of-the-art second facility in Georgia. Upon joining the Board, she created and founded a youth-based group called the 1873 Society Club, whose focus is fundraising and spreading positive pet awareness to the younger demographics in the community. Chrishaunda and her husband Jason Perez reside in Atlanta with their daughter and new puppy Caty Lee, a Boykin Spaniel.

Tinsley Mortimer, who is also a national ambassador for the American Humane Association, is considered one of the most visible and photographed socialites in New York. Her handbag line, Samantha Thavasa by Tinsley Mortimer, debuted in winter 2006 with its American flagship store on the Upper East Side.

In summer 2007, she became the beauty ambassador of Christian Dior. In fall 2007, she introduced her first clothing collection, Riccimie by Tinsley Mortimer, sold exclusively in Japan.

On the New York charity and party circuit, Mortimer is largely known for her self-proclaimed “girly girl” style. While working at Vogue and, later, the public relations firm Harrison & Shriftman, her unique look caught the eye of society photographers and she has since been featured on the pages of Vogue, WWD, Harper’s Bazaar and Marie Claire magazine, to name a few.

In 2008, she made her first TV debut on the season premiere episode of Gossip Girl. In 2010, she starred in the reality show High Society.  She also has appeared on Extra, Access Hollywood, E!, America’s Next Top Model, and The Fashion Show on Bravo.  She lives in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood with her two Chihuahuas, Bebe and Bella. 

Prince Lorenzo Borghese is a US and Italian citizen who was born in Milan, lived in Rome and outside Paris, and currently lives in New York City. Proud of his genealogy, his storied paternal ancestors include the cosmetic’s icon, Princess Marcella Borghese, Napoleon’s sister, Paulina Bonaparte Borghese, Pope Paul V (Camillo Borghese) and Cardinal Scipione Borghese, both of whom had an enormous influence on Italian art and beautifying Rome in the 1600s, and who helped finish St. Peter's Basilica.  Lorenzo graduated from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, has an MBA from Fordham University in New York and currently juggles a variety of challenging positions in the pet and cosmetics industries. He is the founder and president of Royal Treatment Italian Pet Spa, a high-end bath, body and skin care line for pets, using the finest natural cosmetics from Italy. Royal Treatment is currently the largest pet line on the shopping channel, HSN, where Lorenzo acts as the on air spokesperson for the line.

Due to his love of animals, he is involved in many animal welfare organizations including the Animal Care & Control of NY, in which he is co-founder of NYC4ACC, a group of young people who organize fundraisers and awareness for shelter animals in NY.

However, Lorenzo is probably best known for his appearance on ABC’s reality TV show: The Bachelor – Rome, which was viewed by more than 20 million people in the Fall of 2006. He has also appeared on numerous television shows including: Good Morning America, Ellen, Live with Jimmy Kimmel, Extra, ET, The Insider, Access Hollywood, Dancing with the Stars, 20/20, Nightline and has made three appearances on Live with Regis and Kelly.

In December of 2010, Harper Collins released Lorenzo’s first novel called, “The Princess of Nowhere.” It is a historical fictional romance novel based on his relative, Pauline Bonaparte Borghese, one of the most famous women in Europe in the 1800s.

Tara, who was born in San Antonio then moved with her family to New York for six years only to return to Texas in 1997 when the family moved to Dallas.  After graduating from Southern Methodist University with an advertising degree, Tara started her career at SPI Inc. where she is now Executive Vice President of Sales.

While Tara is a successful businesswoman, her passion is her fulltime commitment to Paws in the City which is the animal rescue that she co-founded in 2005.  The organization’s mission is to rescue dogs and cats from local shelters where they are being euthanized at a rate of almost 30,000 a year. Since its beginning, Paws in The City has grown from just a handful of volunteers to over 150. The number of pets saved has been staggering, with 100% of all contributions going directly to PITC. No matter when the lights go off and the camera stops rolling, Tara will always be dedicated in her mission to help animals.

After being cast in Bravo’s new series, “Most Eligible in Dallas” she is also a finalist for D magazine “Ten Most Beautiful Women” in Dallas.
She hopes to experience everything life has in store for her. For now, her fur children, volunteer work, family, and friends fill her life; and, she is looking forward to life’s next big adventure.

Susan Orlean is the bestselling author of seven books, including My Kind of Place: Travel Stories from a Woman Who’s Been Everywhere; The Bullfighter Checks Her Makeup; Saturday Night; and Lazy Little Loafers. In 1999, she published The Orchid Thief, a best-selling narrative about orchid poachers in Florida.  The Orchid Thief was made into the Oscar-winning movie, "Adaptation," written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Spike Jonze.   

Orlean has written for Vogue, Esquire, Rolling Stone, and Smithsonian, and has been a staff writer for the New Yorker since 1992. She has covered a wide range of subjects – from umbrella inventors to origami artists to skater Tonya Harding – and she has often written about animals, including show dogs, racing pigeons, animal actors, oxen, donkeys, mules, and backyard chickens. Her latest book, which was published October 2011, is Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend, a sweeping account of Rin Tin Tin’s journey from orphaned puppy to movie star and international icon. She lives in upstate New York with one dog, three cats, eight chickens, four turkeys, four guinea fowl, twelve Black Angus cattle, and her husband and son.

Since 2001, Debbye Turner Bell has been enjoying her role in broadcast journalism as a staff correspondent for CBS News. She covers a variety of subjects, and is from time to time called upon to cover breaking and developing news. Turner Bell has been dubbed The Early Show's resident veterinarian, sharing a wealth of advice about quality pet care. In 2002, Debbye garnered an interview with President & Mrs. Bush at the White House for a Pet Planet segment about the first family’s pets. Periodically she reports for the CBS Evening News. Turner Bell hosts a prime time television magazine program called "48 Hours on WE." Prior to joining CBS, she co-hosted a local television magazine program called "Show Me St. Louis."

Turner Bell’s first passion is motivational speaking. Since being crowned Miss America in 1990, Turner Bell has spoken to more than a half million students at hundreds of schools, youth organizations and college campuses. She has addressed audiences in the corporate, academic, political arenas. Her topics include personal excellence, determination, goal setting and the importance of a solid education. Turner Bell’s beliefs reflect her own life-lessons – it took seven years and eleven tries in two states before she was crowned Miss America.

Edie McClurg began her performing career at age five with the oxymoronic Kansas City Rhythm Kids. She retired when the dance teacher was arrested on a morals charge for "dating" the tall and lissome, yet underage, star dancer in the troupe. That girl's big number culminated with a back-bend where Edie drank a soda upside down (of course).

Her career-long devotion to satirical improvisation included an impressive tenure with The Groundlings. She went on to create original characters, performed on the daytime "The David Letterman Show" (1980): Mrs. Marv Mendenhall, Dot Duncan, Whirly June Pickens, Officer Jeanelle Archer, 105-year-old Edie, etc. TV has been a home to many of Edie's characters--on "The Richard Pryor Show" (1977); as Lucille Tarlek, wife of mega-obnoxious ad salesman Herb Tarlek on "WKRP in Cincinnati" (1978); and as Mrs. Poole on "Valerie's Family" (1986).

In more mainstream films, she received a National Media Award for her portrayal of a mentally disabled woman in Bill: On His Own (1983) (TV), starring Mickey Rooney. She's acted for Robert Redford in A River Runs Through It (1992), for Oliver Stone in Natural Born Killers (1994), forDiane Keaton in Hanging Up (2000) and she was named Best Actress of the Chicago Alternative Film Festival for her portrayal of Unabomber Ted Kaczynski's mother.

Tahitian by decent, Hawaiian natural beauty and up and coming actress Christie Brooke has taken Hollywood over by storm. Don’t let this young actress fool you, she has many qualities that not only lend to her talents, but they allow her to expand her giving nature to help those around her in her community.

Christie first stepped into the Hollywood spotlight as a Series Regular for ABC’s “High School Musical 3, Get in the Picture. “ She was plucked from the island of Oahu for her outstanding gift of dance and voice, and never looked back. Since then she has been busy working in films like “Soul Surfer,” starring Academy Winner Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid as her first role on screen. Most recently she worked with Alexander Payne on George Clooney’s new film, The Descendants.

Christie believes that it is important to be thankful for what she has been given and to always give back. This has been instilled in her as a young child and this stays with her today.  Whether it is surfing, playing her guitar, writing poems and songs, or just impersonating her favorite actors, she is never shy to inspire a smile.  She is quite honored to be involved with The AHA and The Hero Dog Awards as a judge.

Ashley Rhodes-Courter, who is also a national ambassador for the American Humane Association, spent almost 10 years in foster care, living in 14 placements before being adopted at age 12. In 2008, Simon & Schuster published her memoir, “Three Little Words,” which quickly became a New York Times  bestseller. Her book has received many national and local awards and has been used in classrooms across the country. She has a passion to tell her story and share hope with other foster children and encourage adoption and permanency, and she has been featured on many national and local television shows.

Nationally, she serves on several child welfare boards, such as Children Without a Voice USA (Atlanta) and Family Focus Adoption Services (New York). In her local community, she works with several organizations, including the Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco, and she is a guardian ad litem volunteer (or court-appointed special advocate [CASA]) and licensed foster parent. She is also a youth advocacy ambassador for Levi’s® Shape What’s to Come — an online, global community for women that offers opportunities to exchange ideas, collaborate, and provide support to one another.

American Humane Association National Ambassadors Agent Jerry Means and Arson K-9 Sadie have been investigating fires as a Certified Accelerant Detection K-9 Team for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation since 2007. Sadie is a graduate of the Maine State Police Academy/Maine Specialty Dog academy sponsored by State Farm Insurance Company. In addition to being named the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2011 Law Enforcement/Arson Dog finalist, Sadie has been honored numerous times for her work.  Sadie and Agent Means have been honored as a team as Colorado Peace Officer of the Year, Humanitarian Awards from the Rocky Mountain Special Investigations Association and the Colorado Humane Society for case work, and numerous awards for community service in Colorado.

Agent Means and K-9 Sadie have investigated several hundred fires and are the founding members of the National Fire Dog Monument (NFDM) that will be placed in Washington DC when it is completed. The NFDM will honor all Fire Dog teams for their selfless contribution to their communities. Agent Means is also a proud member of the American Humane Association “Red Star” National Response Team. Agent Means and Sadie have conducted hundreds of K-9 demonstrations to promote fire safety.

After being severely-to-profoundly hearing-impaired from infancy but not diagnosed until almost age five, Nancy Otte has spent a lifetime catching up. Harley helped her at age fifty-two to make giant leaps into emotional, physical, and intellectual wellness that were not possible previously because she was too occupied with the business of trying to hear sounds (doorbell, alarm clock, smoke alarm, husband or other calling her name, a baby crying in another room, telephone ring, oven timer) for herself.

With Harley's help, she began to have the freedom to think and realize answers to questions of many years about not only her own life but about the world, people, events, and how to help her deaf and hard-of-hearing students to avoid the unnecessary difficulties in her life due to lack of specialized professional help, a common problem in midcentury America for deaf/Deaf/hard-of-hearing people. Today, Nancy, her family, and her deaf/Deaf/hard-of-hearing students lead a more productive, safe, effective, and happy life, not unnecessarily subject to the environment's control, due to the 24/7 help of the Angel in Residence -- Harley, the Hearing Dog sent from Dogs for the Deaf in Central Point, Oregon.  Harley was recognized as the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2011 Hearing Dog finalist.

When the World Trade Center was attacked on 9-11, it was as though the world stood still. It was a day that captured our full attention. Michael Hingson and his Guide Dog Roselle were on the 78th floor of Tower One that day, and were able to make their way to safety and survive the attack. The duo was immediately thrust into the international spotlight, becoming well-known representatives of the strength of the human/animal bond and a living example of the powerful partnership that exists between a blind person and their Guide Dog.

In 2002 Michael joined the Guide Dogs for the Blind team as the National Public Affairs director, to share his story throughout the world on behalf of the school.  In June of 2008 Michael left Guide Dogs to form The Michael Hingson Group to continue his speaking career as well as to serve as a consultant for corporations and organizations that need assistance with Inclusive and Diversity training as well as adaptive technology training.

Presently Michael serves as National Ambassador for the Braille Literacy Campaign of the National Federation of the Blind and is Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards.  Roselle, who passed away last year, was the 2011 American Humane Hero Dog Awards grand prize winner.

Michael lives in Northern California with his wife, Karen, Africa, Michael’s seventh guide dog, and Fantasia, Africa’s mother and a retired breeder dog for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

A Native to the Chicago Area, Patti Kennedy is a strong advocate for all animals. Patti has 2 loving sons, Christopher and Brendan, who live in Chicago. Both Patti and current husband Dion, along with Zurich, enjoy their simple lifestyle, in a wonderful suburban community outside of Chicago.

Patti has always been very strong advocate and supporter of rescue services, such as the ones operated by American Humane Association. Her world had changed over a decade ago when she was diagnosed with SHY DRAGER Syndrome, a relentless disorder affecting all of her motor skills. Patti’s world changed once again, but this time for the better, when she graduated in 2004 with Zurich, her faithful CCI service dog. Zurich was puppy raised in Michigan and completed his final training, at CCI’s North Central training facility in Ohio.  Both Patti and Zurich have a zest for life with an authentic bond that is truly amazing.  Zurich was recognized as the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2011 Service Dog finalist.

Maria Mandel and Stacey Mae visit their local nursing home once a week with her father, Richard Mandel. They spend time visiting people and sharing stories with them. When Stacey visits she helps bring back memories that people have shared with their dogs that they once had. And if they want to pet her she will let them.  If they aren’t in the mood to she will lay right next to them and keep them company during the visits.

When Maria and Stacey Mae are not at the nursing home they are collecting stuffed animals and teddy bears through Stacey’s Facebook page. The stuffed animals that are donated are delivered to nursing homes and hospitals for both the elderly and kids throughout the year. They have also started to send out little care packages to kids from all over the United States.  Stacey Mae was recognized as the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2011 Therapy Dog finalist.

Debbie Kandoll is a 20 year veteran retired high school Spanish educator who, since childhood, has had a passion for “All Things Dog”. After adopting her first Military Working Dog: MWD Benny B163, in January 2008, Debbie was exposed to a world she had never known. Though initially, she had desired to just give a retiring K9 Hero Veteran a comfortable forever home, through Benny’s adoption this Air Force spouse became aware of a need for certain improvements in the MWD process of that day. As a result she founded Military Working Dog Adoptions (www.MilitaryWorkingDogAdoptions.com) to bring awareness to Americans about the amazing contributions of these Great and Mighty Warrior K9s.

Debbie has passionately crusaded for the need for reclassification of MWDs who are currently designated as “equipment”,  the right of a retiring MWDs stationed at permanent overseas bases to have transport back to the Continental US on military aircraft and America’s obligation to officially commend MWDs for their meritorious service to our nation. After MWD Benny B163’s death, the Kandoll family adopted 14 year old MWD Bino C152, who became Military Working Dog Adoptions K9 Ambassador and was recognized as the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2011 Military Dog finalist for his continuing service to our Wounded Warriors as a PTSD Demo Service Dog. Whether four-footed or two, Debbie has made it her life’s mission to help our Warriors get what they deserve for their dedicated service to our Nation.

Diane began training dogs as a 10 year old after watching a man that she came to know as John. He was training his dog in a school playground for AKC obedience competition. Years later, as an adult living in Ft. Lauderdale, Diane joined the Dog Obedience Club of Hollywood. She began training and competing at AKC dog shows in obedience competition with her Springer Spaniel, Tucker. Diane soon learned of a group in West Palm Beach that was training tracking dogs. She was amazed and awe struck by the keen ability that dogs possessed to detect scent that we humans couldn't even imagine let alone detect.

 
Diane's interest in scent work with dogs led her in the direction of search and rescue. K-9 Sage is 12 years old and has served her community and her nation heroically her entire life.  She passed the FEMA Canine Readiness Evaluation at 18 months and was called to the Pentagon as part of New Mexico Task Force 1 in the recovery efforts following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Sage’s missions have included Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, searching for missing or captured U.S. soldiers in Iraq (for the U.S. Army), and numerous local missing-person searches. In 2009, Sage was diagnosed with two types of lung cancer, believed to be the result of searching several highly toxic sites. Her newest mission is inspiring cancer patients and survivors.  Sage was the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2011 Search and Rescue Dog finalist.

America’s new pop princess, Shara Strand, is a singularly skilled artist.  As one reviewer noted after hearing her perform on tour, "In the studio you can make a mediocre singer sound good, and a good singer sound great, but when performing live, most vocalists are on their own.  Strand proves that she is the real deal."  With artistic roots stemming from her love of theater, her experience as a Broadway performer, and her father’s passion for music, Shara is excited to have her debut EP, "Born Tonight", now available to the public (amazon, iTunes, etc.).

You can hear her song, "I Will Carry You", on the EP in several versions.  By late spring 2013, it will be released as Shara's second single -- available in additional productions, including notable DJ remixes for Dance Clubs.  It is a song of unconditional love, support, caring and loyalty.  In celebration of its spirit, and of the loving bond between people and animals, a Facebook contest will offer fans the chance to submit fun photos of themselves "carrying" their pets. Along with cash prizes, contributions will be made to the American Humane Association in honor of conest winners and the animals they love.  For Shara that's her pomeranian, Coco, who recently celebrated his first birthday.

Her website: www.sharastrand.com

Maria Milito has been heard on the New York radio and television airwaves for over twenty years. Whether you’re in the Tri-State area listening to Q104.3, New York’s Classic Rock Station or traveling nationwide, one might find it difficult to escape her signature voice as a host on Clear Channel Radio’s Classic Rock network. A top rated New York air personality and the voice of Time Warner Cable’s all-news channel, NY1, Maria was a regular contributor on MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann. She also serves as a guest host of NY1’s interactive show, The Call. In 2011, Maria added author to her list of credits with the publishing of "Clarice and Friends...How They Helped Mend the Hole in My Heart," a collection of emails from her listeners sent to her when her beloved 16 year old pug Clarice passed away.

An animal advocate and volunteer for Animal Care & Control of NYC, North Shore Animal League and dozens of other area groups, Maria was honored by the Stray From The Heart organization for her avid support of animal welfare and adoption facilities throughout New York City.

Maria can often be found hosting animal fundraisers and charity events including the American Cancer Society’s Bark For Life; Top Hat & Tails to benefit the SPCA of Westchester; St. Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center's October Tails and the Canine Cotillion to benefit St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Morristown, NJ.

During Super Storm Sandy that affected the Tri-State area, Maria used her airwaves and social media feeds to connect thousands of pet owners with the resources needed to make it through the disaster. Recently, Maria rescued Fredo, a black lab mix from Mississippi, who is acclimating nicely to his new home in the big city.

Her blog.

Her facebook page.

Her Twitter: @mariamilito