THANKSGIVING 2015 UPDATE: This year’s show, which has been renamed again to “The All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration,” will air Thanksgiving night on FOX.
NOV. 11, 2014 UPDATE: “The Great American Dog-a-thon” has been renamed “FOX’s Cause for Paws: An All-Star Dog Spectacular.” Jane Lynch has been added as a co-host, and the celebrity lineup now includes P!ink, Kristin Chenoweth, Kathy Griffin, Sharon Osbourne and many more. Pedigree Food for Dogs will present a “Shelter Hero of the Year” Award to someone who has dedicated his or her life to making sure shelter dogs receive the love, care and resources they need to find forever homes.
In what will hopefully become as traditional as a slice of pumpkin pie after dinner, the first-ever “Great American Dog-a-Thon” will air Thanksgiving night on the FOX network as a means of finding adopters for homeless pups.
Hosted by two-time Oscar winner Hillary Swank and featuring Betty White (of course!) and lots of other celebrities, the special will be a celebration of rescue dogs.
“I have long been an advocate for animal adoption and know first-hand the immense joy a shelter animal brings to our lives,” Swank said in a press release.
“Yet, every year more than 4 million animals are euthanized because of overcrowding in shelters. We are so fortunate to have an animal advocate in the FOX network that not only sees the need for more awareness surrounding this issue, but is willing to set aside a two-hour block for this important cause. This partnership will change the path of a soul for thousands of animals looking for their forever home.”
Along with Swank and White, other stars scheduled to introduce adoptable dogs include Scarlett Johansson, Josh Duhamel, Miranda Lambert, Kristen Bell, Fergie, Paula Abdul, LeAnn Rimes, Kesha and Carrie Ann Inaba.
Awards will be presented in categories such as Cutest Puppy, Best Celebrity/Dog Lookalike, Guiltiest Dog, Best Licker, Smartest Dog and Best Viral Dog Video. There will be musical tributes to hero dogs as well as segments honoring people who rescue animals in need.
The show will give viewers the opportunity to make a donation to raise funds for rescue organizations. Information about how to adopt dogs in the viewers’ local areas will also be provided.
“The Great American Dog-a-Thon” starts at 8 p.m. ET/PT on November 27.
Photos via FOX Flash