Voting Begins for First-Ever World Dog Awards

Earlier this year, The CW announced it would be airing the first-ever World Dog Awards (aka “WDAs”) in January 2015.

“For the first time, dogs will be celebrated for their work in entertainment, health services and the military, along with everyday dogs who found fame on the internet,” the network stated in a July press release.

Voting for the WDAs has now officially begun. Through Jan. 9, you can select your favorite in the categories posted on the World Dog Awards website. There are two polling periods — Dec. 15-22 and Dec. 23-Jan. 9 — during which different categories will be available.

After posing for the “puparazzi” along the red — er, green — carpet, pooches attending the WDAs will receive edible awards in categories ranging from “Best in Film,” to “Celebrity Dog Selfie,” to a “Most Dog-Like Cat” award for a feline.

Four honorary awards will also be presented during the show:

• Dog’s Best Friend: Presented by the ASPCA, this award will go to a celebrity who has advanced the welfare of homeless dogs and dog-related causes.
• K911: Presented by Subaru, this award will go to a dog who’s an everyday superhero for helping to save a child’s life.
• “The Dog’s Life” Achievement Award: Awarded to an iconic dog character in popular culture who has had a huge cultural impact.
• Underdog: This honor will be bestowed upon a dog who overcame incredible obstacles or odds.

This week it was announced that George Lopez will host the Jan. 15 event, to be held at the appropriately named Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport. (This seems to be a pawpular venue for canine-related shows. The first-ever “FOX’s Cause for Paws” special that aired on Thanksgiving night was also taped there.)

Among the celebrities scheduled to appear at the WDAs are Ian Somerhalder, Lance Bass, Lisa Vanderpump and Andy Cohen.

The WDAs are being produced in conjunction with and for the benefit of the ASPCA and the PEDIGREE Foundation, which is asking pet parents to share stories about the special relationships they have with their adopted dogs, using the hashtag #dogtales. Some of the stories will be featured during the broadcast.

The World Dog Awards airs at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. CT) Jan. 15 on The CW.

Photo credit: The CW