Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch (GLEE) is set to co-host FOX’S CAUSE FOR PAWS: AN ALL-STAR DOG SPECTACULAR (previously titled THE GREAT AMERICAN DOG-A-THON), alongside executive producer and co-host Hilary Swank, on Thanksgiving night, Thursday, Nov. 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.  In addition, PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs will be presenting the “Shelter Hero of the Year” Award, a special award honoring an individual who has dedicated his/her life to making sure shelter dogs receive the love, care and resources they need to find their forever home.  During the two-hour special, viewers also will be provided with information regarding adoptable animals in their local areas and have the opportunity to make donations to the Petfinder Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization that supports shelters and rescue groups nationwide.  Viewers can donate via a text number provided during the broadcast or online via fox.com/causeforpaws. Donations will be accepted during the broadcast and for a period of time after the show. 

FOX’S CAUSE FOR PAWS: AN ALL-STAR DOG SPECTACULAR will include awards and celebrity presentations showcasing a variety of canine categories, including Cutest Puppy, Best Celebrity/Dog Lookalike, Guiltiest Dog, Best Licker, Smartest Dog and Best Viral Dog Video. Celebrities also will introduce the audience to rescue dogs, giving viewers the opportunity to foster or adopt a new best friend. Kristin Chenoweth, Whitney Cummings, Max Greenfield, Kathy Griffin, Julianne Hough, Randy Jackson, Cesar Millan, Jerry O’Connell, Kelly Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, P!nk, Amber Riley, Rebecca Romijn, Emmy Rossum and Jenna Dewan Tatum join previously announced celebrities participating in the event, including Paula Abdul, Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Fergie, Carrie Ann Inaba, Scarlett Johansson, Kesha, Miranda Lambert, LeAnn Rimes and Betty White.  Also performing are famous rescue canines The Olate Dogs, who will participate in an exclusive performance honoring all rescue dogs in need of adoption.

This special for the whole family will be a celebration of rescue dogs and the joy they bring to our lives. It will feature inspiring and funny stories of rescue dogs, honor the best viral videos starring rescue pups, include games featuring dogs and celebrity participants and feature stories honoring people who dedicate their lives to rescuing animals in need.

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FOX’S CAUSE FOR PAWS: AN ALL-STAR DOG SPECTACULAR also will promote awareness of many dog-related issues and topics to encourage people to choose to adopt one of the more than eight million rescue animals currently in the U.S. shelter system, patiently waiting to become part of a loving family in a forever home. With millions of dogs left behind in animal shelters nationally, your new best friend could be waiting for you.

Jane Lynch cut her theatrical teeth at The Second City, Steppenwolf Theatre and in many church basements all over the greater Chicago area. Lynch won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on GLEE. She also was nominated for an Emmy Award for a third time in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Lynch’s film credits include “Julie & Julia,” “Shrek Forever After” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” as well as Christopher Guest’s “For Your Consideration,” “A Mighty Wind” and “Best in Show.” She hosted the “63rd Primetime Emmy Awards,” and is currently the host of the network game show “Hollywood Game Night.”

The PEDIGREE® Brand is the number one brand of dog food in the world, offering a wide variety of products to meet the needs and enjoyment of dogs. Built upon its unwavering love and commitment to dog adoption, the brand has donated more than 20 million pounds of food to shelters since 2008. And in the past year alone, the brand renovated 48 shelters across the U.S.  For more information, please visit www.Pedigree.com.

FOX’S CAUSE FOR PAWS: AN ALL-STAR DOG SPECTACULAR is produced by Michael Levitt Productions. Hilary Swank and Michael Levitt (“Skin Wars,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “TV Land Awards”) are executive producers. Get updates about FOX’S CAUSE FOR PAWS: AN ALL-STAR DOG SPECTACULAR on FOX.com at fox.com/causeforpaws, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CauseForPawsFOX and on Twitter @CauseforPawsFOX and join the discussion using #foxcauseforpaws.

The Petfinder Foundation assists the 13,000+ animal shelters and rescue groups that post their adoptable pets on Petfinder.com. A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the Petfinder Foundation helps adoption organizations find homes for the pets in their care through its Sponsor a Pet, Disaster and Emergency Response, Quality of Life and other programs. Since its founding in 2003, the Petfinder Foundation has given more than $20 million in cash and product grants to shelters and rescue groups in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

[EDITOR’S NOTE 1: FOX’S CAUSE FOR PAWS: AN ALL-STAR DOG SPECTACULAR was previously titled THE GREAT AMERICAN DOG-A-THON.]

[EDITOR’S NOTE 2: For photos and more information on FOX’S CAUSE FOR PAWS: AN ALL-STAR DOG SPECTACULAR, please visit www.foxflash.com.]

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