Celebrity Pet Filmmakers Capture DogCatemy Awards
Rachael Ray, Howard Stern, Beth Ostrosky, Richard Belzer, Among Stars Applauding Winners

Port Washington, NY (Dec. 5, 2007) They were clapping, cheering and barking as well as the winners of the 2007 DogCatemy Awards were announced at the second annual gala, a Red Carpet event attended by pet-lovers and their dogs. The event was hosted by North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal shelter on Thursday, November 29th, 2007.

Celebrities Rachael Ray, Howard Stern, Beth Ostrosky, Richard Belzer, Katie Lee Joel, Josh Flitter, Brandon Hannan, Hallie Kate Eisenberg and several hundred League supporters, many accompanied by their dogs, filled the ballroom of Capitale in New York City. Mistress of Ceremonies was Fox TV’s Good Day New York anchor Jodi Applegate, with Fox TV Entertainment Reporter Toni Senecal introducing the videos and celebrity presenters.

Taking top prizes were: New York Post Columnist and author Julia Szabo for “Best Dogumentary” featuring Tiny Tim, a three-legged dog rescued from the League’s shelter by American menswear designer John Bartlett; CBS reporter Dr. Debbye Turner for “Best Musical” for her video on Nora, the piano playing cat; Beth Ostrosky for the “Best Pawformance” video featuring her Bulldog, Bianca; Hallie Kate Eisenberg for a “Best Tail Waggin’ Comedy” featuring her six pets; and “Best in Show” to Gary Dell’Abate for his film about his dog Norman. In addition, the League introduced the winner of its online Amateur PetFlix Video contest, “My Pet’s Got Talent,” Rick Caran and his poker-playing JilliDog.

Also showcased were a video by animal supporter Jana Kohl on the horrors of puppy mills, as well as the League’s two new public service announcements featuring League spokesperson Beth Ostrosky. Also, League President J. John Stevenson announced the launch of the American Mutt-i-Grees Club, a national initiative promoting appreciation of mixed breed pets.

In total, 17 celebrities created videos for the event. In addition to the winners, the filmmakers included: Rachel Ray, Richard Belzer, Jodi Applegate, Katie Lee Joel, Josh Flitter, Mark Levin, Shane and Sia Barbi, Brandon Hannan, Linda Larkin and Yul Vazquez, Robin Quivers, and canine celebrities Eli, the Milk Bone Dog Biscuit Dog and Bella Starlet Dog.

The videos will be posted on the League’s website, www.animal-league.org.