As the American Humane Association says, "Move over Oscars - it's time for the Pawscars!" Since animal actors and performers are not eligible to receive Oscars, the "Pawscars" were created to recognize excellence in these talented animals who help to make movies so special!
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The American Humane Association was founded in 1877, with the mission to protect animals and children. In 1940 it created a special unit based in Los Angeles to monitor the treatment of animals in the film industry. It remains the only official animal monitoring program for movies and television. A production company that allows AHA representatives on its set to oversee humane treatment of any animal involved in the making of a film or show may earn the right to include the familiar “No Animals Were Harmed” disclaimer as part of its credits.
As the Oscars are about to be handed out for the best movies, actors, directors, writers, producers and others responsible for making theatrical films, the animals that help make those films so special are overlooked. So now, thanks to the American Humane Association we have the PAWSCARS, to recognize the best animal achievements in film. Beginning last December, people could go online to vote for their favorites in various categories. This week, the winners were announced.
Let’s begin with Best Family Dog– and the award goes to Rags, a loveable St. Bernard who helped to hold the family together in “Love the Coopers”. The director even called Rags “the Marlon Brando of Dogs” because he gave such a great performance.
Best Hero Dog went to the star of the movie “Max”, the story of a military dog whose handler is killed in action. Max is adopted by the soldier’s family. The story touches the heart while offering some excitement along the way.
Favorite Animal Family Movie of all time? That honor goes to “Old Yeller”, beating out “Babe” and “Homeward Bound”.
For a complete list of winners, you can to online to AmericanHumane.org to see Pauley Perrette and Lou Wegner reveal all the animals and films that won 2016 Pawscars.
A lot of our own animal companions are so entertaining, we see them in pictures and videos on Facebook. They may not win an award, but they certainly have a starring role in our lives when we’re speaking of pets.
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