This new special on AKC.tv will take viewers through the selection process as an esteemed panel of judges assesses the nominations of the three finalists in each of the five award categories: Uniformed Service K-9, Therapy, Service, Search and Rescue and Exemplary Companion dog. Each episode will be dedicated to one category, with the ultimate honoree for that respective category chosen. The fifteen finalists were carefully selected from a pool of more than 800 impressive nominations.

Award finalists include a Belgian Tervuren who works as a certified water search dog, bringing closure to countless families, a Mastiff who provides love and comfort to his quadriplegic owner, and a Golden Retriever who works as a therapy dog to help children adopted from traumatic situations connect with their new families, among many other extraordinary dogs.

The judging panel includes AKC Executive Secretary, Gina DiNardo, Sportscaster, Carolyn Manno and AKC Gazette Managing Editor, Bud Boccone.

“It was a wonderful experience learning about these fifteen incredible ACE Award finalists during the selection process,” said Gina DiNardo, Executive Secretary of the American Kennel Club. “Each one of these nominations serves as testimony to the endless ways dogs touch our lives every day. We are grateful to be able to share their stories on AKC.tv.”

ACE award recipients in each category will receive $1,000 to be awarded to a pet-related charity of their choice, a one-year supply of Eukanuba dog food, and an engraved sterling silver medallion. The 2020 AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence are proudly sponsored by EUKANUBA™ premium dog nutrition.

Mark your calendars now for AKC.tv’s AKC Heroes: 2020 Awards for Canine Excellence November 30th – December 4th at 12pm ET each day. Episodes will also be available on-demand following the premiere.