The Weather Channel Launches Nationwide Search for Weather Therapy Dog

Weather network, in partnership with American Humane Association, enlists the help of its viewers and animal shelters to help communities recover from weather disasters

ATLANTA (Dec. 23, 2013) - The Weather Channel(R), the world's leading weather authority, in partnership with American Humane Association (AHA), announced today the launch of a nationwide search to find a therapy dog that will assist with recovery in hard-hit communities affected by severe weather. The partnership brings together two iconic organizations known for their commitment to keeping the public safe and informed.

"The Weather Channel supports the mission of American Humane Association, which helps in the search and day-to-day care for our four-legged friends after the devastation of many severe weather events," said David Clark, president of The Weather Channel network. "We often feature news of AHA's important work on our television, web and mobile properties, and this partnership formalizes our relationship to better serve communities together."

The Weather Channel and AHA continue to educate and serve the public before, during and after severe weather strikes. To assist in the nationwide search for a therapy dog, the network is enlisting the help of its viewers and animal shelters across the country. In the weeks and months following a natural disaster, The Weather Channel therapy dog and AHA handler will visit schools, hospitals, shelters and other locations in hard-hit communities to bring comfort and service. Fans of The Weather Channel can share in the dog's journeys and affected communities can follow his or her trail on weather.com and www.americanhumane.org.

"Rain or shine, animals play a vital part in the health of every community, and in times of disaster therapy animals can be especially valuable in rebuilding lives and restoring communities," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association, which pioneered animal-assisted therapy and has used it to help the aged, the infirm, military families, and children with cancer. "Like The Weather Channel, they are truly our "all-weather friends." We are very pleased to be part of this national effort to find and unleash the unique power of animal-assisted therapy to help bring comfort and healing to America's communities wherever and whenever they are in need."

In searching for The Weather Channel weather therapy dog, several criteria need to be met. He or she must be a rescue dog and be at least 1 year old (in human years!). The pup must have a friendly, relatable character and be comfortable around cameras. Any past experiences with a natural disaster may allow him or her to better understand what victims of severe weather events might experience. The two-week search begins Monday, Dec. 30. For more details on the search and to view submissions, visit weather.com/therapydog.

About The Weather Company

The Weather Company is the world's leading weather authority. Through The Weather Channel, weather.com, wunderground.com, Intellicast.com and third-party publishing partners, the company provides millions of people every day with the world's best weather forecasts, content and data, connecting with them through television, online, mobile and tablet screens. Through WSI and Weather Central, the company delivers superior professional weather services for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. The Weather Company is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. For more information, visit www.weather.com/press.

About American Humane Association

American Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.