Nowzad Dogs Founder 2014 CNN Hero of the Year

As A-listers they may be accustomed to hearing the applause of appreciative crowds, but during the filming of CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute celebrities happily led the ovations as those with a passion for making a positive change in the world were given the opportunity to step into the spotlight. Ten deserving nominees were loaded during the event, with the evening’s ‘top dog’ honors presented to Pen Farthing, a former Royal Marine Sergeant who helps both people and pets by reuniting soldiers with the stray dogs or cats who helped to give them a sense of home in a far away land.

Established in 2007, Nowzad Dogs– named after the four-legged friend Farthing met while serving in Afghanistan– is located on the outskirts of Kabul and is that country’s sole official animal shelter. Along with assisting in the reunion of more than 700 soldiers with the canines and cats who became their companions during their tour of duty and finding forever homes for dogs and cats with Afghan families, Nowzad is also helping to curb the country’s stray dog overpopulation problem in the area and provides veterinary care for com anion animals in need through the Nowzad ‘Conrad Lewis’ Clinic.

Hosted by Anderson Cooper, CNN Heroes will air again on December 13, 2014 at 8 ET/7 pt.

For more information regarding Nowzad Dogs:

• visit www.nowzad.org

To make a donation to any of the organizations highlighted this year by CNN Heroes:

• visit www.cnn.com/heroes-donations

Photo Credit: CNN