06 October 2008

Gabe the Bulldog Fetches Top Dog Honors in Nick at Nite's Worldwide Fido Awards

A toilet-flushing, skateboarding bulldog named Gabe from Bellingham, Washington wowed the celebrity judges of last night's Nick at Nite First Annual Worldwide Fido Awards to fetch top dog honors. The champ triumphed over five other talented finalists, including a deep diving Labrador Retriever and a Schubert-humming Golden Retriever. All were revealed, showcased and saluted in the one-hour canine competition honoring the family dog, hosted by actor/comedian Fred Willard (Best in Show) and judged by Kevin Nealon, Vivica Fox and dog trainer to the stars Tamar Geller.

Having received the most online votes at worldwidefido.com, where viewers chose their favorites from user-generated videos, the Fido finalists who took home a bone in his or her "dog-egory" are as follows:

* Cutest: French bulldog Samson from San Francisco
* Best Trick: Gabe, a toilet-flushing, skateboarding bulldog from Bellingham, WA
* Best Dressed: Phoebe Buffay, a poolside boxer in a bikini from Pasadena, Texas
* Owner Lookalike: German Shepherd Kaine Vom Feuerspiel (owner Ashley Brook) from Avondale, Arizona
* Best Voice: Sunny, a Schubert-humming Golden Retriever from Ocean Beach, California
* Most Outrageous: Tommy, a deep diving Labrador Retriever from Sewell, New Jersey.

In a show highlight, Buddy, a German Shepherd from Arizona was awarded the Hero Award, to honor invaluable services provided to humans. Buddy made news last summer after saving his human's life by calling 911 after he had suffered a seizure.

In addition, the evening's sole human award winner, Kristin Davis, garnered the Dog's Best Friend Award for her commitment to fostering abandoned dogs. Pooch performances, including dog tricks and relays, entertained the audience throughout the evening.

[Source: Nick At Night]