Pen Farthing, Founder of Nowzad Dog Rescue in Afghanistan and recipient of the 2014 CNN “Hero of the Year Award” received American Dog Rescue Foundation’s 2014 Humanitarian Award Friday night while attending the Humane Society of The United States’ To the Rescue! New York in New York City, Nov. 21. Proceeds from the event, which was held at Cipriani on 42nd Street, benefit HSUS’ ongoing, national animal rescue efforts.

Farthing has done a vast amount of work reuniting military service members and their animals from across the globe.

American Dog Rescue’s most notable collaboration with Nowzad culminated in November 2011 with a reunion event at JFK Airport in New York City, garnering national news coverage from multiple outlets, including a touching segment on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.

“ADR’s work with Pen and Nowzad Dog Rescue has reunited dozens of U.S. soldiers with their canine and feline companion and service animals over the past four years. I have never met a military member more determined and dedicated to the human/animal bond,” Benjamin said. “If there ever was a Divine Calling, Pen heard it and serves it without question and with excellence.”

Mr. Farthing, a former British Marine, broke up a dog fight and wound up with a lifetime calling in rescuing the dogs and cats of Afghanistan that befriend military service members in the field of war. His mission, further manifested in the work of Nowzad, is to reunite these animals with “their people” once the soldiers have returned home.

“I can only hope his attendance at this event bodes well for increased attention to the amazing work of service animals worldwide,” said Eric Bernthal, HSUS Chairman of the Board.

American Dog Rescue Foundation (www.americandogrescue.org) is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)3 organization committed to finding a home for every adoptable dog in the United States. American Dog Rescue is committed to finding a home for every adoptable dog in the United States. American Dog Rescue places healthy dogs in permanent homes that are the right fit for the animal and its family. Donations can be made by visiting www.americandogrescue.org/donate or calling 888-926-0815.

Nowzad Dogs operates the only official animal shelter in Afghanistan located just outside of Kabul and supported by a small animal clinic headed up by ex-pat Louise and her team of Afghan nationals. For more information, please visit nowzad.org.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the nation’s largest and most effective animal protection organization—backed by 11 million Americans, or one in every 28. Established in 1954, The HSUS seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that will also benefit people. HSUS is America’s mainstream force against cruelty, exploitation and neglect, as well as the most trusted voice extolling the human-animal bond.