(PRESS RELEASE) STAMFORD, CT — The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) announce the host of CBS’s hit show, “Lucky Dog,” Brandon McMillan as the 2018 recipient of Global Pet Expo’s annual Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award.
McMillan will personally accept the award Thursday, March 22, 2018 in Orlando, FL, during The Purina Media Reception at Global Pet Expo. This media-exclusive event is held in conjunction with Global Pet Expo, the largest annual pet products trade show in the world, taking place March 21 – 23, 2018 at the Orange County Convention Center. Global Pet Expo attendees include independent pet product retailers, distributors and mass-market buyers, media and other qualified individuals from the pet industry and is not open to the general public.
McMillan is a professional animal trainer and behaviorist who has spent his entire life learning about and working with all types of animals- from household pets to the wildest of untamed beasts. While McMillan has a diverse background with wild animals, his passion lies with dogs. This passion inspired his Emmy-Award winning television show “Lucky Dog,” which is in its fifth season on CBS Network. On his show, McMillan rescues dogs before they’re euthanized and turns them into well-trained pets and service animals. McMillan is also an acclaimed author. In his book, Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days, McMillan begins with the basics and provides solutions to common canine behavior problems, including house training issues, door dashing, chewing, barking and common mealtime misbehaviors. McMillan is also frequently hired by Hollywood’s top A-list celebrities to transform their out of control pooches into well-mannered dogs.
“Brandon McMillan is an outstanding example of the type of individual this award was meant to honor,” said APPA Executive Vice President and COO Andy Darmohraj. “We know some pets end up back in shelters because of behavior issues. Through Brandon’s dedication and commitment to giving these pets a second chance, he’s helping pets to stay in loving, responsible homes. We’re thrilled to have him as our 2018 honoree.”
Global Pet Expo’s annual Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award recognizes individuals in the media who have the power to influence millions of people and use this to positively promote the joys and benefits of pet ownership. Whether via print, broadcast or internet mediums, these distinguished honorees produce stories that highlight responsible pet ownership and all the exciting services, products and activities that make spending time with our pets even more enjoyable. Past recipients include: Jill Rappaport, Victoria Stilwell, Rachael Ray, Ellen DeGeneres, Andrea Arden, Dr. Heather Loenser, Xiomara González-Govea, Connie Wilson, Sandy Robins, Dr. Marty Becker, Steve Dale, Gina Spadafori and Janice Brown.