Jane Lynch and Hilary Swank to Co-host FOX's Animal Rescue Special

  On Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, FOX Broadcasting will present Cause for Paws: An All-Star Dog Spectacular, a two-hour special from executive producer Michael Levitt and two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank. The special will raise awareness for dog shelters and rescue groups around the U.S. and will feature appearances from top Hollywood talent. Viewers will also receive information regarding adoptable animals in their local communities. Swank and Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch are set to co-host.   FOX's Cause for Paws will include awards and celebrity presentations showcasing a variety of canine categories, including Cutest Puppy, Best Celebrity/Dog Lookalike, Funniest Dog, Most Talented Dog, Best Talking Dog and Best Viral Dog Video. Celebrities also will introduce the audience to rescue dogs, giving viewers the opportunity to foster or adopt a new pet. Kristin Chenoweth, Whitney Cummings, Max Greenfield, Kathy Griffin, Julianne Hough, Randy Jackson, Cesar Millan, Jerry O'Connell, Kelly Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, P!nk, Amber Riley, Rebecca Romijn, Emmy Rossum, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Paula Abdul, Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Fergie, Carrie Ann Inaba, Scarlett Johansson, Kesha, Miranda Lambert, LeAnn Rimes, and Betty White are all scheduled to appear.   "Every year more than four million animals are euthanized because of overcrowding in shelters," said Swank. "We are so fortunate to have an animal advocate in the FOX network that not only sees the need for more awareness surrounding this issue, but is willing to set aside a two-hour block for this important cause. This partnership will change the path of a soul for thousands of animals looking for their forever home."   PEDIGREE Food for Dogs will be presenting the "Shelter Hero of the Year" award to honor an individual who has dedicated his/her life to caring for rescue dogs. In addition, viewers will have the opportunity to make donations to the Petfinder Foundation, an independent nonprofit that supports animal shelters nationwide. Since 2003, the organization has given more than $20 million to shelters and rescue groups in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.   Click here to watch a promo for the special at gei.21cf.com.