Call Her 'Paw'ley Perrette

In the eight years since she started playing Abby Sciuto on NCIS, Pauley Perrette has made it her mission to use her celebrity for more than swag bags at award show gifting suites.

Since 2003 she's become one of the most politically and socially active celebrities working today and this Friday, Perrette turns her attention to The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards, airing at 8 p.m. on The Hallmark Channel.

"The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards is a great idea and a really wonderful program," she tells ETonline. "I love this event because it honors the amazing service that these dogs provide, saving lives and helping people in all kinds of ways. I presented the Therapy Dog award and was deeply moved by the way these animals have such a positive effect on people, who clearly benefit from the companionship and compassion these dogs provide. And one side benefit of being a presenter was that it gave me a good excuse for having dog hair all over my dress!"