AMERICA'S first all-star dog adoption telethon has proved a success, with more than 4400 people signing up to take in homeless canines.

Michael Levitt, executive producer of Cause For Paws: An All-Star Dog Spectacular, said it would be a huge achievement even if only half of the applications resulted in adoptions. He also believes anyone who watched the show will consider a rescue dog next time they get a dog. Some 70 rescue dogs were featured on the show, co-hosted by Hilary Swank and Jane Lynch.