Following its successful debut last Thanksgiving, Fox is once again raising awareness about the need to rescue homeless dogs with "The All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration" on tonight (Thursday, 11/26)

"The Big Bang Theory" star Kaley Cuoco will host this year's event which is dedicated to celebrating America's rescue dogs and raising awareness about dog-related issues. Celebrity guests will introduce adoptable rescue dogs and honor the people who dedicate their lives to caring for animals in need.

Official sponsor, Pedigree, will present the Cutest Puppy Award, which viewers can help choose by voting online at FOX.com/CutestPuppy or tweeting to their favorite puppy nominee's hashtag on Twitter.

Celebrity guests will include Miley Cyrus, Chelsea Handler, Paula Abdul, Valerie Bertinelli, Carrie Ann Inaba, Cesar Millan, Dwight Yoakam, Florida Georgia Line, Kathy Griffin, Scarlett Johansson, Whitney Cummings, Olivia Munn, Emmy Rossum, Sia and Zendaya.

Headlines & Global News had the exclusive privilege to speak with the stars backstage and learn more about why rescuing pets is such an important issue. (Scroll down to see HNGN's exclusive photography and video of the event!)

Hilary Swank – Executive Producer

Swank developed the idea for “The All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration” with producer Michael Levitt and wasn’t surprised by last year’s response to the event, which found hundred homes for needy dogs.

“I wouldn't say I wasn't surprised, but it was wonderful validation to know that Michael Levitt and I had this idea for the show and that everyone really tuned in,” Swank told HNGN exclusively.

“It shows that everyone has dogs and animals really close to their hearts and really want to do something to help save lives. People just need to know the statistics. Once they hear there are 8 million animals then 4 million of those don't make it out of the shelter, they show up. They just need to know where to go.”

Wendie Malick

Malick wanted to stress the plight of senior dogs, those that are left behind because of unforeseen circumstances, which make it impossible for the owner to care of his or her dog.

“I don't think people realize when someone dies unexpectedly or loses their home for whatever reason, it’s not just the immediate family of humans affected, it’s their animals too,” Malick said. “Sometimes people can't take care of them or have no business doing it. There is somebody out there for anyone interested in having a dog that will prove to be the best friend you could ever ask for.”

Carrie Ann Inaba

The “Dancing With The Stars” judge is the founder of “The Animal Project Foundation” and also finds this event very close to her heart.

“The foundation provides emergency rescue funding for smaller organizations that are doing all the legwork,” Inaba explained. “I provide funding for training, medical fees, boarding, basically whatever it takes to make a dog ready for adoption. We do the “L.A. Spay & Neuter Fest” once a year, providing free spay and neutering, micro-chipping and vaccinations in underserved areas.”

She added, “Highlighting all of these animals that need homes is just a wonderful thing and they’re all doing it the right way. It sends a great message and helps spread awareness for people to adopt and not shop.”

Paula Abdul

The event is a little bittersweet for Paula Abdul this year since she recently lost her beloved 16-year-old Chihuahua, Thumbelina. She has three other rescue dogs at home but it will be tough to fill the void left in her heart by Thumbelina’s passing.

“I wish I could take 20 of them home,” Abdul gushed. “I may just adopt another one… I just love my beautiful Thumbelina of 16 years a couple of week ago. I got her 10 days before I started ‘American Idol’ and she was the most beautiful dog with the kindest spirit I’ve ever encountered.”

Kathy Griffin

HNGN caught up with Griffin, the owner of two rescues, while hanging out with the Instagram dog, Marnie. “I want to abduct her,” the comedian joked, but she finds it no laughing matter when it comes to finding dogs a warm and safe home.

“There is no feeling like taking a dog out of a cage and giving them a real life,” Griffin said. “This is my second year doing the show. It's a great cause and it airs Thanksgiving night so everyone is in a giving mood. They need to give everything they can from blankets to newspapers to their local shelters, down to actually considering adopting one of these amazing dogs.”

Randy Jackson

Jackson, everyone’s favorite “dawg,” also returned to lend his support to the cause.

“I love this event, just to rescue these animals and give them a great home and a great life. This enhances someone's life as well as the dog's life,” he said. “They say dogs are man's best friend and I believe that. I've had four rescue dogs and had dogs all my life – I love dogs.”

Cesar Millan

“The Dog Whisperer” wants people to understand what type of dog is best for their situation and to know that older and/or disabled dogs can make good pets, too.

“A lot of people are skeptical of disabled dogs or even older dogs, but dogs don’t care if you are disabled or old, they’ll love you no matter what,” Millan explained. “Dogs provide unconditional love and we are very conditional as humans. Shelters are full of dogs because we want a certain kind of dog but won't invest the time or educate ourselves, so we end up abandoning them.”

Linda Blair

The Oscar-nominated actress created The Linda Blair World Heart Foundation to rescue abused animals and to give them a second chance at life.

“Shows like this are so important to help shed light and to say, please understand the plight of the animals in need, ones that are being abandoned, mistreated… We can correct it if we unify,” Blair said. “Every one of these animals has an angelic spirit, no matter their size. Each one of them is an amazing best friend, sleeping partner and a lot of fun.”

“The All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration” airs on Thursday, November 26 at 8 p.m. on Fox and watch HNGN's special preview video of the event below.