Hallmark Channel Premieres Original Movie LOVE AT FIRST BARK 4/1

Jana Kramer ("One Tree Hill," "Dancing with the Starts") and Kevin McGarry ("Heartland," "Signed, Sealed, and Delivered") star in Hallmark Channel's LOVE AT FIRST BARK, a Hallmark CHANNEL Original Movie premiering Saturday, April 1, 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Portland interior designer Julia Galvins (Jana Kramer) adopts a dog and seeks the help of expert and handsome dog trainer Owen Michaels (Kevin McGarry). When she is hired to design a nursery and a "puppery," as well as plan a puppy shower fund-raiser for a pregnant client and her pregnant dog, Julia asks Owen's advice and the two begin to fall for each other. But when she feels threatened by Owen's ex-girlfriend Bridget (Paula Giroday), Julia realizes that her "lead with love" approach she uses with her new dog - and with the rest of her life - isn't working very well, discovering that if she leads with confidence instead, the rest will fall into place.

"We are proud to shine a spotlight on the special relationships humans have with their canine companions," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming & Publicity. "'Love at First Bark' highlights a special scene where a character discusses the importance of working with the American Humane Association on Shelters to Service programs to train K-9 battle buddies - dogs who provide soldiers safety and company in the face of unspeakable hardships. The network is grateful to partner with AHA on programs like these that help bring soldiers returning home from service a four-legged friend who brings unconditional love, support, service and assistance."

"Love at First Bark" is produced by Two 4 the Money Media. Stephan Yacobian, Matt Bierman, Kim Arnott, Fernando Szew, Robyn Snyder and Mike Rohl are executive producers. Ivan Hayden is producer. Mike Rohl directs from a script written by Erik Patterson & Jessica Scott and Nicole Baxter.

ABOUT Hallmark CHANNEL Hallmark Channel is Crown Media Family Networks' flagship 24-hour cable television network, distributed nationwide in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to 89 million homes. The country's leading destination for quality family entertainment, Hallmark CHANNEL delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. In addition to its signature original movies, the network features an ambitious lineup of other original content, including scripted primetime series, such as "Good Witch" and "When Calls the Heart"; annual specials like "Kitten Bowl" and "Hero Dog Awards"; and a daily, two-hour lifestyle show, "Home & Family." Additionally, in November 2014, Hallmark CHANNEL became the exclusive home to world premiere presentations of the acclaimed HALLMARK HALL OF FAME franchise. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate life's special moments, Hallmark CHANNEL also offers such annual holiday programming events as "Countdown to Christmas" and "Countdown to Valentine's Day." Rounding out the network's diverse slate are television's most beloved sitcoms and series, including "The Golden Girls," "The Middle," "Last Man Standing," "Little House on the Prairie" and "Frasier." Hallmark Cards, Inc. owns and operates Crown Media Family Networks. Hallmark CHANNEL on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube

Image courtesy of Hallmark Channel

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