Indie distributor and producer kelencontent and U.S. partner Starlight Runner Entertainment are pacting on Hero Dogs of 9/11, an online-video-to-TV-series project about dogs that were part of rescue and recovery operation in lower Manhattan after the World Trade Center terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.

The transmedia tribute to the brave Ground Zero hounds already has interest from Animal Planet Canada after a one-hour pilot presentation.

The Canadian and U.S. coventure partners have planned a series of 12 half-hours that tell the stories of the furry heroes.

Production on the Hero Dogs of 9/11 series is expected to start this summer.

The one-hour pilot was inspired by a six-minute viral video that aired online in September 2010 and secured over 250,000 views on its first day.

“We are excited to be joining forces with such a stellar team and franchise that engages audiences with its universal appeal,” Tanya Kelen, president and executive producer of kelencontent, said while attending the Banff World Media Festival.

Kelen will share a producer credit on the Hero Dogs of 9/11 series with Jeff Gomez and Mark Pensavalle at Starlight Runner Entertainment.

kelencontent will also distribute the transmedia project worldwide.