Ian Somerhalder: 'Vampire Diaries' Actor Receives The ASPCA Dog's Best Friend Award At The World Dog Awards

"Vampire Diaries" star Ian Somerhalder attended the World Dog Awards held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 15. At the event, the 36-year-old heartthrob actor was presented with the ASPCA "Dog's Best Friend" award for his work on putting an end to animal cruelty through his Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF).

According to an E!Online report, "Twilight" actress Nikki Reed was also at the event to show support as Holly Robinson Peete presented her beau Ian Somerhalder with a golden fire hydrant American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) "Dog's Best Friend Award." The TVD was praised for supporting no-kill shelters and his pet adoption programs during the awarding ceremony.

"He's behind more adoptions than Angelina Jolie, let me tell you. Lucky dogs!" Peete declared. The actor and animal lover accepted the award and expressed gratitude to ASPCA for honoring his work.

"Just to be here tonight, when we could all be doing anything else in the world, to be here tonight with all these furry creatures that truly impact our lives is a blessing. It's incredible, and people who think that these animals don't affect our lives I think are a little crazy," Somerhalder stated during his acceptance speech. The report further revealed that the camera focused on Ian Somerhalder's fellow animal lover and now fiancée Nikki Reed, who looked happy and proud while the CW star accepted his award.

An Us Weekly report confirmed that the pair is now engaged after six months of dating. "She accepted with glee. She is madly in love," an unnamed source revealed.

Another anonymous source added that people may find their engagement quick but Ian and Nikki knew that the timing was right. "They were friends before, the groundwork had been laid before. They had always been attracted to each other, but always in another relationship. They believe in the same things. They are dedicated to their work and helping others," the source shared.

Ian Somerhalder has ignited the engagement reports after he was spotted and photographed at the Neil Lane jewelry store last December 2014. It will be the first time for the "Vampire Diaries" actor to get married while the second for Nikki Reed.

The 26-year-old "Twilight" actress confirmed her split from "American Idol" alum husband Paul McDonald in March 2014. Nikki Reed's divorce got finalized in early January but she is still amicably making music with the 30-year-old singer-songwriter.

Meanwhile, the fans can catch Ian Somerhalder's return as Damon Salvatore in "The Vampire Diaries" Season 6 which will air on Thursday night, Jan. 22, at 8 p.m. ET on the CW Network.

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