‘DogTown,’ the National Geographic Channel Series, Enters Fourth Season

Heartwarming story of Shaggy runs this Friday

Kanab, UT (Vocus) January 20, 2010

The cold of winter has settled in and fans of the popular National Geographic Channel series “DogTown” couldn’t be happier. Frigid weather signals a new season of the popular program that chronicles the work of the staff at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary as they work with abused, abandoned dogs, many of them in poor health.

This Friday’s episode features the story of Shaggy, a mixed-breed dog found living in the wild near Grand Canyon National Park, who most probably has never socialized with humans.

Animal behaviorist Sherry Woodard, who has wowed “DogTown” audiences with her ability to work wonders with under-socialized dogs, takes Shaggy under her wing to help him begin to trust and interact with humans.

Shaggy has become one of the 400-plus canine residents of the sanctuary, the nation’s largest facility for companion animals. But the main goal at the sanctuary for each of the four-footed residents is to find them a home as soon as possible. But the clock is ticking. If Sherry can’t gain the trust of the mixed breed, Shaggy may never find a home.

In other parts of this Friday’s episode, Dr. Mike Dix, head veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, tries to treat Reggie, an Elkhound-mix with a mysterious and disfiguring skin condition. Dr. Mike must determine the cause of the disease, or Reggie may never recover. Also, Dr. Mike and his wife, Elissa Jones, ask John Garcia for help with their dog Penny, a sweet but overly energetic beagle mix, whose mischievous behavior has gotten out of control. If John Garcia can’t teach Penny how to behave, the dog may wreak havoc in the couple’s cheerful home.

Other upcoming episodes of DogTown:

THE ROAD HOME - Friday, Jan. 29, at 10 p. m. ET/PT

Shy dogs are often among the first to be euthanized in shelters because they are difficult to adopt, but not at Dogtown, a no-kill facility. Little Girl, a Catahoula leopard dog mix, is given a second chance and learns to overcome her fears with help from John Garcia, in hopes that she will be adopted. Later we will follow a morbidly obese Chihuahua, Tuli, with a tiny head and a pineapple-size body, who must lose weight to become healthy enough for adoption. Finally, we meet Shockey, a terrier mix who is full of energy and excitement that makes her hard to control. See how Dogtown manager Michelle Besmehn works to help Shockey listen to commands and overcome her stubbornness.

CLOSE CALLS - Friday, Feb. 5, at 10 p. m. ET/PT

The economic crisis has forced countless families to give up their beloved animals. In this episode, we will meet Lucille, a shar-pei mix, who was left behind when her family’s home was foreclosed. She was in poor health and in need of surgery when she arrived at DogTown; after the surgery, Lucille developed severe seizures. Then travel with “DogTown” to the Animal Rescue League of El Paso (ARL), a no-kill shelter that depends on the nonstop energy of founder Loretta Hyde. Loretta hopes Sherry Woodard can help her rehabilitate unadoptable dogs to make room for more animals. In only one week, Sherry must help Loretta come up with a solution for ARL’s burgeoning dog population and work with Loretta on some of her tougher cases.

Other episodes this season will include a sick Catahoula mix who faces a life-threatening illness as the DogTown medical staff races against time to find her a cure. We will also meet a shepherd mix who is taught to dance in order to curb his aggressive behavior toward other dogs. And finally, join the Dogtown staff on a large mass breeder rescue mission in Missouri that saves nearly 200 dogs.

About Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit, membership organization building no-kill programs and partnerships that will bring about a day when there are No More Homeless Pets. The society's leading initiatives in animal care and community programs are coordinated from its Kanab, Utah, headquarters, the country's largest no-kill sanctuary. This work is made possible by the support of a grassroots network of members and community partners across the nation. In 2009, Best Friends celebrates its 25th anniversary “A better world through kindness to animals”

For more information:

John Polis

Best Friends Animal Society

435-644-4858

Barbara Williamson

Best Friends Animal Society

435-644-4408

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