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From Bow to Wow: Pooches get a second chance at life

Posted: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 10:00 AM by Sarika Dani
Filed Under:

From TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport

When we first did this very special Bow to Wow segment, the response was overwhelming. All of the dogs were adopted within minutes of the story airing. I feel so blessed to be able to do it again. This time, I went to one of the busiest pounds in the country: Animal Care and Control of New York City. Here they take in more than 6,000 dogs a year ... all waiting for that special someone to give them a second chance at life. I decided this time to pick three dogs that had very challenging situations either because of their breed or age. WATCH VIDEO
 
Millie is lovable pitbull mix. Sweet Rose is a 7-year-old poodle who was found alone lying next to her owner who had passed away. And Cody is a cuddly 10-year-old cocker spaniel with so many wonderful years left in her. All these special girls were waiting with loving eyes and big hearts for someone to take them home. But no one did, because they are older and, in Millie's case, her breed (she's the pitbull mix) sadly scared off so many people despite her loving sweet disposition.
 
Forty percent of the 6,000 dogs that come in yearly to this facility are pitbulls desperately hoping for a permanent home, and more than 30 percent are older dogs also waiting for a lifelong home. I can't stress enough the importance of adopting from a pound or a shelter. These beautiful babies know you have saved them from a very frightening fate, and they will thank you every day for the rest of their lives.

Dear viewers: If you're interested in finding information on how to adopt the dogs seen on TODAY, please visit the Animal Care & Control of New York City's site at nycacc.org.

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Comments

Jill,

Thanks so much for running this segment. As a volunteer at the ACC I have had the opportunity to work with a number of the dogs like the ones on the show this morning and I can’t tell you what a great impact this has. Please keep up the good work,

Jennifer

Jennifer, NY, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 3:34 PM)

Jill:  Thank you so much for showcasing older dogs and pit mixes.  I have been fortunate to have a rescue greyhound who lives to be 15 and my mixed breed dog who is now 14 and older dogs are amazing!  Please, please convince the powers to be to have this as a regular segment, like ambush makeover for dogs who need loving homes.  New Yorkers are dog friendly and we need to make this great city to have NO MORE HOMELESS ANIMALS!!  Thanx again.

Carole Hughes, New York, New York (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 3:38 PM)

Great segment today!  There are tons of great dogs in shelters!  I hate seeing news about puppy mills.  Please do not buy dogs from a pet store!  Adoption and rescue is the way to go!  When you buy from a pet store you are supporting puppy mills.

As for the Susan, I am sorry to your dog that you were willing to give up on it.  As someone who has had dogs before, you should have a better sense of gauging the energy of an animal and whether it's a right fit for your home.  Not all animals unfortunate enough to be at a shelter have "baggage."  The right owner/pack leader can help any dog.  

I am really glad that this segment came on.  There are tons of great animals out there that would be excellent pets (no "baggage").  If people could get over the stigma that shelter=something wrong with animal.  Many times the animals are there bc there is something wrong with the previous owner!

Robin, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 3:41 PM)

I really enjoyed the show, and wish to see more Bow Wow segments, it is great to see dogs getting adopted that need homes. Keep up the good work!

Joan, Lake Ariel, PA (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 3:41 PM)

I too volunteer at Manhattan AC&C but work with the cats. While I'm sure it's much more difficult to brings cats to a TV set, I would love to see this segment showcase cats as well (and rabbits too -- AC&C also has them available for adoption), perhaps by filming in the shelter, where the cats will feel more secure. Like older dogs, older or even just young adult cats have a harder time finding permanent homes because so many people fall for the cuteness of a kitten. But adult cats can be so loving, are all grown up and out of the run-around-like-crazy stage, are often litter-box trained and good with people and families. Jill, thank you so much for your hard work in showcasing AC&C. I ask that if possible you try to help our feline friends as well!

Lisa, New York, N.Y. (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 3:51 PM)

I have a dog and a cat already so I know how much goes into raising pets.  I would absolutely adopt in the future only if vets fees and medication were provided for.  

Maria Ling, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 3:53 PM)

I am also a volunteer at ACC, and like so many others have walked hundreds of dogs there. The pitbulls are by far my favorite breed to play with. They are not for everybody--you need to really have your act together as an owner--but they have so much love to give if properly managed. The ACC gives these animals and thousands of others some of the only kindness they have ever known, and they do so on a shoestring budget and very little public support. Ms. Rappaport picked a worthy candidate for her segment. Animal Care and Control of NY really deserves this. On behalf of all the great animals without a spotlight, thank you!

Laurie, Maspeth, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 4:05 PM)

So many dogs are under appreciated or misunderstood!! It's beyond fantastic to see certain breeds and older dogs getting some positive attention! PLEASE keep this segment going -- maybe we can offset some of the misguided feelings that people have towards strong breeds, and shine a light on the benefits of adopting and older dog!! I adopted my dog when he was 8 years old -- he's 13 now, and he's the best dog I've ever had!! LOVE BOW to WOW!!

Elizabeth Wood, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 4:17 PM)

This was a fantastic segment.  I am a volunteer at AC&C Brooklyn, and I meet so many wonderful dogs with such resilient spirits, who deserve loving forever homes.  Thank you so much for bringing awareness to these dogs and to this shelter system.  It makes a world of difference to the dogs and to the people who work hard every day to find them new homes.

Laurifer, Queens, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 4:17 PM)

Bow to Wow is great! There is another group of dogs in need of attention...those not in shelters but with loving owners who are no longer able (financially) to have their dogs professionally groomed. This of course leads to matting etc. Try as I might, and I'm sure there are many of us in this situation, my Spudd & Oliver are not so keen on my awful "grooming" skills, not to mention that I cannot trim their nails. They've gone from professional grooming at least 3X a year...to me..and suffering the consequences. No one seems to have any ideas where to find low-to-no cost basic services for owners' (esp seniors) dogs. Any ideas???

Liz Curran, Eugene, OR (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 4:47 PM)

I am a dog FOSTER mom for the Animal Control Center in Brooklyn, and it has been one of the BEST experiences of my life.  I am a full time science teacher and a mom of two dogs already (a 16yr old Collie mix and a 3 yr old Pointer mix, both shelter dogs).  Over our spring break, I decided to foster a pit bull from the shelter.  Hoping to save a life and add some life to my household.  Both goals were met.  Angel (our foster dog) is a little lover.  She craves a good snuggle, she loves to play with the 3yr old male dog and absolutely adores car rides and dog parks.  She is marked with big scars on one side of her body, but her head and her heart are unwounded and filled with love.  Maybe you aren't ready to commit to a dog for the rest of your life, BUT YOU CAN FOSTER AND SAVE A LIFE (most likely add a lot of fun to your life as well!).  Please look into FOSTERING!  www.nycacc.org/foster

Jessica , Brooklyn, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 4:48 PM)

I have a dog and two cats, all rescues and all amazing animals -- keep up the great work!  There are so many animals needing homes that it seems criminal to ever buy a dog or cat from a pet shop or breeder, and letting people know that great dogs and cats are available (and for nearly free, at that) is half the battle.

Eleanor Lang (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 4:54 PM)

I would like to put in a word for the NYC Animal Care Control cats, too! My 14 yr old daughter and I are fostering 10 kittens and 1 mom cat at the moment from 4 different litters and yes, it a LOT of work(we also own seven dogs, one is a pitt-bull rescue, the best ever)!!! BUT we needed to help in some small way and these kitties like the dogs did NOT ask to be abandoned, they did not ask to be abused and forgotten, it is NOT their fault that they are out on the street; it is the fault of thoughtless humans who consider animals to less than themselves, as soon as life gets tough or busy or interest wanes... OUT GOES the DOG, OUT GOES the CAT, NOT FAIR, NOT FAIR...so PLEASE ADOPT from NYC ACC they are doing a GREAT job in a very difficult economy!  They have terrific volunteer coordinators and wonderful volunteers!!!  AND by the way there is nothing better than watching these little babies open their eyes and take in the big, new world.  My daughters are thrilled to be helping and we are fostering as a family service project! Thank you to Maggie & Iris for letting us be part of the ACC family!!!! PLEASE spay & neuter your animals!

Shelley, NYC, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 5:04 PM)

Dear Jill, Thanks so much for segments like these. Animal adoption is truly the way to go!  I am so glad that NBC features rescue groups such as the ACC and the amazing work they do.
Keep up the good work!

Kevin, New York, New York (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 5:25 PM)

wow, what a great segment. thanks for showing everyone how great shelter pets are! i have adopted 4 dogs from shelters over the years, and each one has been a gem. nothing makes me sadder than to hear people say that shelter animals are damaged, or inferior.

please keep up the good work!

amanda, ny ny (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 6:15 PM)

Thank you for doing the segment on adoption of older dogs from shelters.  I would love to see this become a regular segment on your show.  It was truly wonderful.

I adopted an 8 year old dog, and she is now 18 years old and still enjoying her life.  So you can have many years of love even when adopting an older dog. It is a special blessing.

Evelyn Kiimber, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 7:14 PM)

I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to foster Rose prior to her being on the show today.  I was on the set at the time the show aired and I cried like a baby when I saw how great all the dogs looked after their makeovers.  I know that they will find great homes with loving families and I'm glad I can be a part of that. I agree that many people seem to think that shelter dogs are somehow inferior to a dog purchased at a puppy store or from a breeder.  I have Chihuahua mix that I adopted from the AC&C 6 years ago and she is the BEST DOG EVER!  Thanks to everyone that helped with this segment.  I know that a lot of work went into this.  Special thanks to the groomers, coordinators, transporters, Richard, Jill and all the foster parents.  The show was a success and I cant wait to foster more dogs for this segment!!!

Jenelle (AC&C Foster Parent), NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 7:17 PM)

It's great to see an NBC and the Today Show segment that really makes a difference in the lives of both animals and people.  We need more segments like this.  It's uplifting; something we could all use in our lives.  It definitely makes me think and take stock of what's important in life.

Andy, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 10:22 PM)

This was amazing!  I hope this becomes a regular segment.  As a foster parent for NYCACC, I am so happy to see NBC showcasing some of the city's wonderful, adoptable pets.  Animals have been especially hurt by the economy as people have had to surrender their pets due to a loss of income or the need to move.  Please consider volunteering to foster animals from your local shelter and always adopt from a shelter.  

Robin, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 11:44 PM)

Thank you so much for airing this segment. These are the kind of shows that really warm my heart. I have owned many animals and am currently the owner of two dogs, one cat, one bird. All of our animals have been found and/or rescued. One of our dogs is a pit bull, and is the kissiest, sweetest dog we've ever owned. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this breed to anyone. The breed is so misunderstood.
The AC&C does a fantastic job considering the overwhelming number of animals brought in every day.
There are so many wonderful animals there with eyes just begging for a second chance. Thank you for calling attention to these hopefuls. Please continue these special segments and to be a voice for all those
pleading eyes. Perhaps if it became a weekly, if not daily, segment you might spark your viewers into doing the right thing and adopting/rescuing as opposed to pet stores and puppy mills. With the right blog and advertisement you could do wonders for the animals, for the cause, and snag a bunch of viewers at the same time. It's a win, win situation for all!

Pat, Maspeth, NY (Sent Thursday, May 21, 2009 12:22 AM)

DO NOT believe the negative hype about Pit Bulls. If the dog feels provoked, he will attack. Sometimes little kids like to play with dogs like they do with their toys. These are live animals, not toys. Adults please, educate ur kids about proper treatment before blaming it all the animal who can't speak for its self. Come on.. Stop the ignorance. They're the most loyal living thing out there.

Oksana, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Thursday, May 21, 2009 12:44 AM)

I saved one  Pit bull great  Dane at  the NYC ACC  The  people there are very nice  and  you can  just  go right in and  look at the  dogs  ready  for adoption  or  request  to see  some  that are in danger .( You can  foster and  just apply  for  that  easly also  ) They need  so  much  help  about  20,000  dogs  a  year  never  get adopted .  I have  Started a  rescue and saved 40  since  the  first  one in  Nov.  It has cost  me a ton  but  i get  pictures  sent  to me  every night  with the  dogs  that are  in super  danger and  i had  to work  on  it . I put  my  carpentry  jobs  on  hold  and  just  tried  to  help  while  i watch  my  kids and  Wife  works   i  try and  get  out  C list  ads  or whatever  i can  do  .  do  home  visits  etc...
Money  is a  huge  problem  the  dogs  have  destroyed  my  basement  , phone , yard , car  LOL .
But  is  so  worth  it  for  them , my kids and  me .
Its  so  easy  to  go  there  or  check  out  there  website  .  You  dont  have  to save  40  -- try  to  just  save  one  every  6  months  .  get a  friend  to  help.  ( I used all mine  up ) lol
thanks  everyone  please  help  the Pitbulls.  some  are tested with the  Saferr  test for aggression and  a  lot  are  just  big  pussy cats  .  I wish  i could  add  you all to my  elist . let me  know  if  you want  to part of  our little  rescue . THX THX  joel

Joel Venables , Hudson Valley , NY (Sent Thursday, May 21, 2009 6:31 AM)

Thank you for featuring a Pit Bull mix on the Bow-Wow segment on 5/18/09 and for highlighting the special dogs at AC & C.
Pit Bulls and pit bull mixes make wonderful pets but unfortunately there's a lot of misinformation regarding this breed much of which is perpetuated by the media. It is good to see the Today show bucking that trend and featuring Millie who is like any other homeless dog needing a home and a family to love her, she just happens to be a Pit Bull.

Meg, Rosendale, NY (Sent Thursday, May 21, 2009 8:00 AM)

I fostered a large american bulldog pit mix through Animal Care and Control of NYC, and it was such a rewarding experience, it still brings tears to my eyes as I write this.  On the one hand, it was not the easiest endeavor to take on the additional responsibility, but on the other, things worth doing seem to rarely be easy.  I work at an emergency animal hospital, and sadly, many animals are abandoned there.  I knew she would have little chance of being adopted out of the shelter, being a pit mix, as well as being such a large, strong dog (about 80 lbs when she came to us but skinny as she was brought in after being locked inside an abandoned house for two weeks).  I am still in touch with her new family and it is so incredibly moving to get pictures of her frolicking in her big yard by the beach, and snuggling in the arms of her family. :)  I am having trouble expressing how good it felt to save her.  In any case, I will definitely do it again, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has any inkling of interest to get involved.  I've only saved one so far, but I'm guessing she appreciated the effort. :))

Dana, New York, NY (Sent Thursday, May 21, 2009 11:31 AM)

Hello, I want to thank the segment....is very important to encourage the culture of adoption, these animals need us, every day thousands are killed or abandoned in shelters or dog centers, its very important promove the adoption and segments like this, in that way more people get involved. Once again, thank you.

Claudia Fernández, L.A., California (Sent Thursday, May 21, 2009 12:20 PM)

Maltese dogs LuLu and LoLLy think this is a wonderful article! We love it when people put a positive light on adoption! Keep up the good work!

LuLu and LoLLy, Austin, TX (Sent Thursday, May 21, 2009 2:22 PM)

Very happy to see this segment on your show!  In this day and age, with good training advice available (even for free! see dogstardaily.com) very easily, it's much easier to learn how to help a shelter dog acclimate to a new and better life.

Misa, Goshen, NY (Sent Thursday, May 21, 2009 2:25 PM)

i love the work you guys do!!
i really think that you should have a show on "Animal Planet" so more can be inspired by you!!!


keep up the good work!!!

Denisha W. Queens NY (Sent Thursday, May 21, 2009 7:40 PM)



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