NBC Owned Stations Unleash Best in Shelter with Jill Rappaport

Pedigree pooches may hear the roar of a canine-loving crowd during the Westminster Dog Show, but on February 21st fans of Fidos can applaud dogs in need of forever homes when they tune in to the Spot-centric special, Best in Shelter with Jill Rappaport.

Created and hosted by award-winning animal advocate Jill Rappaport, (who previously promoted pet adoption in the Bow to Wow segment on Today), the 30-minute show shines a spotlight on shelter/rescue canines from coast to coast in a quest to find the country’s most lovable rescue dogs. Helping to highlight dogs who have difficulties finding a forever family, the competition’s categories include dogs with physical disabilities, Mutts, Pit Bulls and Seniors.

A number of animal-loving luminaries will use their star wattage to illuminate the option of adoption as they choose the top dogs based on such “crucial” criteria as cuddles and “lickability,” with HBO Real Sports commentator Bryant Gumbel and his wife, author Hilary Gumbel (seen in the photo to the right), judging adorable adoptables at Main Line Animal Rescue; actor/ Kids Against Animal Cruelty founder Lou Wegner picking the winning senior pup at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in California, and entertainment icon/Broadway Barks founder Bernadette Peters selecting the first place Fido at the ASPCA Adoption Center in New York City. Other high-profile pals to those with paws who will make an appearance during the show include multi-Grammy Award winner/Bonaparte’s Retreat founder Emmylou Harris, Olympic skier (and pet parent to a rescue dog), Lindsey Vonn, and everyone’s favorite famous friend to Fidos and felines, Betty White, who enjoys a golden opportunity to meet four senior dogs at the Helen Woodward Animal Center who were named after characters in The Golden Girls.

One dog from each venue visited will be declared “Best in Shelter” and will receive a year’s supply of a food-filled care package from the show’s sponsor, Blue Buffalo, and TV viewers will witness each pup win the heart of a loving pet parent.

While Best in Shelter with Jill Rappaport will air on various NBC-owned TV stations (including NBC 4 New York) on February 21st, you won’t be in the dog house if you miss the special, as it will be available for viewing beginning on February 23rd at www.blueshelterstars.com, Blue Buffalo’s recently launched website dedicated to shelter adoption.

Photo Credit: PRNewsFoto/Helen Woodward Animal Center; PRNewsFoto/Main Line Animal Rescue