Shelter Me Launches National PBS Series Highlighting The Extraordinary Lives and Benefits of Adopting Shelter Pets

LOS ANGELES, April 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- They become beloved household pets, extraordinary search-and-rescue dogs and agents of healing and strength. These stories and more are highlighted in the PBS series Shelter Me, a new project that takes an inside look at the many benefits of adopting animals from the nation's overwhelmingly burdened shelter system.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130404/LA89110)

Episode two, "Shelter Me: Let's Go Home," will launch in Los Angeles and is hosted by Emmy Award-winning actress and shelter animal advocate Jane Lynch. This episode explores the inspiring stories of shelter dogs transformed into life saving search-and-rescue dogs; an innovative spay and neuter program in the Watts section of Los Angeles, a cat adoption from a shelter and the incredible healing power of shelter dogs that visit patients at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.  

This episode premieres in L.A. on April 9 and throughout the nation on local PBS stations. Upcoming airdates include New York, Boston, Miami, Chicago, Detroit, Sacramento, San Francisco, Denver and San Diego. A complete list of airdates is available at:

http://shelterme.tv/shelter-me-lets-go-home/

Episode one of "Shelter Me," hosted by Katherine Heigl, is available on Netflix and iTunes.

Shelter Me was created to shed light on the many benefits of adopting animals out of the nation's overwhelmed and under visited animal shelters.  The current state of the American animal shelter system is dire; an estimated 6 to 8 million animals enter the nation's shelters annually and, of that number, 3 to 4 million will be euthanized. Shelter Me focuses on the success stories to bring more people into local shelters to give these incredible animals a second chance. 

"Through the Shelter Me television series, we hope to show the remarkable pets that are available in shelters across America – from loving family pets to animals that literally transform the lives of people," says producer and director Steven Latham. "Shelter Me hopes to raise the profile and visibility of these incredible animals, inspiring the public to adopt shelter pets and to visit their local shelters to become more involved."

Shelter Me is generously sponsored by Halo, Purely for Pets, the all-natural pet food company co-owned by Ellen DeGeneres, and PetSafe, an industry leader in pet lifestyle products. Latham sought sponsors that are dedicated to helping pets in need. In partnership with Freekibble.com, Halo donates more than 1.5 million meals annually to shelter pets, and the Halo Pet Foundation provides grants to shelters across the U.S. Petsafe gives back to the community by sponsoring dog parks, rescue missions, adoption facilities and more. "Our sponsors' participation is critical to the ongoing success of this mission," says Latham. "We needed partners whose vision for shelter pets aligned with ours."

A review copy of Shelter Me is available to media by contacting: [email protected]

Images are available at: http://shelterme.tv/media/

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelterMeTV

About PetSafe
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Radio Systems Corporation (RSC) is the maker of the PetSafe®, Invisible Fence®, SportDOG®, and Premier brands. This brand portfolio makes RSC an industry leader in the management of pet behavior; pet training solutions, containment systems, safety and lifestyle product solutions. You'll also find the pet-loving hearts at Radio Systems and its brands giving back to the community by sponsoring dog parks, rescue missions, adoption facilities, and dozens of other philanthropic ventures. Please visit www.PetSafe.net for more information.

About Halo, Purely For Pets®
For over 25 years, Halo, Purely for Pets® has created holistic pet products of uncompromising quality. Halo believes nutrition is the single most important factor in the quality of a pet's life. Halo offers natural pet food, treats, supplements and grooming products - including the award-winning Halo Spot's Stew, Dream Coat and Liv-a-Littles treats. Ellen DeGeneres – a long time Halo customer – became a part-owner of Halo in 2008. HALO's natural dog food, natural cat food, treats, supplements and grooming products are available at Pet Supplies Plus, PETCO, Whole Foods Market, your local pet specialty and natural food store, and online at http://www.halopets.com.

SOURCE ShelterMe.tv