PBS series highlights the extraordinary lives and benefits of adopting shelter pets

Via PR Newswire - 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.

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 lifesaving 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.

The episode premieres in Los Angeles 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/.

“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. 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.