Customer Reviews

Dogtown: New Beginnings

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First, I want to address the price issue. I was wondering myself when I purchased this set why it is so much more expensive than the first one National Geographic: Dogtown - Second Chances. Here's the answer: this one has 5 episodes. Second Chances has three.

In these 5 episodes, watchers get a very in depth look at leg amputations and how they affect the dog, the therapy involved, the surgery. I especially liked watching the determined pooches do the underwater treadmill. Episode one has a leg amputation as does episode five. The second episode introduces a very loveable, but very hurt dalmation. This one is not for the faint of heart, as his wounds get treated and restitched. Neither is a tumor case in episode five. Both of these dogs were rescued from two separate hoarding situations. (That crazy cat lady is no longer a laughing matter, people!) Episode three is about the much publicized Michael Vick dogs. The Vick dogs are pit bulls that have been trained to fight and have never known a loving or kind hand in their lives.. until now. There was one particular dog in this episode that touched my heart, Cherry. Cherry has self esteem issues as a result of having been a "bait" dog. Cherry also educates DogTown and its viewers about a disease called Babesia, much similiar to the human HIV.

My own dogs want to give a "bark out" to Knightly from episode four. I kid you not when I say they perked up and paid attention everytime this loveable weimaraner came on screen. His human parents grew too old and frail to take care of him. DogTown sees he gets a new home.

Why do I need to go live in Oregon? Cause all my favorite dogs on this show end up in Oregon!

An added bonus that certainly doesn't hurt this shows 5 star rating is the adorable, cute, sexy John Garcia. I think Paul Walker has some competition.

Because of its length, you pretty much have to be a serious dog lover to stick with and appreciate this series, which recounts multiple episodes of rescue, rehabilitation and retraining of neglected, wounded or misbehaving canines of all shapes, sizes and ages. Most of these doggies are pretty cute and appealing. The caregivers, themselves, are an attractive and idealistic bunch who are clearly making major contributions to animal (and by extension human) welfare. The Michael Vick saga plays a role in all of this and adds to the up-to-date feel of the film.

A heartwarming video about the realities of abandoned and needy dogs. After watching this you will understand the need for more resonsible pet care and want to help Best Friends in their effort to make a difference.

I had the pleasure of spending a few days volunteering at "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" this past summer. It is the most amazing place in the world! The animals and employees are like a family. Each wonderful dog, cat, bird, horse etc. is known by name and is given so much love that I had a very hard time leaving each day. "Dogtown" is a wonderful series and I am so happy that Best Friends and the staff are finally receiving the acknowledgement they deserve. I hope to make volunteering there an annual pilgrimage! I urge all viewers to visit and to volunteer, if possible.

Anything having to do with "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" is an automatic 5-Star in my book! Best Friends is an incredible place for all the unwanted animals that humans so easily discard or abuse. I only hope that I can actually visit the Sanctuary at some point in time. The DVD verifies everything I've stated here.

I first was able to go to Best Friends Animal Society in mid Sept of 2010. But sadly due to time change between AZ and UT unable to arrive in time for the free tour which would have allowed me to see Dog Town. The series was taped at Best Friends by National Geographic film crews. But this DVD set allowed me to see I am pretty sure areas of the kennels, and vet clinic. As well as the inside look of the lives of the men & woman who help these dogs not shown on any tour.

The dogs these people help weather through training, patience or just the love for these poor dogs shows in these episodes.

Be warned it also shows the story of a few of the Michael Vick dogs that Best Friends rescued. 44 of the dogs found homes and a new life thanks to Best Friends. Some may never leave the place, but at least they are loved and cared for. These Pit Bulls only did what was asked of them from their owners. As I have learned since this watching this it's the deed that should be punished, not the breed.

Be warned actual footage of dog fighting is shown in this episode due to fact the case was the first real look the world got of Dog Fighting. Also a certain piece of equipment was used on one dog, and the fact a veterinarian who was supposed to protect animals did a horrible thing to one female dog.