Posted: December 8, 2008, 5 a.m. EST
Things might get a bit hairy on the set of “Wheel of Fortune” the week of Dec. 8, when host Pat Sajak and co-host Vanna White welcome the contestants to share photos of their furry friends for Pet Lovers Week.
For the week’s pet-themed episodes, Petco Foundation plans to make a $1,000 donation to an animal charity if a contestant picks up the special Petco gift tag on the wheel. The organizations that could potentially receive the gift are Heart of Texas Greyhound Adoption in San Antonio; Humane Animal Rescue Team (HART) in Los Angeles; Mutts-n-Stuff in St. Louis, Mo.; Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Merrimack River Feline Rescue in Salisbury, Mass.
In addition, award-winning actress Betty White will make a special guest walk-on appearance on the set. White is a pet enthusiast and animal welfare activist who is also known for her charitable commitments to animals.
Like the game show’s other special themes, Pet Lovers Week can inspire the set design, the prizes and possibly the puzzles. Viewers watching at home don’t have to feel left out, because fans are invited to upload a pet photo and view the pet photo gallery on the show's website.