National Geographic Explores ‘Dogtown’

In a new series, National Geographic will journey inside the gates of the Best Friends Animal Society – a 33,000-acre no-kill animal facility in Utah – and profile the canine quarters also known as “Dogtown.”

Dogtown provides a sanctuary for dogs who might otherwise be euthanized due to their health, age, or behavioral issues. The show (entitled “Dogtown”) follows dogs’ progress as well as the dozens of staff members who help rehabilitate dogs with the hope of one day placing them into permanent homes.

The premier episode depicts dogs who were rescued from a mass breeding operation in Nebraska, where more than 170 dogs were found in abhorrent conditions. Dogtown arranges for a trainer to fly the most severely traumatized dogs to the facility. In a separate case, two sibling hounds are rescued from a polygamist sect where unwanted dogs are typically shot. The trainer is forced to separate the siblings – who have never lived apart – in an effort to eventually place them into permanent homes.

“Dogtown” will air Fridays at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) on the National Geographic Channel beginning Jan. 4, 2008. To view a 3-minute preview of the show, visit National Geographic’s website.