Lucky Dog

In a television landscape that is littered with prime time dramas with cringe-worthy, snide dialogue and unreal "reality" shows - where art poorly imitates life, "Lucky Dog" is a uniquely different program that instead celebrates the compassionate, better nature of the world and its people. My wife and I tune in to "Lucky Dog" on Saturday mornings because of its uplifting theme and because we are dog lovers. Our compliments to host Brandon McMillan, narrator Michael Berger and the entire production crew for creating a beautiful program that never fails to start off our weekend on a encouraging, optimistic note. Brandon is a 2015 Emmy Award winner (Outstanding Lifestyle/Travel Host), and Lucky Dog is a 2016 Daytime Emmy Award winner (Outstanding Special Class Series).

From "Homeless to a Home" is the hope of this show. To take a rejected dog from the streets and try to gain their trust and obedience seems a daunting task but with lots of love and patience almost anything is possible. Brandon McMillan has 5 days to get the dog ready for a new life. Starting with just trying to gain the love of the dog to getting it to be vulnerable, teaching the dog it doesn't need to hide like it used to, taking it to be around other people, animals and especially children. And finally for the biggest test of all. Will the dog accept the new family. Will the new family accept the new dog. It has to be a good fit. Dogs like people have their own personalities and you can't manipulate them. Success is never guaranteed but no matter what the outcome it touches the heart. In my opinion there is only one requirement for loving this show. You must love dogs.

My wife and I have been watching this show since it first came on CBS, I now find something else to do during that time frame. Brandon seemed to instill confidence in what he was doing with these dogs. We are on our Second Jack Russell Terrier who is now 10, Daisy is a replacement for Bo, a Male Jack that we had for 16 years. These highly intelligent little rascals are both a challenge and a joy to have. Your Dream Team is becoming a nightmare. We are going to stop Back on.

Ron and Sue Wenger, Martinsburg, WV

Brandon is credible, the new couple is not! Brandon is an amazing dog trainer. He trains all dogs, not just little fuzzy dogs. His skills work for the dogs he is rescuing as well as transferring to the audience training needs. He does not discriminate against big dogs, the new show seems like it does. The new version of the show does not even remotely compare to the realistic training that brandon does with his dogs. The families of course, are all happy with their pups which is great but the skills that Brandon teaches to the dogs, the owners, and the audience give you the complete package. I can count on one hand how many times I have watched the new version of the show. When Brandon was on the show, I would set it to record and never miss an episode. Please bring Branon back!

I've watched this series for years and found every story line heartwarming. The training results were amazing. I would suggest more emphasis on house breaking would be valuable to many current and future owners.