For Release: 2009-02-02 11:24:00
Americans own 73 million dogs and 90 million cats, considering them best friends, soul mates, family members and even surrogate children. Why are we so attached? To find out, Nature gets personal with pet owners and animal behavior experts in Nature "Why We Love Cats and Dogs," airing Sunday, Feb. 15 at 8/7 p.m. CT on KET2 and KET HD.This unique edition of Nature combines a verité style of filmmaking with in-studio pet-owner interviews, resulting in a gamut of insightful, heartwarming and funny stories.
In the program, experts share their research and perspectives on why cats and dogs are so important to us. A dog behaviorist, psychologist and author reveals primal reasons why men and women are drawn to dogs and the nine major relationship styles people have with their pets, including soul mate, observer, buddy, angel and master.
Surprisingly, veterinarian Nicholas Dodman says that cats, often reputed to be independent animals, can be as responsive and trainable as dogs. He explains that owners who communicate with their cats through training and agility exercises can eventually erase cats' behavior problems.
Throughout the film, cat and dog owners discuss their bonds and adventures with their pets. Among the many personal stories is the remarkable journey of Jerry, a three-legged canine amputee with cancer; his owners sold their home and business to enjoy Jerry's last months by traveling with him cross-country. This and other tales show how strong the human-animal bond can be.
Viewers can enter Nature's "Why I Love Cats and Dogs" Flickr photo contest for a chance to win a DVD copy of the program. More information is available at /pbs/nature">www.pbs.org/nature.
Nature is produced by WNET/New York. More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at www.ket.org.
Contact: Ellen Soileau
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