Animal Rescue: Best Dog Rescues

Animal rescues are high up on the "awww” scale, which explains why the titular Emmy-nominated syndicated show, hosted by Alex Paen, had a long and successful run from 1997-2005. Sponsored by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Best Dog Rescues is, as the title claims, about dogs caught in life-threatening situations—stuck in shafts, between rocks, in icy ponds, etc.—and the local firefighters and other rescue personnel who save these canines. Some hardhearted folk might question the necessity of spending considerable resources on rescuing an animal, but these emergencies also serve as excellent opportunities for practicing skills involved in rescuing humans that are often only performed in simulated situations. In the end, (hu)man and beast win, while viewers gain a better understanding of the heroic work of these brave individuals…along with their warm and fuzzy buzz. DVD extras include a message from the IFAW. Recommended. [Note: also newly available in the Animal Rescue series are Best Cat Rescues, Best Horse Rescues, and Best Sea Creature Rescues.] Aud: P. (J. Carlson)