For The Love Of Animals: Llamas; For The Love Of Animals: On Becoming An Educated Dog

Two of the final entries in the 1992 season for the animal-lovers series' For the Love of Animals, which airs on PBS (in Virginia), these programs feature host Janine Goldsmith talking with experts about the care and handling of both domestic and fairly exotic critters: like dogs and llamas, for example. On Becoming An Educated Dog follows the adventures of Rufus, whom we see over a period of 18 months learning the basics of dog obedience. Trainer Ellen Witherell is seen teaching owners' Joe and Jessica Kelty who, in turn, train Rufus how to sit, stay, heel, come, lie down, and more. Later on in the program, Goldsmith visits agility trainer Teresa Patton who takes one of her dogs through an obstacle course, and talks about the benefits of agility training. Although the format of the program is not step-by-step instruction, viewers will nevertheless get a feel for what's involved in dog obedience training and learn about the options available to them. Llamas takes viewers to "Llamarada," a llama ranch owned by Dale Graham and her husband Tom Reichert. Although llamas are domestic animals, they are not often seen outside of zoos. Graham discusses the care and feeding of llamas as well as some of their more peculiar traits, such as the tendency to spit green slime. Accurate at 10-20 feet, spitting llamas have, according to Graham, become somewhat of an erroneous fixation in the public mind. Graham maintains that the llama's loogies are reserved for other llamas, not humans--although humans have accidentally wandered into the line of fire and taken a hit. (My daily afternoon jog actually takes me right past a llama ranch, and I'm always struck by how curious the animals are. Of course, I've never gotten closer than 21 feet.) And, for those who are interested in llamas, the program directs viewers to the surprising array of magazines available on llamas ("Llamas," "Llama Life," "Llama Link," and "Llama Banner," to name some). An interesting, in-depth look at an intriguing creature, Llamas is highly recommended. On Becoming an Educated Dog is recommended. The two other new titles in the series are: Koi and Newborn Kittens For reviews of other titles in the For the Love of Animals series, see our October, 1992 and May, 1992 issues. (Available from: GCG Productions, 8463 Yellow Leaf Court, Springfield, VA 22153-2522; (703) 455-1968.)