DogTown Returns January 1

Michael Vick made headlines when he was arrested for running an illegal dog fighting ring, but many people never got to see what happened to the dogs that were seized from his property. In the newest season of DogTown, we get a chance to see the success stories of a handful of the 22 dogs that went through DogTown’s rehabilitation center. DogTown is a National Geographic television show that follows the rehabilitation of dogs at DogTown, the last-hope refuge that’s a part of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the largest no-kill animal facility in the country. The new season features several of the Michael Vick dogs over several episodes, and will premiere on January 1.

The season premiere introduces us to Georgia and Cherry, two former fighting dogs with different stories and different problems, who provide prime examples of how these dogs can overcome their past. Georgia was a champion fighting dog, bred often, who is friendly with people but starts to fight for her life every time she sees another dog. Cherry was a bait dog, an untalented fighter used to boost the confidence of champion fighting dogs. He gets along with other dogs, but is terrified of people, and this fear may keep him from getting a home. The first episode takes the viewer into the underworld of dog fighting, showing the horrors of the operations and the traumatizing effects that fighting has on the dogs involved. The highlight of the episode is the proof that the dogs can be saved, even after such a horrific past, and that euthanizing them isn’t the other answer.

The Michael Vick dogs are a big and interesting part of the new season, but DogTown gets many other dogs with other problems, and we see these in the episodes as well. We meet a dog who was abandoned when her owners lost her home. There’s a dog who survived the Lebanese-Israel war who panics whenever she is on a leash. We also meet dogs with unusual diseases, extreme shyness and various behavioral issues. One episode even features an overweight Chihuahua with a body the size of a pineapple who goes through a “Biggest Loser” style weight loss program.

Though seeing the tragic stories of the dogs that come through DogTown is sad, the episodes are uplifting and heartwarming, showing the power of the bond between humans and animals. Watching the Michael Vick dogs find loving homes, or seeing Georgia overcome her aggression to travel the country as an example that fighting dogs can become pets, is inspirational. The show offers a fascinating look into the day to day operations of DogTown and the people who dedicate their lives to saving the dogs they encounter.

You can find more information about the show here, and make sure to tune in January 1 to see the season premiere.