Why we love cats and dogs is must see TV

Nature:  Why We Love Cats and Dogs, Jospeh Sinnot

You've heard the slogan Must See TV. Rarely do I feel that I must see a TV show or else suffer the consequences. That is until I finished watching "Why We Love Cats and Dogs," a show that is part of PBS's Emmy winning Nature series, produced by ThirteenWNET, New York. For anyone who doubts the relevance of cats and dogs, a television show such as this can change minds and possibly save lives.

Many people who have cats and dogs marginalize them perhaps without meaning to. The dog spends more time in the backyard than in the family room. The outdoor cat's whereabouts are of little concern. If this sounds familiar, then this show is your wake-up call. Because it will remind you that life with an animal can be extraordinary.

In "Why We Love Cats and Dogs," the segment about Jerry illustrates the depth of love an animal can inspire in humans. He is a shepherd mix whose joy of the great outdoors defines who he is until the day he is diagnosed with a lethal form of cancer. This leads his parents to sell their business, buy a trailer and hit the road for what could very well be Jerry's last foray into the wilderness of nature and life. Yes, the tears will start flowing as you see the three of them hiking through forests and swimming in lakes, all the while knowing time is short. But the producers are content to enfold us in the experience of life and love between human and animal, sparing us the actual moment when Jerry leaves them. It is powerful and real. As Jerry's mom says, "How far do you go for a dog?" Their answer in caring for Jerry ends all speculation.

Throughout "Why We Love Cats and Dogs" experts are interviewed. One dog trainer labels nine different patterns of behavior we humans have with our dogs. It is always fun to categorize yourself when an expert provides a list for you to choose from. Especially when she says that watching your dog is a cheat sheet into seeing our own personality. I guess of the nine patterns she lists, my dogs and I are a combination of Angel and Buddy. The other seven are Soul Mate, Observer, Idealist, Dynamo, Free Spirit, Master and Expert. Which one are you? One young woman who recently broke up with her boyfriend, agrees with the dog trainer saying "It was mean, but I said to him, I wish I could love you like I love Zachary." Zachary is her terrier, a dog who she describes as "the dog of my lifetime - it's a kind of love that's uncomplicated. It's just truthful."

Cat stories are balanced with the dog stories, showing that they too can permanently stamp themselves onto human lives. Especially the young man whose oversized black and white cat engulfs his lap while he matter of factly admits to almost drinking himself to death. Hitting rock bottom and locked alone in a dark room, he says, "Humans couldn't even reach me. It was the cat who saved me."

"Why we Love Cats and Dogs" shows us that a warm body to stroke or a paw resting on our knee is just the beginning to where these relationships can take us. And what is truly moving about the stories told in this show is that they're told without apology. These people have undisguised love for their animals, exposed for the world to see. The pride, joy, sorrow and sacrifice they experience on behalf of their dogs and cats is genuine and honest. They confirm for us what many of us feel for our animals, yet were afraid to express. Fear no more, because "Why We Love Cats and Dogs" gives you license to elevate your companion animals without fear of ridicule. And the more the lives of animals are elevated, the more likely someone will save them.

"Why We Love Cats and Dogs" premiers nationally on PBS stations and on KQED channel 9, San Francisco, Sunday, February 15 at 8 p.m.