Judge me as you may, but I’ll confess: I’m nuts for reality TV. Not all reality TV shows, mind you. Some are even too dumb for me. But I have my faves that I’ve watched faithfully from season one: Survivor, The Amazing Race, The Mole, Ghost Hunters, and The Hills. This summer I have a new one to add to the list: The Greatest American Dog.
Because of my problem watching animals on TV or in film, I wasn’t sure how I’d take to the show. I also wasn’t sure I liked the idea very much. One greatest American dog? Pu-lease! There is no such thing. As Mr. Ron, dad to Murph’s beagle friend Lady, summed it up best, “They’re all the greatest in our eyes, aren’t they?”
I missed the first episode, but remembered to DVR the second. Hook, line, and sinker it reeled me in from second one!
Clever Creators
I think most reality TV junkies share one thing in common: we like shows with a novel approach or concept. This show makes familiar dogisms novel.
Such as, all contestants stay at the Canine Academy, but one pair gets sent home every week. After they participate in the Best in Show Challenge…which takes place, fittingly, in the Best in Show Arena.
Then there’s the suite which the winner of the Golden Bone gets to stay in. How cool is it? Pretty cool, but I actually think the dog house out back is cooler. (It’s built to accommodate both a pup and his or her person.)
The Dogs and Their Owners
What makes this show, though, is the people on it…and their dogs.
When Bill’s Star got hurt, I was so glad I was watching the DVR version so I could hurry and fast forward to see what had happened to her. I cried with relief when she was fine…then I cried again when the boxer’s dad shed tears that Star was okay too.
I think that’s what I loved most about the show: I could relate to the people. Their pets influence all aspects of their lives. Because of it, they share a deep connection with them, and therefore a bond that only others in similar relationships get.
Express Yourself!
Are you following the show? If so, share your thoughts by either leaving a comment below or over in the Forums.