• Bow to Wow: Spring into the season with five furry friends

    By TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport 

    Jill Rappaport

    Spring has sprungm, and what a perfect time to open your hearts and homes and adopt an animal! It's that time again for our very popular Bow To Wow segment, in which we take shelter animals from Animal Care and Control in New York City, clean them up, and find them ALL loving homes. We still have a 100 percent success record so let's keep the streak going!

    This month we have five fabulous doggies, starting with Shiner. This gorgeous black and white pointer mix is still a puppy and is as sweet as sugar. Next we have Oscar the dashing dachshund, who is only eight months old and a cuddly angel in magnificent shape.

    Now get ready for Petey, a 2-year-old parson terrier who has a face to die for and a personality to match. Due to an injury Petey is missing his hind leg, but I can assure you he is in perfect shape and can outrun most athletes!

    Finally we have a two-fer! Two of the most adorable silky terrier mixes named Jack and Jill. They put the "p" in precious and love each other, so they need to stay together. 

    Five wonderful "fur angels" hoping to find a loving home now!

  • Bow to Wow's 'Best in Show': Six top dogs looking for homes

    Jill Rappaport

    By TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport 

    On the heels of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, we have our own champion pooches on parade in this month's installment of Bow To Wow.

    At Animal Care and Control in New York City, we found (as always) beautiful, sweet, amazing animals all waiting for loving homes. From purebreds to mutts, every dog is a winner!

    Starting with our non-sporting group here is Cody, a 7 month old black and white Lhasa Apso pup. Cody is the most adorable mop top, so content just to crash in your lap!

    Next is the toy group. Here we have a mighty miniature Chihuahua named Atlas. Atlas is a 4 year old male who's energy and personality make him the perfect pooch to keep you amused all day long.

     Now in the terrier group we have beautiful Bentley, an adorable, extremely well-trained wheaten terrier. This lovable boy is too cute for words and smart to boot! He shakes hands on command.

    In the hound group, we have a twofer — that's right, two of the most adorable dachshunds named Joey and Zoe. The pair loves to kiss, cuddle and play with each other, so we would love to get them adopted together if possible.

    Finally in the herding group, we have a fabulous fellow who is a very rare boy. Oliver is a 1 year old Belgian Malinois. These dogs are known for their bomb sniffing prowess and have been wonderful soldiers of war, so getting a dog like Oliver would be a special gift indeed.

    Six wonderful canines all hoping to find permanent homes and ALL champions in our eyes!

  • Puppy Bowl features adorable, adoptable pooches

    TODAY

    TODAY

    By TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport 

    Move over Manning and Brady — these canine crusaders are going to up your game this Sunday!

    It's the Super Bowl of the pet world: Animal Planet's annual Puppy Bowl, airing 3 p.m. ET. 

    It's the champion of specials and always a ratings touchdown for the network.

    This year I had the privilege of being the sideline reporter for the 58 competing pups! I coached them, encouraged them and gave lots of "pup talks" to boost their confidence on the gridiron.

    Besides the great game, this special is special for what it does for these power pooches. All the pups are from shelters across the country and are up for adoption, and every year because of this highly anticipated event all of them get adopted!

    So on Sunday if you want a time out from the "big game" tune into this one, where you are guaranteed to be 'oohing' and 'cooing' over these precious pets!

    If you're interested in adopting a Puppy Bowl pup, you can go to Petfinder.com or call the Connecticut Humane Society at 1-800-452-0114.

    And find more information about the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet's website.

  • Bow to Wow: Four precious pups to melt your heart this winter

    Jill Rappaport

    By TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport 

    It's a new year and we have a new resolution for you — ADOPT A PET!

    We are back with another installment of our popular series Bow to Wow, where we take shelter pets, give them a makeover, and find them all loving homes.

    I am so thrilled to say we still have a 100 percent success record, thanks to all of you who have adopted our wonderful animals, including Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps who took home beautiful Penelope before the holidays. 

    Sadly the cages are still full at Animal Care and Control in New York City, so we still desperately need your help.

    I selected four more amazing dogs this month, from a gorgeous black Lab pup to a Chihuahua mix pup, we have a precious Pomeranian baby, and a tan and white Shiu Tzu mix to melt your heart!  

    Four more incredible examples of the wonderful, loving pets you can find at your local shelter all waiting to find that perfect, permanent loving home. Find out more about them at Animal Care & Control of New York City.

  • Michael Phelps adopts Bow to Wow puppy

    TODAY

    By Steve Veres, TODAY.com

    It was love at first sight!

    Olympic great Michael Phelps joined TODAY last week to chat about his training regimen. He also helped lend a hand during Jill Rappaport's Bow to Wow segment. The 14-time gold medalist walked out Penelope, a beautiful Catahoula mix who was up for adoption.

    We're happy to tell you that Michael decided to adopt the pup after the show.

    We wish them the best, and we're happy to report that Jill Rappaport's Bow to Wow segment still has a 100 percent success rate in finding new homes for dogs featured on TODAY.

    Watch the video of Wednesday's segment below:

    Animal Care & Control of New York's Richard Gentles and animal advocate Jill Rappaport highlight family friendly dogs that are in desperate need of a new home.

    Steve Veres is an editor for TODAY.com. He also likes dogs, has visited London, and competed on a swim team when he was much younger — so many similarities to Michael Phelps!

  • Bow to Wow: Four hounds awaiting a home for the holidays

    Jill Rappaport

    By TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport

    It’s holiday time, and I have four fabulous gifts for you from Animal Care and Control in New York City. Sadly, at this time of year, shelters are chock full of amazing animals in desperate need of a loving home.

    First up, we have an adorable love bug Bichon Frise named Baylee. He’s only a year and a half old and just wants to cuddle up in your lap for hours on end.

    Next, we move from a couch potato to a gorgeous athlete. Annie Mae is a 2-year-old Burmese Mountain and Hound Dog mix who will never leave your side, and will likely keep you in great shape!

    Our next beautiful babe is Penelope. At just 9 months old, this rare Catahoula mix is still a puppy and her favorite thing to do is smother you with kisses!

    Finally, let me introduce you to Kane, a fellow that has personality plus, and never lets you forget when he is in your presence. He’s a West Highland Terrier who is only a year old and waves to you when he wants attention (which is always)!

    These are four very special dogs, each of which is hoping and waiting for you to open your hearts and homes to them.

    Animal Care & Control of New York's Richard Gentles and animal advocate Jill Rappaport highlight family friendly dogs that are in desperate need of a new home.

  • Back off! Al reunites with crotch-sniffing dog

    TODAY

    On TODAY this morning (top), Al Roker reunited with a dog with he had an all-too-close encounter when TODAY celebrated Halloween in 2008 (bottom).

    By Rick Schindler, TODAY.com

    It’s always fun when a former guest returns to TODAY, but today the fun came at Al Roker’s expense.

    Three years ago, when Al was dressed up as a gingerbread man for TODAY’s 2008 Halloween extravaganza on the plaza, he had an all-too-close encounter with Petey, correspondent Jill Rappaport's gentle but gigantic dog (Jill was costumed as Alfalfa from the Little Rascals that year).

    Fast-forward to this morning, when Petey was back on TODAY with Jill. His appearance in Studio 1A came at the end of a heartwarming segment about actor Burt Ward (portrayer of Robin on the campy 1960s TV incarnation of "Batman"), who has a nonprofit organization called Gentle Giants that finds homes for large, homeless dogs.

    Petey certainly qualifies as a gentle giant – the pooch tips the scales at 120 lbs.! And even after three years, the mighty mutt still seemed quite interested in Al's, er, private parts.

    "You guys have a very special relationship," Jill teased as Petey strained at his leash in Al's direction.

    "Back off, pal," Al warned the dog, tongue firmly in cheek. "I'm not wearing a suit now!"

    TODAY's Tamron Hall, who said she owns "a 3-pound Chihuahua," was also less than eager to receive Petey's attention. "I don't want you to go there!" she laughed.

    Watch this video to see the part of the segment where the canine comedy erupts:

    TODAY's animal advocate, Jill Rappaport, visits actor Burt Ward, famous for playing Robin alongside Adam West on TV's 1960s "Batman." The former Boy Wonder has opened his California home to homeless pets.

     

  • Ex-Batman sidekick now a true Boy Wonder for dogs in need

    TODAY's animal advocate, Jill Rappaport, visits actor Burt Ward, famous for playing "Robin" alongside Adam West on TV's "Batman," who has opened up his California home to homeless pets.

    By TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport

    There is a very special animal shelter in Norco, California where the dogs are as big as Los Angeles Lakers, and a former TV star is in charge of the whole brigade.

    Jill Rappaport

    The appropriately-named business – Gentle Giants – is run by Burt Ward, known to his legions of fans from the 1960s as “Robin,” Batman's campy sidekick. Burt and his wife Tracy began their mission of the heart 17 years ago out of their home. This adoption operation has found homes for over 14,000 dogs – from "minny to mighty" – from around the world.

    Gentle Giants is a non-profit organization and every dog – some weighing up to 190 lbs. – lives with Burt and Tracy at some point in the adoption process! In fact, on any given night you can find a slew of them in Burt and Tracy’s bed – "the more the merrier" as they put it!

    The pair also firmly believes that dogs benefit from the comforts of home, and feel that sharing a warm bed in a loving house can add years to a dog’s life. They are also known for rescuing some of the rarest and most unusual breeds, many with names I can't even pronounce, let alone spell! It's a magical menagerie of colorful canines waiting for loving homes, many with wagging tails the size if batons. Judging by what I saw, Burt and Tracy will make sure these dogs get the homes they deserve.

  • Bow to Wow: Four family dogs for fall

    Jill Rappaport

    By TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport

    Now that fall is in full swing, we have another wonderful group of family friendly dogs all waiting for a home with wagging tails. Let’s meet them.

    First up, we have Marlon, an adorable 3-month-old Beagle mix with boundless energy. Marlon’s playful personality and cuddly nature make him the perfect pet for a child who’ll have the same amount of energy to keep up with him.

    Next, we have a stunning Siberian Husky named Roscoe. This animal was given up by a family who could not afford him anymore. Roscoe has a mellow nature and a sweet disposition, and the fact that he’s spent time around children of different ages makes him a wonderful family dog.

    Our next mellow fellow is Bud, a tan and white Shih Tzu. Bud is something of a couch potato, but he’s so calm and sweet that he’d make for a very loving pet for any family. All he needs is some grooming so that you can see his bright, beautiful eyes.

    Lastly, we have a big, gorgeous Golden Retriever named Spike. Spike’s breed is known to be entirely compatible with children of all ages, and Spike’s sweet-natured heart is as big as the rest of him. All Spike really needs is a little more exercise and a little less flood.

    Those are our four beautiful dogs for fall. Find out more about them at Animal Care & Control of New York City.

    Animal Care & Control of New York's Richard Gentles and animal advocate Jill Rappaport highlight family friendly dogs that are in desperate need of a new home.

  • Bow to Wow: Furry angels for August

    Jill Rappaport

    From TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport

    With Bow To Wow, I take shelter dogs from their cages at Animal Care & Control of New York City to TODAY and find them all wonderful homes. We still have a 100% success rate and we plan on keeping that excellent track record. August brings us another great group of females in need of adoption, and these dogs are as cute as can be and cuddly to boot.

    We start off with an adorably sweet Beagle mix named Zoe, who is only a year old and in desperate need of a loving home where she’d be the only pet, given her timid nature.

    Zoe is followed by a pooch named Jessie, an 11-month-old wire-haired Terrier mix who never gets pooped. Luckily, Jessie’s boundless energy matches her lively, affectionate disposition.

    Roxie May is next, and she’s a gorgeous Siberian Husky mix who is calm and curious, but craves love and attention.

    Lastly, there’s a little, furry angel named Zelda, a black-and-white Shih Tzu with a personality to die for.

    All four of these beautiful animals are waiting with wagging tails and huge, hopeful hearts for a home.

    For more information on the Animal Care & Control of New York City and how you can adopt a pet, click here.

    TODAY's animal expert Jill Rappaport helps primp pooches in desperate need of a good home.

  • Life for thoroughbreds after the track

    TODAY's animal advocate Jill Rappaport talks about Trott, an organization that works to place thoroughbreds whose racing careers are over in homes that fit their needs.

    Jill Rappaport

    From TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport

    It may be called the sport of kings, but the career of a race horse is a fleeting one, usually ending by the time the animal is 3 years old. The disturbing question is: What happens to those horses once their racing days are over?

    The answer, more often than not, is a tragic one because there aren’t enough owners who can afford to care for them. But thanks to a non-profit organization in San Marcos, Cal., called Trott, many of these vibrant, majestic animals are getting a second chance.

    Trott takes in these animal athletes and partners with trainers and handlers to prepare them for second careers. Once the horse have mastered a new skill – show-jumping or trail-riding, for instance – Trott then works on finding them perfect homes with loving families.  When one considers that these creatures can live into their late 20s or even 30s, it underscores how crucial programs like Trott are.

    To find out more about Trott and the work they do for thoroughbred horses, click here.

  • Bow to Wow: Four amazing dogs for July

    Jill Rappaport

    From TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport

    Sadly, July finds Animal Care & Control of New York City still full of fabulous animals, including many a purebred dog just waiting for a perfect home.

    There’s Sally, an adorable 1-year-old Maltese who is special for a number of reasons. She’s as sweet as sugar, but this bundle of energy only has three legs after an injury as a puppy. But she’s 100 percent healthy otherwise, and can outrun many of her four-legged peers with ease.

    Next we have a beauty named Summer. A 1-year-old border collie mix, Summer will happily snuggle in your lap. Her eyes are warm, and her markings are beautiful. She’s truly striking.

    Next up is Doogie, a 3-month-old pure yellow Lab puppy. He’s just what you would expect; cute as a button and playful to boot. He’s a wild little guy running every which way he can.

    Finally, we have a gorgeous pure German shepherd named Wyatt. This handsome lad is only 3, and is very well trained. He’ll dutifully walk one step behind you on a leash, and he has the most soulful eyes and mellow disposition.

    Four amazing dogs, four sought-after breeds, with four big hearts, waiting to find four wonderful homes.

    Dear viewers: If you're interested in finding information on how to adopt dogs like the ones seen on TODAY, please email info@nycacc.org.

    TODAY's Jill Rappaport and Richard Gentles of the NYC Animal Care & Control show four healthy dogs who need a loving home.

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