Defying Explanation in "The Haunted"

11/20/2009

Do You Believe?

Are animals really more sensitive to the potential presence of "spirits"? Do they have exceptional paranormal powers? A bold new Animal Planet series focuses on this fascinating premise. "The Haunted," airing Sundays at 10 p.m., spotlights stories of animals whose actions defy logic ... and actions that cannot be explained by weather, or shadows, or defective lights. Such as a cat's dish moving from one stair to a higher one overnight---no paw prints, so the cat certainly couldn't carry it. And horses, securely locked in their stalls, turning up in DIFFERENT stalls the following morning--and no, the horses didn't pick those locks!

Then there's the out-of-nowhere screeching of monkeys, baffling both owners and customers of a shop. Not an ape of any kind in sight. Who's there, messing with things?

We know how dogs' hearing is vastly superior to our own, cats tap into emotions, and horses react to even slight weather changes. So can they really sense spirits that even the most keenly tuned in humans cannot? "The Haunted" follows people whose experiences leave them baffled, and in some cases, turning to paranormal experts for answers.(In the phone book, under "P" for Paranormal?)

The Mole took a sneak peek at several episodes, and it's safe to say you'll be be holding your breath as you wonder what's going on here--and what those animals are seeing and sensing that we are not. Because something sure seems to be out there...

And check back next week for some behind-the-scenes info as The Mole interviews two producers of the series. George Plamondon and Betsy Schechter will offer tantalizing details from the tales that will unfold in the weeks ahead.

Mole Alert: It's Puppy Love Prep

11/18/2009

Let's Bathe Those Barking Beauties!

If you're a fan of "Groomer Has It," you may recall Jorge Bendersky from season one. Jorge has been busy doing such worthwhile work, giving his time to rescued puppy mill dogs. This week Jorge, along with Beth Ostrosky Stern -- she hosted one of those cool "World's Ugliest Dog" contests -- will be on hand as 200 puppy mill dogs arrive at the Port Washington, N.Y., headquarters of the North Shore Animal League of America.

The dogs are coming on Wednesday, and on Thursday, Jorge and many other volunteers, will be wielding clippers to lead a massive groom-a-thon, turning these needy cuties into real beauties. But 200 wagging tails is a lotta dog to groom! Hey, ya wanna help? If you live in the N.Y., N.J. or Connecticut area and are a licensed veterinarian, a vet technician or a groomer, your helping hands are much in demand.

Check it out here for the details if you're willing and able to give of your time.

Rescued dogs from puppy mills have endured untold horrors, both physical and emotional. Many have never known the touch of a friendly human hand, and tremble when stroked. A healthy dose of compassion and patience is key when dealing with these sweet dogs, who will be bathed, groomed and given a health check-up to be readied for the day, hopefully soon, when they'll be up for adoption.

Paws up to Jorge, Beth and the tireless North Shore Animal League workers and volunteers who give of themselves so animals in need will find happy, loving homes. And to the mill dogs: it's okay now, your nightmare is over, and you'll be in your dream homes very soon!

Mole Alert: Happy's New World

11/16/2009

Update on One Happy Guy

Remember Happy the hippo, who relocated from the National Zoo in September? Happy, a Nile hippo, hit the road in a deluxe, hippo-customized vehicle, and headed west. Born at the zoo in 1981, Happy had been sharing space with the elephants while in Washington, but plans for a grand new elephant habitat did not include him. Kinda like being downsized at the office!

Instead of moping around the nation's capital with no place to call his own, Happy was transported to the Milwaukee County Zoo, which welcomed him to its very lush, $2 million "hippo condo." Officially called the Dohmen Family Foundation Hippo Home, it's where Happy will spend the winter. And it is SOO much hipper than Happy's former digs. It's got warm water showers -- very gentle and soothing to that hippopotamus hide! -- padded flooring and a heated pad that Happy enjoys sleeping on. And of course, a wading pool and a larger one shared with the other hippos.

Getting to Know You

Later he'll also get a higher outdoor enclosure, so he'll have a view above that of his female companions, mother and daughter hippos Patti and Puddles. Happy encounters them from his own side of the pool, separated from the ladies by thick bars and a 'howdy gate' that allows them to get acquainted. While Patti has been a bit standoffish but still curious about this newcomer, Puddles is openly friendly with Happy. The two have put their heads together at the gate and nuzzled.

Zookeepers report that Happy seems, well, happy, with no hint of nostalgia for his past life. They'll keep monitoring his behavior with the females, and determine at a later date whether a mating of Happy and Puddles is meant to be. The zoo has a new, smaller pool to accommodate a mama and baby hippo.

Happy, a solid 5,500 pounds, still enjoys a diet of fruits and vegetables, food pellets and hay. And last week the zoo formally welcomed Happy, its newest resident, by opening his exhibit to the public. Visitors can see Happy through a window into his indoor living quarters. If you observe closely, you may see him gently wiggle his ears.

Vote Early, Vote Often

11/12/2009

The Choice is Yours

How's this for some cool honors? Two Animal Planet shows are up for People's Choice Awards. Both "It's Me or the Dog" and "Animal Cops" are nominees in the "Favorite Animal Show" category. You can cast your vote multiple times through December 8th. Just check out the link and vote away! We'll know the winners during the January 6 broadcast at 9PM on CBS.

You've laughed and learned from It's Me or the Dog, as the inimitable Victoria Stilwell unleashes her sensible solutions for dog discipline. And of course "Animal Cops" illustrates the plights of pets, and the heroics of the officers who ride to the rescue, helping to change their lives for the better.

Both series deserve lots of props. Hurry and spread the word to boost that final tally! (Computer-savvy pets may want to weigh in too.)

This is my choice for:

Favorite Animal Show

It's Me or the Dog

This is my choice for:

Favorite Animal Show

Animal Cops