Take a Timeout to Play Catch-up

12/15/2010

 

A Pit Bull Primer

The airwaves are filled with singing snowmen and holiday-flavored tales of small towns where some jolly citizen plays Santa, or really is, or was, or might be. If you've had enough of elves to the rescue, take a break from the endless loop of carols (admit it, you always garble the words to "Good King Wenceslas" anyway!) and drop in on Saturday's marathon of "Pit Bulls and Parolees."

You may have glimpsed this series before, or perhaps because of pit bulls' unfortunate reputation, decided it wasn't for you. But Tia Torres, the remarkable woman at the show's center, is a personality who will banish all your previous thoughts about the dogs she champions.  At the California ranch where Tia and her team give a second chance to those who've been behind bars---human and canine--the drama, and light moments, are real ones. Each episode showcases the stories of change and growth and just plain hard labor, the day-to-day care of animals who would otherwise be overlooked by much of the world. As Tia told The Mole last year, the workday is unending, but she finds time to do what must be done--and the rewards, often intangible, are heartening. For the dogs, and the men who care for them, Tia is more revered than any cartoony Santa. (and she doesn't need a sleigh to do her job!)

It's the perfect time to catch up on what's been happening this season, and you'll be poised for next month's special season finale of "Pit Bulls and Parolees," airing January 22, definte must-see-TV!