10/7/2015 1 Comment SAVE our SHELTER CREATOR and STAR hopes series will further his mission to help shelter animalsSAVE our SHELTER premiered this past Saturday, October 3rd on the CW Network's, One Magnificent Morning program block. The series, which is part makeover show and part heartwarming stories of animal rescue and adoption successes, is a true labor of love for show creator and star, Rocky Kanaka, who's devotion to helping animals served as the inspiration for the series. Kanaka has a strong passion for helping dogs and animals in need, so it's no stretch that he created a TV show centered around the plight of rescue animals and the devoted individuals who help take care of them. Animals that wind up in shelters face uncertain futures as many will never be placed in new forever homes. While these animals have the potential to be great pets, people don't head to their local animal shelters and rescues fearful that they will find unruly, old, sick and neglected of the animals, in uninviting cages and crates. Changing the perceptions of what a shelter or rescue is can make all the difference in the number of animals adopted, but that is not so easy to do, which is where Kanaka hopes, SAVE our SHELTER will come in. The first episode of SAVE our SHELTER featured, TAPS, or the Animal Protectors, in Burbank, California. The Rescue group, was selected for the transformation because they had just taken over a retail front and were transitioning from remote home fostering. They organization's founders and volunteers knew that they needed help creating a space that was both inviting for those looking for animals to adopt and also functional for the animals it would house. With help from Kanaka and Rob North, who serves as the show's construction expert, and many community volunteers they are able to transform a sterile retail space into a true home for the rescue group and the animals. It's the creation of a friendly, happy places that's the goal of Kanaka and his, SAVE our SHELTER concept, because that is what will get people in the door to become potential new pet parents to the animals that are there.
SAVE our SHELTER seems to be just another natural step for Kanaka, who first forayed into animal welfare causes when he opened his retail store called, The Dog Bakery. It was while hosting adoption events, to attract customers at the store, that he was exposed to the massive number of animals in need of adoptions as well as to the great financial burdens those who take on the care of rescue animals are often under. It was then that he realized that just trying to adopt dogs in front of his store wouldn't really be enough to make the impact he dreamed of. Wanting to do more lead him to start DOG for DOG, a dog food and treat line that gives one bag or food or treats to a local rescue or shelter for everyone one you buy. Kanaka refers to DOG for DOG, less like a company and more as a movement, hoping that the simple act of buying a bag of food or treats for your animal will empower and inspire people to get more involved in animal needs in their communities. Now with SAVE our SHELTER on air Kanaka has high hopes that his impact will be even greater and it seems he is on to something. "People have reached out and come into TAPS Operation Adopt stating they just saw it on TV. The comments have all been so complementary not just about us or beautiful the store looks, but also about TAPS, how well the show was done, how heartfelt etc. It has been so overwhelming and we just wanted to thank you so very much." ~ the TAPS Organization If you think Kanaka might take a minute from his mission to help animals now that SAVE our SHELTER is on air you'd be wrong, Kanaka was back at it just hours after the show's premiere episode aired, presenting an award that Found Animal's, annual gala to honor those working in animal welfare. After he was honored with the award last year he was honored to pay it forward to this year's recipient and hopes they too will encourage people to get involved. It seems as long as there are animals in shelters, Kanaka will be out spreading the word and trying to help their cause. Be sure to catch the next episode of SAVE our SHELTER next Saturday on the CW Network. Check your local listings for time and channel. You can follow the show @SAVEourSHELTER on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to the SAVE our SHELTER YouTube channel for special behind the scenes footage from the making of the show.
1 Comment
John
10/31/2015 08:38:06 am
Save Our Shelter needs to come to Oklahoma City and help with the ongoing shelter problems here and in Moore, Oklahoma. Many animals displaced in recent storms and such. Limited resources and need help.
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