SHELTER ME: PARTNER’S FOR LIFE COMING TO PBS this October.

Shelter Me is an inspiring series that celebrates shelter pets with positive and uplifting stories

Shelter Animals have long suffered the stigma of being the unruly, old and broken animals of the world. While recent years have found many organizations working to change the public's view of shelter animals, the fact remains that shelters in America are overpopulated with animals in need of new homes. It is in the spirit of changing people's perceptions, and hopes to increase animal adoptions that filmmaker, Steven Lantham, created the nationally airing, PBS series, Shelter Me.

Shelter Me, which began airing it's first episode back in 2013, focuses on uplifting stories about rescue animals and how they have greatly impacted the lives of humans. PBS will air the fifth installment of the series, Shelter Me: Partners for Life, this October. Mad Men star and Emmy-Winner, Jon Hamm, narrates the episode, which includes a look at two heartwarming stories. First up is the story of K9 law enforcement dog, Nikita, who went from shelter dog to working as a narcotics drug sniffing dog in Worcester, MA. Where many probably hold the preconception that only pure bred dogs, specially bred for work can join the ranks of the police force, Nikita's, Cinderella like story, proves that it doesn't take a pedigree to help fight crime and make a difference.

Shelter Me: Partners for Life also highlights legendary, country music signer, Emmylou Harris and her ongoing animal welfare work. The Grammy-Winning singer is using her rescue, Bonaparte's Retreat, to help decrease euthanasia rates in Nashville. In addition to her work with rescues, Harris has also established her, Crossroad's Pets Program pairing at-risk youth with shelter pets in an effort to give them both a new lease on life.

This latest episode in the Shelter Me series joins the other uplifting episodes showcasing the many ways rescues can serve our lives as pets and more. To find out more about the series and the stories profiled in each episode you can visit the website, http://shelterme.tv. Be sure to check your local PBS station listings or visit PBS.org for air times and dates for of Shelter Me: Partner's for Life.

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