Greatest American Dog on CBS

By Ally Matteodo

The Best TV Show of the Week is the delightful July 24^th episode of Greatest American Dog which aired at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS.  Greatest American Dog has previously aired on Thursdays, but viewers should note that in future weeks the program will air on Wednesday nights at 8:00 p.m.  Initially on the program, twelve dogs and their owners were invited to the Canine Academy in order to compete for the title of Greatest American Dog.  The dogs and their owners must face a variety of challenges that test obedience, teamwork, and intelligence.  In every episode, one pair is eliminated by the judges.  This past week was the third episode, with ten dogs left in the running.  The first challenge the teams had to undergo was called “tangled leash.”  In this scenario each owner and dog had to work with another pair in order to make it through an obstacle course in which the dogs’ leashes appeared impossibly tangled.  By using teamwork and different incentives everyone worked to help get their dogs through the maze and untangle the leashes.  Brandy and Travis succeeded in finishing first, and received the honor of the Dog Bone Suite.  For the next challenge Travis and Brandy were chosen as captains of the teams for the obstacle course.  After choosing their teams the owners and dogs worked to master the agility competition.  Obstacles included tunnels, a seesaw, the plow, a Frisbee, and hoops.

The relationship between the owners and their dogs becomes more evident as the weeks go by. It is clear that all have deep emotional connections with their dogs, but as time goes by viewers can observe and more thoroughly understand the uniqueness of these bonds.  The relationships between the dogs and their owners are composed of sheer love.  The only thing the dogs offer their owners is love -- they don’t judge, they don’t chastise, they don’t insult, and they don’t betray.  And in return the owners are grateful and shower their pets with attention and affection.  It is clear that the dogs and their owners would do anything for each other.  The reason this program deserves the title of Best of the Week is because it exemplifies the most important thing that mankind possesses:  love.

Best TV Show of the Week

The Parents Television Council - www.parentstv.org