Oprah Promotes Shelter Dogs

(Sophie and Oprah in happier times as they gussied up for a fancy luncheon)

(Diva, attired as an Oprah orphan, was adopted from the SPCA's Cincinnati shelter.)

Oprah Winfrey, talk host and cultural phenomenon, encourages her dog disciples to adopt shelter strays in a new show.

"Oprah" stringer, Lisa Ling, presents a dire report on puppy mills, calling these dank dens where dogs are churned out like marshmallow peeps "horrific" and "haunting." Winfrey decries the mills and pronounces herself an old dog's new best friend. "I would never, ever adopt another pet now without going to a shelter to do it. I am a changed woman after seeing this show," she says.

Winfrey dedicates the episode to Sophie, her late cocker spaniel and first dog, who died after 13 years. While dabbing her eyes, Oprah speaks very movingly of her bond to Sophie. The queen of all media is only human when describing her beloved pet's medical travails. Her mournful tribute reminds us no one is immune from loving and losing a dog -- no matter how much money is spent. By the way, "Sophie" is also the name of the straw corporation that recently bought a penthouse for Gayle King, Winfrey's great friend.

Oprah lost another dog last summer, golden retriever Gracie, when the animal choked on a plastic ball. At the time, Winfrey said she was distraught over the loss.

Sophie and Winfrey's goldens retrievers were purchased from breeders, but Winfrey declares she is never going on this route again in adopting dogs. Winfrey got the idea for the show from a billboard posted in Chicago. She wants "anybody anywhere who loves a dog, has ever loved a dog, or just cares about their basic right to humane treatment" to tune in. As you might imagine, the audience will be vast and hugely admiring. Dog Lady, who can barely read the "pets" section of Craigslist without tearing up, will try to watch without bawling.

Posted by Dog Lady at May 2, 2008 10:37 AM