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My TV is tuned to the Animal Planet channel much of the time. My excuse is that my dogs, George and Gracie, watch it. This is true, sort of, but I must confess I'm sort of addicted.

As an animal lover, owner, rescuer, I find the informational programs very helpful. Pet Finder, a show that matches people with the perfect pet for them, helps me in my rescue work when deciding if a puppy and a person are a good match. There are so many situations to be aware of, like the safety of the yard, the home and even the neighborhood. I've become more aware that some folks should adopt older dogs and that puppies need a lot of extra attention. "It's Me or the Dog" offers practical and easy-top-follow solutions to behavioral problems with dogs and their people.

George and Gracie love the "Puppy Bowl", that is full of pups having fun, playing, wrestling, mugging for the camera. It's a real feel-good fix for puppy lovers. "The Planet's Funniest Animals" also keeps us all entertained with home videos of pet birds dancing to the music or squirrels water skis.

I grew up near Detroit, Michigan, so I love watching "Animal Precinct" as it often features the staff of the Detroit Humane Society working together to rescue pets in unsafe and unhealthy situations, nurse them back to being healthy and happy and then finding them a home. Watching the dog police' may sound depressing, but in reality I feel better knowing about the many animals who are rescued by this brave, dedicated, hard-working group.

Jeff Corwin of "Corwin's Quest" has taught me more about wild animals, their habits and habitats than anyone. His love of animals and humor make the show extra special. He respects the animals he shares with us and does his best to help us understand how to behave if we find ourselves eye-to-trunk with a wild elephant, or cornered by a snake. I enjoy learning while I'm being entertained, and this is the best show for the job.

"The Most Extreme" is exactly that. Each episode shows us the largest, smallest, fastest, slowest or most dangerous creatures on earth. Ten examples of a facet of wildlife are shown from ten down to one, the most extreme version of that type of animal.

"The Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin is still alive and well on the animal planet's many episodes of his program. I'm sure this makes him happy, wherever he is, to know his work continues to protect wildlife and education folks about their habitats. His daughter Bind's program is a great place for kids to learn about animals and how to recognize, treat and treasure them in the wild.

If I had to choose only five television channels, I'm sure the Animal Planet would be at the top of the list. The programs listed above are only a sample of the many ways this channel entertains, teaches and amazes it's audience every day.

Learn more about this author, Pat Merewether.
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