“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: After the Storm – New Orleans” is scheduled to air at 8:00-9:00 pm ET/PT on Thursday, April 6 (that’s tomorrow!) on the ABC network. The Hurricane Katrina special will feature community-oriented projects, including the reunion of New Orleans families with their lost pets. Working with the non-profit animal rescue organization Best Friends Animal Society, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” producers flew in pets that have been relocated to foster homes and shelters around the country.
During my time in Louisiana, the Extreme Makeover people stopped by Celebration Station to film everything that we (Best Friends Animal Society) were doing. Then, as a surprise and to help outfit Best Friends with the tools needed for the reunion effort, Drs. Foster & Smith donated over $21,000 in pet essentials, including hundreds of carriers, dishes, collars, leashes, grooming supplies, and “welcome home” toys. After a long day of work while being filmed and interviewed, the Extreme Makeover people lead us out back and had us pile into this massive 18-wheeler to unload it all. The only lights we had were the bright-ass lights from a hand-held camera. It was awesome and a great change of pace for all of us. Afterwards, everyone there had to sign wavers, just in case footage of us was used in the show.
Before they left, I got a photo with Paul DiMeo from the show. He was super nice and a hoot. It was raining that day, which is why I’m wearing my rain jacket. You can’t see it, but I’m also wearing my rubber rain boots, as well!
To be honest, I never watch the show, but I am not going to miss this particular episode. Besides, what if I’m in it and I miss my network debut? 😉