Lucky Dog: Paws With Purpose Debuts on CBS
Lucky Dog: Paws with Purpose debuts October 3 on CBS, pairing dogs with military veterans and families in a new HMPG series.
Hearst Media Production Group will premiere Lucky Dog: Paws with Purpose on CBS on Saturday, October 3, expanding its Lucky Dog franchise with a new series made in exclusive partnership with USAA. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning animal trainer Brandon McMillan, the program will lead a full hour of Lucky Dog content during the weekend morning CBS WKND educational and informational block. The new series pairs dogs with military veterans and families, with stories centered on comfort, companionship and stability. It will be followed immediately by the second season of Lucky Dog: Down Under.
Military Family Stories
Lucky Dog: Paws with Purpose follows McMillan as he makes matches between dogs and members of the military community. Its first featured stories include Peaches, a mixed-breed dog considered for an Air Force veteran and her son, and Steve, a poodle being considered for a Marine Corps veteran and her daughter.
The series will also feature Smoky, USAA’s certified therapy dog, K9 ambassador and Chief Pawsitivity Officer, alongside her handler Chris, an Air Force Reservist and former military working dog handler.
Chris Curtin, Chief Marketing Officer of USAA, said:
“USAA has been taking care of our members every day since our founding 104 years ago, and Smoky is the embodiment of that as she is a symbol of comfort and well-being for our employees and the military community. The stories in Lucky Dog: Paws with Purpose reflect the strength, resilience and connection that are such an important part of military life. We're proud to be part of a series that celebrates those experiences.”
A Full Hour of Lucky Dog
The October 3 debut places the new series at the start of a dedicated hour of Lucky Dog programming on CBS. In the following time slot, Lucky Dog: Down Under, also hosted by McMillan, returns for its second season with stories from Australia about shelter dogs progressing from rescue and rehabilitation to family life.
The franchise, which began in 2013, has helped rescue, rehabilitate, train and re-home more than 200 dogs. It has received three Daytime Emmy Awards, 63 Telly Awards, seven Parents’ Choice Awards and five Cynopsis Kids Imagination Awards. McMillan has earned two Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Host in a Lifestyle/Travel/Children’s or Family Viewing Program for his work on the series.
Franchise Expansion
The new program broadens HMPG’s animal-centered franchise while placing military veterans, spouses and families at the center of its storytelling. Viewers can watch the trailer ahead of the CBS premiere.
Bryan Curb, president of Hearst Media Production Group, said:
“The Lucky Dog franchise has always been about the transformative bond between people and animals. Paws with Purpose builds on that foundation while shining a light on the unique experiences of military veterans, spouses and families. We know the show will resonate with our audiences and inspire viewers to see the comfort, connection and purpose dogs can bring to people's lives.”
