Hallmark Channel to Premiere Who Let the Dogs Out, Season II

Tomorrow is the premiere of season II of Who Let the Dogs Out which will broadcast nationally daytime on Fridays at Hallmark Channel. Check your local listings, and set your DVR to record the entire season.

This Friday's premiere will feature two brand new, back to back episodes to kick off the season. The shows will feature the back story on how Tillman became an honorary Marine to help raise awareness of military working dogs, and leads right up to the Rose Parade that featured several military working dog teams on the Natural Balance float.

During this week's episode, Tillman goes to Dallas to attend Skyball, and the ceremony where he was inducted as an honorary Marine. The episode also features Lucca, the hero military working dog who lost a leg while on duty in Afghanistan. This is an hour of really enjoyable television, and truly honors our military working dog teams- canine and human. I hope you can check it out. I sure am proud to be a part of this program, it is inspirational and fun too. 


The following press release was issued on the wire yesterday about Who Let the Dogs Out TV show:

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Everyone's favorite canines are back for another season of the wildly popular reality show that scours the country in search of the most fascinating, jaw-droppingly talented pets. "Who Let The Dogs Out" Season II, presented by Petco and Natural Balance Pet Foods, will air weekly on Fridays from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Central/Mountain) on Hallmark Channel beginning February 1^st. Check local listings for full show details. 

Charlie Sheen, Dick Van Patten & Jimmy Van Patten in a PSA

Season II of "Who Let The Dogs Out" will continue to follow Tillman "The World's Fastest Skateboarding Dog," and his friend Norman "The Scooter Dog," along with their puppy posse as they roll across the country with their human cohorts. Each episode follows these world-famous canines as they travel the highways and back roads of America in search of new recruits, unusual places to visit and fun experiences. The show will continue to delight animal lovers with laughs and provide interesting and helpful tips for pet owners to care for the physical, mental, social and emotional aspects of their best friends' health. Viewers who thought they saw it all last season are in for a surprise when they notice that the level of canine talent has been turned up a notch, featuring more crazy antics, history-making moments, and even some four-legged bike-riding. 

This season of "Who Let The Dogs Out" will also take audiences behind-the-scenes and into the minds of the creators of the first-ever national monument for an animal: The Military Working Dog Teams National Monument. The monument, which will honor our country's canine veterans, was replicated by Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods during the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade and will be the first national monument to go on tour later this year. The monument will be dedicated this October and will be installed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.

With over 50 million hits on the internet and counting, Tillman was voted by TIME Magazine as one of the top 50 YouTube videos of all time. He and his pal Norman have a tremendous fanbase of Facebook and Twitter followers whom they engage with via live viewing parties.
For more information, visit www.wholetthedogsout.tv. Audiences can join the conversation on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/TillmanSkates) and Twitter (@TillmanSkates using hashtag #TillmanTV).

Who Let the Dogs Out returns to TV Fridays on The Hallmark Channel

Long time readers of this blog will know that I am involved in a fantastic television program called Who Let the Dogs Out. The show is about a series of very cool dogs and their travels around the country. Led by Tillman the world's fastest skateboarding bulldog and his pal Norman the Scooter Dog, they criss-cross the nation meeting interesting pets, historic sights, and doing "good" along the way. The show is great entertainment for pet lovers and families... and full of laughs too. The show found a new home on The Hallmark Channel, and starts up again, Fridays from 1:00 to 2:00 pm (12 pm Central) starting February 1st. Be sure to check local listings. Set your DVR or Tivo to record a season pass so you won't miss any episodes. The show has a website you can follow for details: WhoLetTheDogsOut.tv or WLTDO.TV

Here's the really good news: If you missed any of season one episodes of Who Let the Dogs Out, The Hallmark Channel will re-run the entire first season this year too, so you can catch up on all the fun. I'll have more details for you soon, so check back.

Video of Military Family Reunion at Natural Balance Rose Parade Float

Here is the full video clip from the 2013 Rose Parade, when a military family was reunited on the Natural Balance Pet Foods float on New Year's Day in Pasadena, CA. This is Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Pazz and his son and wife. Pretty awesome, huh?

Natural Balance Canines With Courage Rose Parade Float

Rick at the Natural Balance Rose Parade Float

Once again I had the distinct honor and privilege of attending the Rose Parade, along with my company Natural Balance Pet Foods. This was our fifth year of having a float in the famous Rose Parade, and it was one of the best! We didn't set out to break any new Guinness World Records for the longest, or heaviest or biggest, but instead, we wanted to honor Military Working Dog teams. We have teamed up with Petco to help fund a new National Monument to Military Working Dog teams, so our float's theme for this year was a floral replica of the monument.

Natural Balance Rose Parade float 2013

I love this view of the Natural Balance Rose Parade float as it passed by our stands. You can see how beautiful it was with all the flowers and stars. 

Tillman is now an honorary Marine

There were several military working dog teams on the float, as well as Tillman, the world's fastest skateboarding bulldog who is now an honorary Marine. Tillman set aside his skateboard this Rose Parade to help honor and raise awareness for these true canine heroes, Military Working Dogs.

side view of Natural Balance float

 Here is a great side view photo of the Natural Balance Rose Parade float from 2013. You can see the floral replica of the bronze statues of the dog handler/soldier and the four dogs typically used in the military. I love the way the float looks in this photo against the blue sky, it makes me feel extra patriotic for some reason...and it isn't even the actual monument.

Natural Balance Rose Parade float reunion family

If you watched the Rose Parade, you might have seen the awesome surprise on live TV. It was a reunion between an active duty Army Sargeant and his family. His wife thought she had won a trip to the Rose Parade, and brought her son. When the float stopped, Army Sgt. First Class Eric Pazz came out of the stands, and the little boy, 4-year-old son Eric Pazz II went running to see his father. It was a real tear-jerker for sure. Later, at the post-parade event, I took this photo of the dad and his son on our float itself. Pretty cool, huh?

Natural Balance Rose Parade Float

There are some really incredible photos and moments from today's Rose Parade. Here is another view of our float. I have to say I am so proud of my company for this year's float. Below is an awesome photo of Tillman with Lucca, with her handler, Corporal Juan Rodriguez, stand in front of the Military War Dog Monument.

Lucca and Tillman at the bronze statues of the monument

It was an incredible day in Pasadena at the Rose Parade. I hope you enjoyed my photos!

Gearing Up for Another Rose Parade

Rick at Fiesta Floats in Irwindale, CA

As we approach New Year's Day, workers and volunteers at Fiesta Floats in Irwindale, CA are busy decorating floats for the 124th Annual Rose Parade.  Among those is the Natural Balance Pet float! This year, the theme of our float is "Canines With Courage", as we salute and give recognition to the brave canine members of America’s armed forces that so gallantly serve our nation with this patriotic salute honoring their loyal service and heroism.

The float will feature a floral replica of a new bronze and granite National Monument to Military Working Dog Teams, which will be dedicated in 2013 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. This is the first time in the history of the United States military that an animal, a dog, has been elevated to National Monument status by U.S. Congressional Law, and Natural Balance is proud to make this the feature of our float.

Our floats have become famous for the incredible record-breaking designs, floral beauty and of course the fun with Tillman the skateboarding bulldog, and his canine friends. This year's float isn't intended to break any Guinness World records as heaviest or longest, but it will be big on pride for our Military Working Dog Heroes. Tillman will be on the float this year, as an honorary Marine, but he wont be performing. Instead he will be helping raise awareness about these incredible Canine Heroes.

As you can see from this photo at right, the float is still being decorated. Remember that as part of the Rose Parade regulations, the decorations covering the floats need to be floral or plant material. All the colors and textures will be derived from flowers, seeds, petals, etc. For example, the round wood circle at the front is waiting for the decorative panel that will be applied. While I was there, that panel was being decorated by a volunteer. It is painstaking work, with incredible detail that isn't immediately obvious when viewing the floats from afar or on television.

At left is that front panel I mentioned above. It will be applied to the front of our float. Notice the incredible vivid colors....those are all from flowers or seeds, not paint!

The workers use an adhesive glue and place the seeds or flower petals by hand. This artistic design on the emblem models the emblem that corresponds to the actual monument.
To give you an idea of the detail click on this photo to enlarge it. Here is another photo below of some roses with an off white border...which I believe was rice (I could be wrong), but look at the photo for yourself to see.s

 You can watch the Rose Parade on TV January 1st, check local listings for times. If you participate in social media, follow along on Twitter searching for the hashtags #RosePets and #RoseParade, or on Facebook with Natural Balance or Petco or me!

September is National Service Dog Month

For the past several years I've considered it a privilege to work with and help raise money for non-profit guide dog organizations across the US. 

Right here in Palm Springs, the Guide Dogs of the Desert are a local organization that really helps change lives for the blind and visually impaired. It takes 2 years and $40,000 to train a single guide dog, which is given at no charge to a visually impaired person. My employer, Natural Balance Pet Foods has been a big supporter of guide dog programs for many years. Once again we are partnering with Petco to help with another fundraiser. 

This year, we've expanded it to National Service Dog Month. There are many types of service dogs; and this September we are highlighting Guide Dogs and Military Working Dogs. Our co-founder Dick Van Patten is passionate about helping non-profit animal organizations, so this comes naturally to our company. When we learned about a new National Monument to honor Military Working Dogs, we wanted to help raise money to get the monument built. Part of the funds raised during Service Dog Month will help fund the monument.

This is the first time in history that an animal is being elevated to National Monument status. Approved by Congress and signed by the President, the challenge now is to raise private funds to get the monument built. Check out this video message from Dick Van Patten and Jimmy Van Patten about National Service Dog Month:

I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Washington, DC to go to Congress and help with this project. I met with US Congressman Walter Jones (NC), who sponsored this project in Congress.

John Burnam, Congressman Walter Jones and Rick Rockhill

I'm so honored to be associated with this project, it makes me feel proud to work for Natural Balance Pet Foods. From September 2nd through September 22nd, you can go to any Petco store nationwide and donate at the register to help support National Service Dog Month. 

This September, please consider making a donation at your local Petco to help support and honor Service Dogs. Guide Dogs and Military Working Dogs deserve our support!

This Saturday on Who Let the Dogs Out

Last week I wrote a preview post of the upcoming topics on our new TV show 'Who Let the Dogs Out' on Animal Planet. Turns out, it was a popular post, attracting a fair amount of traffic. So of course I wanted to do it again this week, except a full day earlier. This week's episode has some really special stuff in it...I wrote about it a few days ago, so I'll start with something else first. Tillman and Friends are in Washington DC to skate at the White House and in the Halls of Congress. Afterward they go on a DC Duck Tour, to see all the major sights in our capital. The bulldogs loved the DC Duck Tour and the show segment shows the dogs having tons of fun. 

Then there is a fun segment of one of the talent search auditions we held to find the most talented dog in America. Some really nice people auditioned with their pets, including a woman named  Judy Garland, as well as others named Kira Sundance, Sherri Robinson and Princess Mancilla. All their dogs were featured in this week's segment.

Then of course there was Tillman's visit to the 3rd US Infantry Regiment of Military Working Dogs, where you can see dogs being trained for truly heroic tasks to serve our country.

Perhaps it is the segment about the Monument to Military Working Dogs that got me so pumped. I love working for my company, because Natural Balance gets it. We're not a big stuffy corporate type company. We are a family owned and operated business that tries to connect with the community. Being able to help raise money for a monument in Washington DC to honor military working dogs? Well that just makes me proud to be an American. I hope you can tune in to watch this week's episode on Animal Planet. To view the promo clip, click here.
Saturday morning, March 3rd, 10 am Eastern/9 am Central. For West coast check local listings. Set your DVR or TiVo to record the whole season of Who Let the Dogs Out.  

Preview Clip of Who Let the Dogs Out Episode 3

Check out this preview clip for this week's episode of Who Let the Dogs Out on Animal Planet (Saturday March 3rd)

Just One More Day Until The Dogs Are Out

Tillman is one of the world's most famous dogs!

OK so we’re just one day away from the premiere episode of ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’, and still lots to do. In some ways I think even Tillman senses something big is about to happen for him. Tillman has been on TV plenty of times, and with over 30 million various You Tube hits he has been an Internet sensation for several years. Having his own reality television series however is another thing altogether.

Tillman has been busy blogging, Tweeting and posting on Facebook, staying in contact with fans who have been drawn to the news of his new show. In fact on Saturday Tillman will be hosting Viewing parties online with Twitter. Just search for the hash tag #TillmanTV to join in the fun and follow along. Of course, be sure to ALSO tune in to the show.

Wally is still a puppy...so cute isn't he?

During the Viewing Party for Who Let the Dogs Out, people will be able to answer trivia questions, ask Tillman questions and potentially win prizes just for watching the series. The show is truly a labor of love for Tillman’s dad Ron Davis. His canine sister Rose, and brother Sully are having more fun than they probably ever imagined.  

The dogs have been getting star treatment-- thanks to Tillman’s personal assistant, the stud and young hunk of the show, Eric Presnall. Mornings they have their normal breakfast but after some mid day exercise they get rewarded with a few slices of Natural Balance dog food rolls. Tillman likes the Beef, Rose prefers Lamb, and Sully likes Turkey. When the beautiful and sexy Lexi Beermann drops by with Wally her incredibly cute bulldog puppy, he gets a slice of the Duck and Potato roll. So Eric has his hands full catering to all four dogs. But when you think abut it, they are the stars of the show.

On top of all this, the human cast have been having a blast watching this all come together. Ron Davis, Lexi Beermann, Karen Cobb, Eric Presnall, and driver Steve Clark are about as down to earth as one could imagine. They are really grounded in the fact that this show is about their shared love of dogs, and how dogs can help enrich the lives of people. All you need to do is tune in to the show Saturday morning to see for yourself.  

Who Let the Dogs Out is about to begin a fun journey with you and all the other Animal Planet viewers. I hope you will be able to check it out…and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear from you.

Having the Best Job in the World

I returned home to Palm Springs after spending a week in New York City on business for Westminster Dog Show. I’ve been attending Westminster nine years now, and yet every year I learn something new about the sport of show dogs. The trek back to the desert was nearly a full day's journey, and by the time my plane touched down at Palm Springs International Airport the San Jacinto Mountains were a sight for my tired eyes.

Lots going on at the moment—all good, just lots happening all at once. One project I’m especially pleased with is our new reality TV series called ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’. Set to premiere this Saturday morning February 18^th on Animal Planet, Who Let the Dogs Out follows the antics of Tillman, the world-famous bulldog and star of the Rose Parade. Tillman has been a bit of a phenomenon for sometime now and now has a whole canine sports team of pals. You see, Tillman and Friends have set out on a talent search to find the most talented dog in America.

Me with Tillman

The show follows Tillman and Friends, along with his cast of human trainers traveling the country holding casting calls and making appearances from places like Times Square in New York City, to the White House and the beaches of California. Tillman even has his own personal assistant, named Eric Presnall, an up and coming actor/singer who loves spending time with Tillman.

www.WhoLetTheDogsOut.tv website

I’m involved with Who Let the Dogs Out as a production consultant, but I also head up the social media effort to get the word out about this great new show. Social media marketing and outreach is something I’ve done on a personal level for over six years, and thoroughly enjoy learning new things from fellow bloggers and social media gurus.

At the moment, we’re full steam ahead getting the word out about Who Let the Dogs Out. I’m amazed at how easy it is network a message socially when the content is strong. The preview clip of Who Let the Dogs Out is engaging and fun, which is part of why people enjoy following Tillman.

One of the very cool things I've been working on is the Watch and Win Sweepstakes we have planned around the show. Each week, during the run of the season we will have a trivia question to answer about that week’s episode. Correct responses enter you into a random drawing for a weekly prize package. Then we have one Grand Prize, a trip for two to Hollywood, California to meet Tillman, plus a one-year supply of Natural Balance Pet Food.  If you want to check out the Watch and Win Sweepstakes for Who Let the Dogs Out, click here.

So as you can imagine, developing a show website, launching an official sweepstakes and executing a comprehensive social media marketing campaign for a television series has kept me busy. Keep in mind that Natural Balance is a small, family owned and operated company, so we all pitch in. It certainly helps having the Van Patten family insights to Hollywood television production but that’s part of what makes it fun. If I had to file this post in one of those manilla folders, I’d name it “Best Job in the World” with a sub-folder of "Gratitude".

Who Let the Dogs Out can be seen Saturday mornings on AnimalPlanet starting February 18^th. 10 am E, 9 Central, For west coast viewers check your local listings.

Dog Judges Canine Talent Search

New evidence that the world is going to the dogs surfaced at a recent canine talent search held in Los Angeles, California. Norman the Scooter Dog was one of the judges on the celebrity panel for the newest TV series 'Who Let the Dogs Out', which premieres Saturday morning February 18th on Animal Planet. Show producers have been conducting a nationwide search for the most talented dog in America, as part of their new reality TV show storyline. Norman the Scooter Dog sat at the judging table observing the dogs and their human trainers perform, in hopes of being selected for a final competition this year. 

Who Let the Dogs Out features an amazing canine cast, led by Tillman, the World's fastest skateboarding bulldog. Joined by fellow pups Rose, Sully, baby bulldog Wally and Norman, they travel across America in Tillman's rock-star RV in search of talented dogs. Their human pals, Ron Davis, Lexi Beermann, Eric Presnall, Karen Cobb and Steve Clark help keep the dogs in line as they march across the country. Hollywood TV veteran actor Dick Van Patten and son Jimmy Van Patten also star in Who Let the Dogs Out, as bosses to the whole team. You can follow Tillman on Facebook and Twitter under the name: TillmanSkates.
Who Let the Dogs Out even features a Watch and Win Sweepstakes, so watch the show an then check the website to learn how to enter the sweeps. Check your local cable provided TV listings for air time on Animal Planet Saturday February 18th.

Open Casting Call for Talented Dogs

One of the things I love about my job is working with a super creative and fun group of people. Right now we are developing an awesome new reality TV show called 'Who Let The Dogs Out' which will air on Animal Planet Saturdays at 10AM starting February 18th. In the meantime, we have a series of casting calls underway to find talented dogs. You can submit videos via e-mail to k9casting@gmail.com.

 

Petco and Natural Balance are teaming up to find the most talented dog in America! 

It's an open casting call to pet owners around the country! Can your canine perform astounding feats? Does your dog have what it takes to be a star? We are looking for any and all kinds of talented dogs! What types of amazing tricks can your dog perform?

Submit a close up 30-second video of your dog to k9casting@gmail.com and come out to the auditions this Sunday January 29th.

AUDITION INFORMATION
DATE: Sunday, January 29th, 2012
TIME: 11:30 AM
LOCATION: 16016 AVENIDA PADILLA, IRWINDALE, CA 91702

If you are not in the Los Angeles area, you can also snail-mail a video to us:

Who Let the Dogs Out
c/o Hollywood Production Center
1149 N. Gower St. Suite 106-C
Los Angeles, CA 90038

For videos sent by snail-mail, please include your contact information:
Name, Address, Telephone number. 

Dogs Surf the World's Longest & Heaviest Parade Float with Natural Balance

photo credit: Betsy Martin

If you missed seeing the Natural Balance Pet Foods Rose Parade Float during the Rose Parade, I took a brief video of our float. The float was certified by Guinness World Records as the World's Longest and Heaviest. The float measures 116 feet from end-to-end, and will weigh more than 100,000 pounds thanks to 6600 gallons of water.

It took a Ford 6.8-liter three-valve V-10 engine, normally used in its F-Series Super Duty trucks to power such a massive float. Thanks to the folks at Ford Motor Company for getting the float going! 

Now here is the video I took with my iPhone. If you watch closely you can see Rose surf.

Here is a link to the same video on YouTube.

I thought I'd also share a bunch of awesome photos of our float. Most of these photos below were provided to me by Betsy Martin, who works with me at Natural Balance. 

We were very excited to be awarded the 'Extraordinaire Trophy' for our float.

 

photo: Betsy Martin, Natural Balance

Above: here are Dick Van Patten, Jimmy Van Patten and NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, at the front of our float! 

Greg Biffle photo: Betsy Martin Natural Balance

Here's a great photo with famed NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, who rode on our float, along with Tillman! He is a really great guy who loves animals too. The Greg Biffle Foundation raises awareness for animal advocacy, so check it out.

photo: Betsy Martin, Natural Balance

Check out Tillman surfing! Tillman is certified by Guinness Records as the fastest skateboarding bulldog in the World. He loves to surf too! Check out these two photos. He is really having a blast here. He surfs with his dad at local beaches near LA all the time, so he is a real pro, as you can see from these pics.

photo: Betsy Martin, Natural Balance

photo: Betsy Martin, Natural Balance

photo: Betsy Martin Natural Balance

Here is Stanley an amazing Chesapeak Bay Retriever and friend of Natural Balance. He is one of the So Cal Surf Dogs who surf with their dogs. They promote safe dog surfing and having fun surfing for the mental and physical health for both you and your dog. Pretty cool group, huh?

Here at left is Norman, better known as "Scooter Dog" He is also a friend of Tillman and Natural Balance, read more here.

photo: Betsy Martin, Natural Balance

Here is Newman, an English Bulldog and one of the winners of the open casting call we had at Natural Balance for dogs to surf on our float. Newman is surfing backwards in this photo, pretty amazing trick!

Stealth Bomber photo: Rick Rockhil

Photo: Rick Rockhill

At the start of the Rose Parade, a US Stealth Bomber completed its fly-by, which is always a crowd pleaser. It is one amazing piece of military technology. 

A Skywriting airplane for Geico insurance wrote 'Happy New Year' over the parade route, which was fun. The 2012 Rose Parade was really awesome. I'm proud of the Natural Balance Pet Foods float, I think we really stole the show. I hope you enjoyed these photos.