Watch us on WTHR Channel 13

INDIANA’S ONLY PET LIFESTYLE SHOW PREMIERES ON WTHR


Pet Pals TV is Indiana’s only pet lifestyle magazine show, airing First Sundays at 11:30am on WTHR Channel 13 in Indianapolis.

 The program celebrates the bond between pets and people. The locally produced program airs in High Definition.   Viewers can also join the free, interactive online community at PetPalsTV.com

Viewers will see uplifting stories such as NASCAR driver Tony Stewart's generous efforts to help animals. Stewart presented nine Golden Retriever puppies to the Indiana Canine Assistance Network (ICAN).   The puppies will be trained as service dogs and eventually be paired with children and adults with physical or developmental disabilities.

“I’ve always been a big supporter of children and I’ve always loved pets.  The great thing about the ICAN program is, we get the best of both worlds”, says Stewart.

Pet Pals TV is hosted by local media personalities Joni Michels and Patty Spitler.  “The stars of the show are the pets. We're just along for the ride", says Spitler.

Each episode profiles one of Indiana’s 200-plus animal rescue groups.  

"The team at Pet Pals TV has been a pleasure to work with and our organization has benefited greatly from their creativity and passion to help shelter animals. We are very excited about our partnership and the hundreds of homes that result for the deserving animals in our care.", said Rebecca Stevens, Executive Director at the Humane Society for Hamilton County.

The show also looks at the newest products designed to keep pets healthy and happy. “We’re always on the hunt for good, local stories. We’re telling stories of how pets improve your outlook on life. They are best friends and powerful partners in our daily lives.”, says Spitler.

Viewers will recognize Joni Michels from her hosting duties of "The Adventures of Indiana Joni", on WTTV-TV and WXIN-TV.  Joni is excited to be part of a show that combines local pets and animal advocates.

“Dogs can be wonderful teachers", says Michels.  "We’re telling stories of dogs helping as therapy dogs in classrooms and hospitals.  The stories are heartwarming and the volunteers deserve recognitions for their efforts as well."

Spitler worked for 23 years at WISH-TV in Indianapolis as an anchor and entertainment reporter and retired in 2004 for health reasons.   Patty suffers from Meniere's Disease, a condition that causes balances issues and hearing loss.  Patty has a Bernese Mountain Dog named Louie. Louie is her constant companion and helps "hear" for Patty.

PetPalsTV.com is an online community of pet lovers. Users can upload photos and videos of their pets.  They can also post events to the calendar, write blogs and find pet-friendly local businesses.  Pet Pals also updates users with Twitter and Facebook updates daily.

Pet Pals TV is produced locally by Indy Audio Visual Productions.   The company partners with local non-profit animal rescue organizations, providing free video production and promotion efforts.

Sponsors help pay for the production costs for Pet Pals.  “It’s a great way for advertisers to target pet lovers and help animal rescue groups at the same time”, says Michels.  Advertisers can sponsor the show, the website or promotional campaigns.