Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
‘New Year’s Live’ to feature local dogs
If you thought a New Year’s Eve special with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen couldn’t get wilder, think again. Last year, the TV hosts and friends were taking tequila shots on air. Now, they’ll be adding South Florida dogs to the mix.
As millions tune in to watch. the “New Year’s Live” special on CNN will feature dogs from Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee having their own party as they ring in the New Year.
“We all need some fun going into 2021 and what better way to celebrate than with our furry
friends. I hope the live show segments will encourage viewers around the world to seek out and adopt dogs in their local shelters and embody our 2021 theme, ‘New Year, New Friend,’ “said Lauree Simmons, president and founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue, one of the largest no-kill dog rescues in the United States, has a few surprises for viewers this year. There will be a doggie bar, complete with a dog bartender to serve up non alcoholic drinks; dogs will be treated to Perrier water in crystal bowls. Dogs will be dressed up as celebrity look-alikes and viewers can watch as the dogs frolic and play games with special New Year’s Eve toys. CNN’s Randi Kanye will host the live segments from the ranch.
And no New Year’s Eve celebration is complete without a ball drop. Big Dog Ranch Rescue plans to have a “doggie ball drop,” featuring a disco ball with a dog on it.
“It’s all been designed to engage the public and make it a fun positive experience since we can’t be together in person,” said Chase Scott, spokesman for the ranch. “These are just fun things to celebrate with the dogs.”
Viewers can also expect to see the first dog adoption of 2021 when it hits midnight.
The ranch won’t be open to the public for this event. The CNN broadcast starts at 8 p.m.