‘Pets on Parade’ turns 60
The Arizona Humane Society’s weekly television show “Pets on Parade” is turning 60 on Saturday. It has helped thousands of pets find loving homes.
“There seems to be such pride in being a part of something with such longevity and so unique to Arizona.” Bretta Nelson Spokeswoman for the Arizona Humane Society
More than 31,000 pets later, “Pets on Parade” is turning 60.
The Arizona Humane Society’s weekly television show will celebrate the milestone on Saturday, Dec. 8 — 60 years to the day after it debuted on Dec. 8, 1958.
If you’ve never seen the show, which airs on Channel 3 (KTVK),you should — it’s one of those terrific throwbacks to earlier days of local TV, just goofy enough to make you smile and important enough to be worth your while. Host Kelsey Dickerson shows off adorable animals that are available for adoption. If you had to use one word to describe it, “sweet” would be a good one.
This kind of thing was once a staple of television, but they’re a little harder to find these days. It’s nice to know this one is still around.
“There seems to be such pride in being a part of something with such longevity and so unique to Arizona,” says Bretta Nelson, spokeswoman for the Arizona Humane Society. “After 60 years, 3,000 episodes and 31,000 pets showcased, there is not a show, especially in the animal welfare world, like ‘Pets on Parade’ and it is quite a testament to AHS’ longstanding partnership with 3TV who very generously donates the air time and behind-the-scenes personnel.”
Dickerson grew up watching the show and “never imagined I would be fortunate enough to host it one day. It truly is an honor to be a voice for the voiceless.”
With so many shows and so many animals, it’s hard for Dickerson or Nelson to pick a favorite, though Dickerson remembers “when I had a kitten co-host and just as I was starting to say how sweet he was, he reared his head back and gave me a big ol’ love bite on my hand. He didn’t do any damage and he was playing the best way kittens know how, but it was just such great timing that I often think back and laugh about it.”
Nelson’s remembrances are more bittersweet. “Some of my fondest memories of ‘Pets on Parade’ are the episodes that also bring tears to your eyes,” she said. “There was the episode devoted to (longtime host) Marge (Wright) right after she passed away which was bittersweet and really allowed all of us to pause and reflect on what a legacy she has left us with ... I think viewers can relate to those real life moments and it further showcases just how important pets are to our lives.”
Of course, Dickerson watched Wright, who for so long was synonymous with the show, and did “such great of a job building it up to what it is today. Without her, there wouldn’t be (‘Pets on Parade’).”
Dickerson now has a first-hand look at the cute animals — and the work the Humane Society does.
“‘Pets on Parade’ is definitely some of the cutest television around because of the absolutely adorable, sweet animals that are on the show each week,” she said. “But I think what really grabs hold of the viewer’s attention and what makes it so unique are those pet’s stories. Over the past six decades, there have been so many incredible tales of survival and strength showcased through (the show). It is an amazing way to show exactly why what the Arizona Humane Society does is so important.”