Yesterday we hosted wildlife expert Jack Hanna, his wife Suzi, and their film crew who were here to do a story on our animals for their TV show 'Into The Wild.' The local paper, the Missoulian, sent a reporter and photographer out to the ranch to interview the Hannas about their visit with us and the other Montana topics they're going to be covering on this trip.
Jack and Suzi were absolutely delightful, and they were very taken with the animals at the ranch. The Missoulian interview was conducted at the start of their visit, so they hadn't met many of the animals yet, but as you can see from the photo, the Hannas had already met blind Callie -- who fell in love with Suzi and vice versa.
The original plan was to do a short 3-minute segment that would air during one of their Into The Wild programs. But after less than an hour here, the Hannas and their producers were so amazed at everything they saw that they decided on the spot to turn this into a full 30-minute program. As a result, they ended up spending more than four hours at the ranch yesterday filming. The story will air sometime this fall, and we will post the program date as soon as we find out.
You can read the Missoulian story here.
The article, titled Backyard Explorers, ran on the paper's front page today. Here's what it looked like:
Jack hanna is really the wild expert. I have seen him in so many movies. Callie is looking beautiful in the picture.
Posted by: magnesium | November 05, 2009 at 08:57 AM
I'm thrilled for the exposure this will give you!
When I had a TV, I loved watching Jack; what a great experience in itself!
Hopefully I can catch the show online. Do keep us posted on when the show airs.
Congratulations!
Posted by: boundforglory | August 11, 2009 at 09:22 AM
Congrats! Can't wait to see the show!
Posted by: Lynda | August 10, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Congrats Guys, 1/2 hour special is a huge deal! Love TV people who know a great story when they see it...
Michele Troxel
TV Person!
Seattle
Posted by: Michele Troxel | August 10, 2009 at 02:29 AM
What widespread coverage for the ranch!!! Any possibility of the show being aired in Canada? (maybe Youtube?!)
Posted by: Nina | August 09, 2009 at 06:55 PM
That is fabulous! What great exposure for the Ranch. I have watched Jack Hanna since I was a little kid! He was always a favorite and I'm thrilled to hear he will be doing a whole show on RDR!
Posted by: Lisa | August 09, 2009 at 10:22 AM
I'm so excited to see this show on TV featuring the RDR! I'll be sure to record it so I can watch it again and again. It will feel like I am at the ranch!
Congrats. This is so exciting!
Posted by: Carisa J | August 09, 2009 at 09:21 AM
That's fantastic news! I'm so glad they decided to change the bit about the RDR from just a few minutes into an entire show! Too bad I don't have TV. I'd love to see the feature! I hope it brings LOTS more supporters for the RDR.
Big hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | August 08, 2009 at 02:10 AM
This is just such exciting news. Jack Hanna is such a wonderful voice for animals. I'm just thrilled he and his wife will now be forever in love with Rolling Dog Ranch.
Has Callie lost some weight (not that she needed to) or is it just a flattering camera angle? She hasn't had an easy go of things lately so I would guess she probably has. It makes my day to see her photo.
Posted by: Kim | August 07, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Well, all I can say is there better be a fresh marrow bone at Callie's feet at ALL times, now, and no more making that poor girl get up and walk outside for her last pee of the night.........carry her !!!!!!!!!! :)
Oh, this is all so exciting !!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Bibi | August 07, 2009 at 08:33 PM
Congratulations! May the exposure turn into more donations for your charges. :)
Posted by: Kelly Luchtman | August 07, 2009 at 02:08 PM
This is SO FANTASTIC! Wow, how wonderful!! I can't wait till you send the link for the show. And what a perfect picture of Callie... just what a doxie does... the perfect pose. What a ham!
Frankie and I are so thrilled Jack and his wife visited your ranch and will bring such positive attention to animals with disabilities.
We are so proud to know all of you!!
Barbara & Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog
Posted by: Barbara Techel | August 07, 2009 at 02:06 PM
OMG, I'm thrilled & excited beyond words. This is the most awesome news for RDR. This exposure will definitely help RDR more than I bet you & all your supporters can even imagine right now. Oh, I just can't stand how excited I am about this news. More support is what you need & this is going to be the avenue to help get there. What a blessing they recognized the wonderful work you all are doing & how they need to shine a spotlight on RDR.
I love Jack Hannah. Every time I see him on any talk shows, Ellen, Jay Leno (when he was on) I make sure to tune in to see what cool animals he has brought.
I can't wait to see the show!
How could anyone not fall in love with the mega star Callie? Yup, the residents are gonna be looking to sign with agents soon.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | August 07, 2009 at 01:57 PM
That is SO cool! That will hopefully bring in a lot of donations for your ranch! Keep up the great work!
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Lashaway | August 07, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Much deserved recognition and publicity! How cool that Jack recognized your story was important enough to devote a whole show to you! And how perceptive of him to comment about love being your salary. Nevertheless, money helps and I hope this triggers lots of donations rolling in. Maybe then you guys can again hire someone to help you out. You are amazing with your tireless work, 24/7/365, but I worry about you.
Posted by: Debbie Burke | August 07, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Leave it to Miss Callie to steal the show! I wouldn't be surprised if Mrs. Hanna didn't try to adopt her on the spot!
Posted by: Marla | August 07, 2009 at 12:16 PM
That is just awesome....
Posted by: Jennifer | August 07, 2009 at 11:58 AM
And the Academy Award, in the category of Extreme Cuteness....goes to.... CALLIE!!! (clap clap clap.... more applause!)
Congrats to everyone at RDR!!!
Posted by: Penny | August 07, 2009 at 11:27 AM
I love Jack Hanna's vitality and his shows are always so fun. And now what fun to meet his beautiful wife with Ms. Poseur cover-girl Callie! I can't wait to see the RDR show. It will be a special one.
Posted by: Angela | August 07, 2009 at 11:21 AM
OOOOOoooo Aaaaaahh,,I am sure the dachshunds will want their very own star on the Walk of Fame!
Congratulations RDR, you deserve it. Please put it on You Tube, I don't have access to TV ;)
Posted by: Amy A | August 07, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Oh my goodness, that is wonderful! What great exposure for the ranch & what a nice article. Hopefully other papers in the state will pick this up too. I am thrilled you guys got to meet Mr. Hanna, loved his appearances on the Johnny Carson show way back when :)
Posted by: Kathy | August 07, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Yay-- what a great way to show the critters off!! That Callie she is a ham!!Gotta love her.
Posted by: Debbie B. | August 07, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Congrats RDR!!! I sincerely hope this paves the way for more support. What is done there in Ovando is important and it is wonderful that you are getting the exposure. Kind of makes up for a little of all the poop scooping. Well Deserved
Posted by: Eric Hollingsworth | August 07, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Wonderful News!!!RDR deserves the exposure!!! I agree with Lynn, the hits will "keep on coming" You are so deserving of all accolades that come your way.
Posted by: Doe George | August 07, 2009 at 09:52 AM
YEA! Did you get their autographs?
Posted by: Craig from Great Falls | August 06, 2009 at 09:38 PM
FANTASTIC, FABULOUS, TERRIFIC, STUPENDOUS, AWESOME, WONDERFUL.
All I have to say is...
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | August 06, 2009 at 08:32 PM
OMG!!!! This is so wonderful. I got a feeling your life has just taken a bit of a turn in the road. And just think, we knew you when!!!
Congratulations! Can you imagine the hits your website will get after this airs????
I hope you two get rich and famous and open a satelite ranch down here!!
I'm so excited!!!!!
Posted by: Lynn | August 06, 2009 at 08:05 PM
Wow how great is that for more national exporse for the great ranch you guys have..
Posted by: Ellie Rose | August 06, 2009 at 08:04 PM
Callie! You are a STAR!
Posted by: Lesa | August 06, 2009 at 07:52 PM
I'm so excited for you! That is GREAT news! Who could not fall in love with RDR?
Posted by: Lynne Parker | August 06, 2009 at 07:29 PM
How thrilling is that! I think Callie has her own visions of an Emmy on her mantel, too. She's not a dachshund, but pure camera hound. Really looking forward to the show!
Posted by: Margaret | August 06, 2009 at 06:58 PM