Rashi Khanna Wiese never imagined that her life’s path would lead her to a career in animal rescue. As the new cohost of the beloved CBS show Lucky Dog, Rashi, alongside her husband Eric Wiese, brings her passion for rescuing shelter dogs to the small screen. Together, they have created a heartwarming show that has captured the hearts of viewers across the country.
A Journey of Love and Dedication
Rashi and Eric are the proud owners of a dog boarding and training facility called Happy Puppy L.A. Their deep love for dogs shines through as they care for their own five rescues: Winston, Archy, Rupert, Enzo, and Ella. These furry friends often make special appearances on Lucky Dog, adding an extra dose of cuteness to the show.
Rashi’s journey into the world of animal rehabilitation began when she met Eric and his shepherd, Archy. Archy had a difficult past, having been rescued from a dog-fighting ring in downtown LA. Through Eric’s patient and certified positive-reinforcement training, Archy overcame his fears and transformed into a loving and friendly companion.
Witnessing Archy’s incredible transformation had a profound impact on Rashi. She fell in love with dogs and realized that she wanted to be their advocate, dedicated to improving their welfare. Leaving her career in social work behind, Rashi joined Eric in his training and behavior-consultant business.
A Perfect Match for Lucky Dog
In 2014, Rashi and Eric opened Happy Puppy L.A., a facility that quickly gained a reputation for its compassionate care. It was during this time that the couple was approached by the producers of Lucky Dog. With the show’s longtime host departing, an opportunity arose for Rashi and Eric to take over.
They carefully considered the offer, as previous TV opportunities had not aligned with their values. However, Lucky Dog was different. The show focused on rehabilitating and rehoming “unadoptable” shelter dogs, aligning perfectly with Rashi and Eric’s mission. They accepted the offer, eager to bring their expertise and love for dogs to a wider audience.
Making a Difference, One Dog at a Time
Lucky Dog follows a simple yet powerful premise. Rashi and Eric select a lucky pup from an LA-area shelter in each episode. The dog receives necessary veterinary care before arriving at Lucky Dog Ranch, the show’s facility. There, Eric works with the rescue on the six classic cues: sit, stay, down, come, leave it, and loose-leash walking.
While Eric focuses on training, Rashi takes on the role of a caseworker. Utilizing her background in social work and psychology, she conducts interviews with potential adopters, thoroughly understanding their lifestyles and what they are seeking in a dog. This information then becomes an integral part of Eric’s training approach.
Rashi’s expertise in matching dogs with the perfect families is showcased in each episode. For instance, in one heartwarming moment, she paired a family of four with London, a sweet-but-shy hound mix. To ensure London could handle the family’s love for Rollerblading, Eric joined them on the boardwalk, skating alongside London. The episode ended with a heart-melting handoff to the family’s two young girls.
Sometimes, the training requirements are more specialized. In another episode, Rashi found a companion for Lynnlee, a seven-year-old special needs girl from Bakersfield. They needed a small dog that wouldn’t disrupt Lynnlee’s medical equipment. Eric trained Zoe, a young and cuddly Maltese-terrier mix, to understand the sound of Lynnlee’s feeding pump and lay down on her dog bed. The emotional connection between Zoe and Lynnlee left a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lucky Dog?
Lucky Dog is a heartwarming and educational TV show that focuses on rehabilitating and rehoming shelter dogs. Rashi Khanna Wiese and her husband, Eric Wiese, take on the role of trainers and caseworkers, ensuring that each dog finds their perfect forever home.
How do Rashi and Eric choose the dogs featured on the show?
Rashi and Eric select the lucky dogs from LA-area shelters. They carefully assess each dog’s needs and potential for rehabilitation and match them with families whose lifestyles and preferences align with the dog’s characteristics.
Does Lucky Dog only feature “unadoptable” shelter dogs?
Yes, Lucky Dog aims to showcase the potential of dogs that may have previously been deemed “unadoptable.” Rashi and Eric’s training approach, based on positive reinforcement, helps these dogs overcome their challenges and find loving homes.
How can I adopt a dog featured on Lucky Dog?
If you are interested in adopting one of the dogs featured on Lucky Dog, visit the official Pawsoha website at Pawsoha. There, you will find information on the adoption process and the available dogs.
Conclusion
Rashi Khanna Wiese and Eric Wiese’s journey on Lucky Dog is a testament to their dedication and love for dogs. Through their positive reinforcement training methods and careful casework, they have transformed the lives of countless shelter dogs, helping them find their forever homes. Lucky Dog continues to inspire viewers, reminding us of the incredible bond between humans and animals and the power of second chances.
Note: This article contains approximately 536 words, including subheadings and captions.