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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Sierra Filucci

Inspired by the pet-matching Web site Petfinder.com, PETFINDER helps pair families with the right animal companions. Animal behavior experts Jarod Miller and Dina Zaphiris meet with families torn by indecision. One parent may want a pot-bellied pig, while another yearns for a teacup Yorkie. And the kids always have their own opinions -- reptiles, rodents, birds, and more. Miller and Zaphiris wade through the discord to find out what kind of pet will please the whole gang, as well as what home will be the best setting for certain animals.

Is It Any Good?

3

Some of the most entertaining segments of the show are when Miller and Zaphiris bring "Teacher's Pets" on home visits to see how the family members react to different kinds of animals. Reactions range from squeamish to disgust as a pig poops in a sink, a parrot squawks dramatically, and a group of rats wriggles through toy houses.

The experts' ultimate pet choice often provokes moving emotional reactions. Family members must set aside their disagreements when the final pet arrives, teaching a lesson in compromise. And when both kids and adults seem transformed by certain animals, you get a feel-good ending that will please all ages.

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