Parents' Guide to

Adoption Tales

By Pam Gelman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Sad "tails" and happy endings; OK for most kids.

TV Animal Planet Educational 2003
Adoption Tales Poster Image

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What's the Story?

ADOPTION TALES provides poignant examples for school-aged kids (and adults!) about the harsh realty of forsaken, homeless animals -- and the joy that comes when people rescue them. The animals' stories can provoke a variety of strong emotions, from disbelief and anger to awe and pride. For example, there's the poodle with permanent marks on his snout from a rubber band used to keep his mouth shut -- but there's also the Golden Retriever born with three working legs who learns to become a service dog.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The fact that many of the featured animal rescue agencies connect the pets with kids and adults who are facing their own hardships gives this show an extra level of intensity. Many of these people have never experienced a close relationship with an animal and get very emotional, sometimes even crying. Although all of the stories end on very happy notes, they may be hard for younger viewers to comprehend. That's the main reason that Adoption Tales is best for school-aged kids, especially those with an interest in animals.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why people abandon pets. What are the economic and time-management challenges of owning pets? Parents can also discuss the specific responsibilities of pet ownership: care, exercise, feeding, vet appointments, grooming, etc. For kids aspiring to work with animals, parents can point out the different jobs demonstrated on the show, such as directors of rescue agencies, shelter care workers, veterinarians and technicians, and trainers.

TV Details

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