Pound Puppies

The show "Pound Puppies", which aired on The Hub from 2010 to 2013, is a delightful animated series that introduces us to a group of courageous and devoted dogs who have made it their mission to help every puppy in need find a loving and dedicated owner. The refreshingly playful series is a reboot of the 1980s television show of the same name, and while it holds onto nostalgic elements, it also adds new characters and innovative storylines to cater to modern audiences.

In the world of these lovable canines, there exists a secret dog organization called "Pound Puppies". Operating within Shelter 17, a seemingly ordinary animal shelter, they form a covert and high-tech operation. The main characters forming the core team of the Pound Puppies are Lucky, Cookie, Niblet, Squirt, and Strudel.

Lucky, an ascetic mixed-breed dog, is the sensible and fearless leader of the gang whose cleverness and determination ensure every mission is a success. Cookie, a tough but loving Boxer, is Lucky's second-in-command. She maintains an edgy exterior but has a soft spot for Lucky and the puppies they rescue. Niblet, the Old English Sheepdog, is your typical gentle giant whose size often comes in handy during rescue missions. Squirt, a cunning, street-savvy Chihuahua, excels at making quick stratagems and Strudel, a genius Dachshund, invents ingenious gadgets that aid the team on their missions.

The premise of the show centers around these dogs' valiant efforts to unite puppies with their perfect person. They believe that "a pup for every person and a person for every pup" should be the norm and not the exception. The series, while adorable and entertaining, conveys meaningful messages about friendship, responsibility, and the enhancement that pets can provide to human lives. It explores the heartwarming relationships that develop between dogs and their owners, and the healing power of love in various forms.

"Pound Puppies" combines elements of humor, adventure, and sentimentality to create an irresistible viewing experience for children and dog-lovers of all ages. The dogs frequently undertake covert actions to match puppies with humans, where they safely navigate through dangerous and often exciting situations. Each episode unfolds like a mini-adventure, filled with exciting plot twists, gentle humor, and emotive storylines.

As they move from one mission to another, the team encounters a host of interesting characters, both animal and human. Reoccurring characters like “Mr. McLeash,” the strict supervisor of Shelter 17, add additional layers to the story, making it more intriguing. The show also introduces us to “The Kennel Kittens,” a group of cats who mirror the Pound Puppies organization and are sometimes their rivals on missions. The interaction between dogs and cats is portrayed humorously, contributing to the light-hearted, cheerful atmosphere of the series.

The art style and animation of "Pound Puppies" reflect its upbeat, lovable essence. The animation quality, provided by DHX Media, is superior, with character designs that are notably unique and visually appealing. The voicing talents including Eric McCormack as Lucky, Yvette Nicole Brown as Cookie, Michael Rapaport as Squirt, John DiMaggio as Niblet, and Alanna Ubach as Strudel, truly bring these memorable characters to life.

Moreover, the writing of the show is top-notch, seamlessly balancing the comedy and drama while teaching valuable lessons about love, teamwork, and empathy. It consistently maintains a warm-hearted atmosphere while handling topics that children need to learn, such as understanding differences, respect for all beings, and the importance of lending a helping hand. It is an excellent show for families, blending entertainment and education in just the right measure.

In conclusion, "Pound Puppies" is more than just an entertaining children's television series. Its mix of adventure, comedy, emotional connections, and inherent message of compassion toward animals makes it a thought-provoking yet fun-filled show, teaching its viewers the importance of love, kindness, and teamwork. A hidden gem of the Hub Network, "Pound Puppies" is a whimsical delight for anyone willing to venture into its captivating canine world.