2022 American Rescue Dog Show (2022) Movie Script

TESSITORE: They wait for us in the cold.
They wait for us
at the end of the bed.
And they're waiting for us now
at shelters across America.
Sometimes we have to rescue them,
and sometimes they rescue us.
-RIGGLE: Alright, hold up. Hold up.
-What?
Okay? I'm gonna call bull hockey on this,
-with the sappy music.
-What? The --
-Rescue dogs are cool and all...
-That's right.
...but I think it's kind of unfair
they get their own ABC special.
-What? No.
-I mean, what about my ABC special, huh?
Nobody's talking about that.
And what about other animals,
huh, like iguanas...
-Iguanas?
-...or parakeets?
Are there over 3 million parakeets
at shelters across America
waiting for adoption?
-Yes.
-Really?
-No.
-Has an iguana ever
saved somebody from a fire, Rob?
-Actually, yeah --
-No, no, no, no.
The answer's no. We got cameras rolling.
I'm waiting. The crew's waiting.
So what is your beef here
with the "Rescue Dog Show"?
We're just bringing
a little bit of glamour,
a little bit of glitz, and showing people
how special rescue dogs are.
So what's with all this here?
I guess 'cause they hire me
to annoy you, Joe,
and because it's funny.
There is a painful truth
to that, my friend.
TESSITORE: It's the 2022
"American Rescue Dog Show."
An incredible event
with 48 of the most talented,
inspiring, and lovable rescue
dogs from across the country.
KELSIE:
Can you say "Hello"?
[ Bellerina yowling "Hello" ]
-Yes. Oh, yes.
-Dig! Dig! Dig! Dig! Dig!
Go get the ball.
Go get the ball.
TESSITORE: With celebrity judges
Yvette Nicole Brown,
Leslie Jordan,
Paula Abdul,
and our sideline reporter
is Monica McNutt.
I'm Joe Tessitore. This is
gonna be a great night.
-I'm Rob Riggle.
-And this is...
TOGETHER:
"The American Rescue Dog Show."

-RIGGLE: Joe, we got a dog show.
-Yes.
RIGGLE: We're big-time stepping it up.
Super fancy, if you will.
We got the judges in tuxedos,
dogs strutting around the arena floor.
TESSITORE: But we are a bit different,
Rob.
On "The American Rescue Dog Show,"
we don't judge these dogs
on their bloodlines
or their conformation.
We celebrate cuteness.
We celebrate their personality,
their likability
in such categories as Best in Underbite,
Best in Snoring, Best in Belly Rubs,
Best in Fetching,
Best in Couch Potato --
a personal favorite --
Best in Ears,
and Best in Talking.
And there's something
incredible for those winners.
In honor of the winning dog in
each of those seven categories,
a $10,000 donation is being made
to the rescue that saved that dog
or to an animal welfare
organization in their hometown.
Those dogs who win those divisions
will advance to the final,
where one dog will be crowned
Best in Rescue,
with an additional 100 grand donation --
all the grants kindly provided
by our friends at Petco Love,
a non-profit changing lives.
[ Cheers and applause ]
TESSITORE: Our first category of the night
is Best in Underbite.
Here are your top seven
for Best in Underbite.
RIGGLE: Oh, look at them all coming out.
Look at these underbites.
These are classic underbites, Joe.
TESSITORE: Your judge for this category
is Dr. Callie.
Dr. Callie is a vet
whose clinical background
is in emergency medicine
and critical care,
and she will determine a winner
based on their performance in the ring.
And also, I guess,
how epic their underbite is.
But I don't know, I'm not a dog expert.
[ Laughs ]
TESSITORE: Down the line,
we have a Chihuahua Pug,
a French Bulldog-American
Staffordshire Terrier mix,
a Chihuahua mix,
an English Bulldog,
a pit bull mix,
a terrier mix,
and a Chihuahua-Pekingese mix.
May I have Bobo to the mark, please?
-NANCY: Oh, yes!
-Yes.
TESSITORE: First up is Bobo,
a Chihuahua Pug, AKA Chug,
rescued by Pug Nation,
and here today with her adopter,
Nancy Kissam.
When we first adopted Bo,
he was very small.
And then he grew about
3 or 4 more pounds,
and then his teeth just emerged
around the same time.
It was like he hit puberty,
and, bam, that was it.
Let me get a really good look
at that underbite.
RIGGLE: When you have
an underbite like that,
it just -- automatically,
you have a grumpy appearance,
even if you're
in the best mood.
Like, right now, he could be as happy
-as he's ever been in his life.
-Yeah.
But you'd be like,
"Boy, he's a grump."
I'm going to ask you to run
up and back for me.
-Okay.
-So just right in that direction,
up and back.
[ Applause ]
How does running have anything
to do with underbite, Joe?
Well, I think
it's traditional at dog shows
to see the dog's gait.
Yeah, but running? Come on, man.
I think it's all good. I can't
see enough of these guys.
May I have Saber
to the front here?
[ Applause ]
TESSITORE: Saber, a French Bulldog-
American Staffordshire Terrier mix,
rescued by H.U.G. Hearts
and here today
with foster mom LisaMarie.
Oh, my goodness.
-LISAMARIE: Good girl.
-Look at that. Oh, my goodness, Saber.
-Gorgeous.
-[ Audience "aww's ]
RIGGLE: Look at that.
Look at that tongue.
Just perfectly placed
in the -- in the underbite.
TESSITORE: Saber was found by rescuers
lying on the side of a road,
was hit by a car.
And there's a bond shared, Rob,
with LisaMarie,
because LisaMarie herself
was nearly killed by a car.
So they both have that survivor spirit.
Absolutely.
Next up, Guinness,
a Chihuahua mix rescued
by Ghetto Rescue Foundation,
and here today
with mom Sheila Crosby.
Guinness is a Chihuahua mix,
is that correct?
SHEILA: She is 50% Chihuahua,
and then she is 12% Labrador.
My husband saw online
two little girls who needed adopting.
They had been rescued
from a hoarding situation,
and they were the only two
that hadn't been adopted yet.
So we adopted both Guinness
and her sister, Toastie.
-Oh, my goodness.
-[ Audience "aww"ing ]
Look at that.
I mean, that's an underbite.
That's for sure. Hi.
Oh. Look how cute that dog is.
She got a funny little
attitude, doesn't she?
[ Cheers and applause ]
HARRIS: Whoo!
TESSITORE: Guinness is described
as a "dog sound machine."
They say she makes
hilarious grunting noises
throughout the day.
[ Breathing heavily ]
[ Scatting ]
Uh, it's a dog.
[ Breathing heavily ]
Closer.
Whoo!
[ Cheers and applause ]
TESSITORE: Next up, Charlie Valentine,
an English Bulldog rescued
by Road Dogs & Rescue
and here today
with forever mom Jewly.
I have to admit,
I am a married woman, okay,
but you might have stolen
my heart, sweet girl.
I'm going to have you run
Charlie just up and back,
-please.
-JEWLY: Come on.
-Whoo!
-Come on.
RIGGLE: Charlie Valentine, everybody.
TESSITORE: Charlie Valentine.
Okay, we're ready for Wilson.
Let's have Wilson up to --
[ Laughter ]
-Well, come on, Wilson.
-NATALIA: Come on, baby!
TESSITORE: Wilson, a pit bull mix
rescued by Angel City Pit Bulls
and here today
with their adopter, Natalia.
Now, I understand
that Wilson has a job?
So, Wilson is a --
Besides belly rubs.
He's a professional kitten foster.
Oh, my goodness!
So, Wilson has fostered over 80 kittens
in the past couple years.
That's amazing.
And, uh, yeah, they -- they love him.
-They hang all over him and...
-Oh my goodness.
they -- they knead on him.
He's like their little mama.
TESSITORE: 3-year-old Wilson.
I got a lot of money on this dog.
-You're not gambling on a rescue dog show?
-No! No.
There's not action on --
Nobody's putting out lines on --
Who -- Who would put action
on a -- on a dog show?
-I mean, that's...
-So, uh --
That is -- th-that's a concern.
This is the underbite category, correct?
This is -- This is Best in Underbite.
I got the number 3 dog in this one.
Alright, Benny, we are ready
for you at the mark.
[ Cheers and applause ]
TESSITORE: We got the tongue already out
on our next competitor.
It is Benny, a terrier mix
rescued by Milo Foundation
and here today
with dad William.
HARRIS: Are you sticking
your tongue out at me?
RIGGLE: That's the wildest underbite
I've ever seen, Joe.
I've never seen an underbite so profound.
Those are human eyes, too.
He's got human eyes.
-HARRIS: Thank you.
-WILLIAM: All right, thank you.
[ Cheers and applause ]
TESSITORE: So, this is Benny,
who's very curious, very friendly,
always smiling with that underbite.
You know something
that most people don't realize
about dogs with severe underbites,
is really no risk of getting bitten.
[ Laughs ]
How so?
Give me your hand.
[ Growling ]
-Wow, you're right. I like that.
-See?
Yeah, 'cause typically, when
you bite me, it really stings.
But now there's just nothing happening.
-When they have the underbite,
-I know.
there's nothing to resist.
-It's just --
-This is a great improvement,
-Yeah.
-you having an underbite.
TESSITORE: And finally, Scrump,
a Chihuahua-Pekingese mix
rescued by San Diego SPCA,
and here today
with forever mom Lysette.
Mommy, maybe you can help me...
LYSETTE: Yes.
...take a good look
at her underbite. Okay.
[ Audience "aww"ing ]
That looks good.
TESSITORE: That's a heck
of an underbite, Rob.
I mean, look at this underbite.
Those are novelty teeth, Joe.
-Yeah. [ Laughs ]
-Those are novelty teeth.
I know 'cause I-I-I dabble
in novelty teeth, as well.
I can imagine you have
an entire collection
-of novelty teeth, I'm sure.
-I do! I have a huge collection.
-Where do you keep that?
-In my garage.
Uh, it's a whole wall in my garage.
Sort of like a tool kit?
-You just pull out --
-Yeah, I -- It's a mix.
I got plastic, I got real,
I got animal, I got all kinds of --
Wait, wait, hold on, hold on.
What do you mean "real"?
-You have human teeth in drawers that you,
-Yes.
-Yes.
-you've acquired through the years?
-Yes. That's not uncommon.
-That's very uncommon.
-You know, George Washington --
-And it concerns me greatly.
George Washington had actual, real,
previously existing human teeth.
That's not how the myth goes.
Well, that's a stone-cold fact
about teeth,
and I'm a teeth expert.
Well, let's get -- let's
get back to Scrump here,
-because she is spectacular.
-And those are not real.
TESSITORE: So, those
are our seven competitors
in Best in Underbite.
How do you choose among this group?
They're all phenomenal.
The underbites were sensational.
RIGGLE: All of them.
This is a critical part of
the decision-making process.
Best in Underbite
will advance to the finals
to potentially be Best in Rescue.
RIGGLE: Lookit. Look at the intensity
on Wilson's face right now.
I would not want to be the judge
in this situation.
All of these are amazing dogs
with perfect underbites,
but there can only be one winner.
The rescue dog with the best underbite
that's advancing to the final is...

...Saber!
-RIGGLE: No!
-Oh, and it's the Best in Underbite
winner, Saber!
-The French Bulldog-
-Come on!
American Staffordshire Terrier.
What a great underbite and
a great story with LisaMarie.
Saber, you're a winner!
You're a winner! Yes!
Can I put this on you? Yes? Very nicely?
Oh, my. [ Smooches ]
Saber, Saber.
Oh, my gosh.
-What's going on?
-What?
With your reaction to...?
Oh, I'm just really
bummed out for Wilson.
It was a great... moment there,
with Saber.
Huh? Yeah, Saber.
Yeah. Congrats on S-Saber.
[ Sighs ]
Don't go anywhere. Coming up,
categories in snoring,
belly rubs, and fetching,
when "The American Rescue Dog Show,"
right here on ABC, returns.
Sit.
Good boy, Rob. Good boy.
[ Dog barks ]

[ Person whistles, dog barks ]
[ Sighs ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]



[ Sighs ]


Welcome back to
"The American Rescue Dog Show."
-I'm Joe Tessitore.
-And I'm Rob Riggle.
Now, as your hosts, we don't
just want to entertain you.
We also want to inform you
a bit, here, Rob.
That's right, that's right.
It's time for Dog Facts with Rob and Joe.
Rob, I hope you did
your research, like I asked.
-I did.
-Great.
I didn't.
Okay. First dog fact --
Dogs are colorblind.
Well, technically,
dogs can see yellow,
and dogs can see blue.
Technically, you're a dork.
[ Snickers ]
-You're a confounding human.
-Thank you.
Hey, here's a real fact
for everybody at home.
When you adopt
from a rescue organization,
you're actually saving two dogs --
the one, of course, that you brought home
to be part of your family,
and the spot that you're
opening up at the rescue
to go and save another dog.
#Dogfacts.
You know, people don't do
the hashtag thing anymore.
You gotta lose
the whole hashtag thing.
Saber won our first semifinal,
Best in Underbite.
Our next category's a fan favorite.
It is Best in Snoring.
Let's go to the floor for Best in Snoring.
TESSITORE: And here are your top seven
for Best in Snoring.
WOMAN: Come on!
Come on!
For Best in Snoring, our judge
will determine the winner
based on a submitted video.
Your judge for this category
is Lisa Arturo.
Lisa's the founder
of Big Love Animal Rescue.
She specializes in saving dogs
who've been abandoned in extreme
and unpredictable situations.
Luna, please come to the mark.
[ Cheers and applause ]
TESSITORE: First up is Luna,
a Staffordshire Terrier-English Bulldog
rescued by the Sacramento SPCA,
and here today with her
forever mom, Christina.
ARTURO: Tell me,
how old is Luna?
Luna's 2 years old,
and she never lets us sleep.
But, you know, if you don't like it,
you'll sleep on the couch.
That's right.
Well, you are just adorable.
Let's take a look
at Luna's snoring video.
[ Luna snoring, barking ]
[ Luna snoring ]
-Rob, you're --
-ARTURO: Luna, that's you!
I think you're falling
into a-a trance here...
-[ Riggle snoring ]
-...with Luna snoring.
Rob. Rob, you gotta check out Luna.
[ Luna snoring ]
You know what I love about Luna?
She'll have these moments
of muscle twitch.
RIGGLE: I think she's dreaming.
She's dreaming, Joe.
She's a dreamer.
[ Luna snores ]
[ Cheers and applause ]
ARTURO: Well, Luna,
you are just beautiful.
Thank you so much.
CHRISTINA:
Come on, Luna. Come on.
Maiale, you're up next.
[ Laughs ]
TESSITORE: Next up, Maiale,
a French Bulldog
rescued by Road Dogs & Rescue,
and here today with Jennifer.
-Tell me about her name.
-It means, um, "pig" in Italian.
And is that because
she sounds like one?
Jennifer:
It's because she snores quite a --
ARTURO: Yeah, quite a bit.
Let's take a look
at Maiale's snoring video.
Okay.
[ Maiale snoring ]
[ Laughter ]
-RIGGLE: Oh, uh, what's going on?
-TESSITORE: Oh, and she's
playing to the crowd.
-RIGGLE: Showing it off, Joe.
-TESSITORE: She is a show-off.
-[ Maiale snoring ]
-RIGGLE: [ laughs ]
[snoring continues]
That's how I host, Joe. I have learned
to host and sleep at the same time.
Oh, I know. Trust me, I know.
Thanks.
[ Maiale wheezes ]
ARTURO: [ Laughs ]
[ crowd cheering ]
Wow, Maiale.
TESSITORE: A common misconception
is that you cannot find
purebreds in rescue shelters.
In fact, 25% of rescue dogs
are indeed purebreds the way Maiale is.
There are some rescue organizations
who actually specialize in purebreds.
Okay, it's time for Nana Bear.
[ Laughs ]
TESSITORE: Nana Bear, a St. Bernard
rescued by Sunny Saint's
St. Bernard Rescue
and here today with Aimee.
ARTURO: Tell me about her snoring.
Oh, my goodness.
It is, um, quite an experience.
Let's take a look at her snoring.
[ Nana Bear snoring ]
[ Laughter ]
-This is deep.
-Nana Bear.
ARTURO: Huh, Nana? That's you!
Oh, that is a deep rumble.
[ Laughter ]
-Look at the tongue, look at the tongue.
-RIGGLE: The tongue. Classic.
That's me. I feel like
I'm looking in a mirror.
[ Laughter ]
Aww.
Wow, Nana Bear.
Good job, Nana Bear.
TESSITORE: That is Nana Bear,
the St. Bernard,
clearly in the running for Best in Snoring
with that big, gravelly, long snore.
Magnificent St. Bernard.
I'm looking for that snoring dog, Kai.
TESSITORE: Kai is a French Bulldog
rescued by Balooja's Foundation,
here today with rescuer Sal.
Tell me a little bit
about his snoring patterns.
So, Kai has a man snore.
-[ Laughs ]
-Uh, he has a deep snore,
wakes everybody up.
Well, now let's watch.
[ Kai snoring ]
-TESSITORE: Whoa.
-RIGGLE: What?
Whoa, that'll -- I mean,
that is almost like a whale.
That -- That -- That sound
is coming out of
that little 25-pound dog?
That is astounding.
[ Kai snores ]
[ Laughter ]
ARTURO: He definitely delivered.
TESSITORE: I am blown away
by Kai's snoring.
Like, a marine biologist...
-Yes.
-...hears those sounds under the ocean.
when they're tracking whales.
Can I have Fred to the mark?
Hi, Fred! Hi!
TESSITORE: Fred, a Chow rescued
by Adopt-A-Chow L.A.
and here today
with their dog mom Laurie.
ARTURO: Tell me a little bit
about his snoring.
It just goes o-n-n-n-n-n...
-It's -- It's like music.
-...like a long train.
-It is. It is.
-It's like music.
Well, I am very excited and curious
to see his snoring video.
[ Fred snoring ]
Whoa!
What is that?
Is that a drag race?
[ Fred snoring ]
TESSITORE: What?!
RIGGLE: Did you ever see
that "Clash of the Titans"
where they release the Kraken?
TESSITORE: Yeah, this is the Kraken.
RIGGLE: This is the Kraken.
[ Fred snores ]
[ Laughter ]
[ applause ]
ARTURO: Fred, that was wonderful.
Thank you.
TESSITORE: Just the pure size and scope
of the snore that Fred produces.
Oh. Oh.
Oh, no. We may have a snorer
in the audience here.
-We got a snorer. Put the -- Let's get a--
-Do we have a...
-Get a boom mic.
-Can we get a boom mic
-on our audience member there?
-Get a boom mic over there.
The sad thing is,
this guy's right near the set,
so I think he's actually
listening to our commentary.
[ Man snoring ]

-Okay, Capone, you're up next.
-Come on!
TESSITORE: From sunny Florida,
-Capone's a bully mix...
-Hi, good boy!
...competing on behalf
of San Diego Humane Society,
here today
with forever mom Elisha.
ARTURO: Oh, look at you.
Oh, hi! You got some kisses?
Oh, thank you for --
Oh, that's so nice.
Oh, thank you for the kisses.
That's nice.
Hi! [ Laughs ]
He is very friendly.
Yes, he loves, loves people.
Tell me a little bit about his snoring.
Well, we are doing tiny living,
so we have no room to go,
and you can hear it
through the whole place.
Okay, let's take a look
at his snoring.
[ Capone snoring ]
RIGGLE: What the...?
TESSITORE: Now, listen,
Fred's a tough act to follow,
but Capone is bringing his A-game.
RIGGLE: Look at his tail wagging
while he sleeps.
-TESSITORE: I love that.
-RIGGLE: He's dreaming.
RIGGLE: Do you hear the snoring, though?
It wasn't just a straight [Snorts]
It was a
[Growling, vocalizing]
It was almost like a --
he was trying to communicate.
[ Capone snores ]
[ Laughter ]
ARTURO: Thank you, Capone.
There is no doubt that Capone
-enjoys his snoring and nap time.
-ELISHA: Come on! Good boy!
And last but not least, Kirby!
-[ Joe whistles ]
-Hi, Kirby!
-[ Whistles ]
-Come on down!
TESSITORE: And our final dog, Kirby,
an English Bulldog
rescued by
I Stand With My Pack,
and she's here today
with her dog dad, Joe.
You just adopted her?
Yep, just rescued her.
She was with a breeder
who was just using her
because they were trying
to breed smaller
-bulldogs.
-Oh.
So she had a litter of puppies
about 10 weeks ago.
-And there was a botched C-section,
-Aww.
but the breeder decided
he didn't need her anymore, so...
-Ohh!
-Ohh!
[ Audience "aww"s ]
Kirby, we are so glad
that you are not there anymore
and you're here.
We love you.
Let's take a look at her snoring video.
[ Kirby snoring ]
Look at that tongue.
Ha!
[ Both laugh ]
TESSITORE: How about the wrinkles?
RIGGLE: Oh!
TESSITORE: How about the wrinkles
on Kirby, as well?
RIGGLE: Oh, yeah, get some, Kirby.
RIGGLE: Look at the underbite.
Just keeping that mouth open.
[ audience laughing ]
RIGGLE: He's looking out of one eye.
RIGGLE: "What are you looking at?
-You never heard a dog snore before?"
- TESSITORE: [laughing ]
RIGGLE: [ Laughs ] Look at that.
[ Kirby snores ]
[ Both laugh ]

ARTURO: Thank you. Oh, Kirby,
you're just adorable.
Thank you.
You know what I really like
about Best in Snoring
is that you get a sense of their
personality here in the ring.
-Yes.
-You get a sense of who they are.
But then you go to the videotape...
-RIGGLE: Oh!
-...where you're seeing them
-at their absolute best.
-RIGGLE: Yes.
You're getting replays
of them in their prime.
RIGGLE: And authentic. Really authentic.
That's not fake sleeping.
That's not fake snoring.
That's the real deal
coming from the couch.
TESSITORE: Judge Lisa Arturo coming out
to announce our winner
in Best in Snoring.

The winner of Best in Snoring is...

...Capone!
TESSITORE: Oh! Capone, the bully mix...
-RIGGLE: Hey!
...from Jacksonville, Florida,
is your winner in Best in Snoring.
ARTURO: Capone, yay!
-[ Cheers and applause ]
-Oh! Oh!
TESSITORE: Now, Capone was so impressive.
Some of the best snoring
I've heard in the game, Rob.
RIGGLE: Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah.
And you've heard of a lap dog.
Well, that, my friend, was a nap dog.
Boo-yah!
[ Laughs ]
Sorry.
Let's get ourselves down
to the arena floor,
where our own Monica McNutt
is with Capone.
-Elisha and Capone, congratulations.
-Thank you.
You guys just won 10K for
Capone's rescue on national TV,
showing off your baby.
How do you feel?
Oh, my --
I wasn't expecting it at all,
'cause we had some great competition.
But, I mean, look at him.
He's pretty awesome.
He's a great snorer, indeed.
Now, Elisha, part of his story
is his pit bull background.
How special is it for you
to be able to show off
how sweet he truly is
here on national television?
It's great to show that he can
be an advocate for the breed.
He just loves people.
He loves everything about
just going out
and making people smile.
Well, congratulations, Elisha and Capone.
Rob and Joe, back up to you guys.
RIGGLE: Thanks, Monica.
TESSITORE: Don't go anywhere.
Coming up, we got categories
Best in Fetching,
Best in Couch Potato, Best in Talking,
when "The American Rescue Dog Show,"
right here on ABC, returns.


[ Person whistles, dog barks ]
Welcome back to
"The American Rescue Dog Show."
I'm Joe Tessitore.
And I'm Rob Riggle,
and I'm having my assistant
Google "dog restraining order."
There's a dog that's been
-walking around the set following me.
-TESSITORE: Really?
-Yes.
-No.
These dogs are all lovable and likable.
-I don't see any dog that's been...
-No, no, no, no.
-...worrying you or where
-I'm telling you, I'm telling you
you should have a concern.
This is a scary dog.
I-I've seen him a couple times.
He's got, like, a bow tie with --
TESSITORE: Well, you have a bow tie.
Well, this one's made of bones.
No, I don't -- I don't think
that's the case at all, Rob.
RIGGLE: It's -- I can only assume it's --
No, they've all been -- they've
all been with their parents,
and they've been just
wonderful to be around.
You haven't seen anything?
You haven't seen any dog
-just on his own?
-Not at all. Nope, nope.

Joe.
Joe. It's the dog! It's the dog!
He's been chasing --
He's stalking me.

[ Dog barking ]
[ Whispering ]
It's bones.

Just give me one second, here, Rob.
He's got the look.
He's staring at me.

Now he's staring at you.

TESSITORE: Let's get right back
into the competition.
I love this next round, because
it's near and dear to my heart.
When I'm with my dog Rocco,
sometimes he gets a little anxious.
He wants a little attention.
Here's the thing
that always calms him down
and makes him feel safe.
Oh, I'm jealous already.
Next category, Best in Belly Rubs,
-so let's go to the floor.
-Real quick. Help me out.
Thank you.
[ Cheers and applause ]
-Come on, buddy.
-TESSITORE: We have a French Bulldog...
...a Pomchi,
an American Staffordshire Terrier,
-a Yorkie...
-ANNA: Come on. Let's go.
...a Pointer-Dalmatian mix...
...and a mutt.
-Good job.
-Come on, boy.
-Good job, buddy.
-Good boy!
For Best in Belly Rubs, our
judge will determine the winner
based on their
performance in the ring
and their unique expression
of belly rub approval or disapproval.
Your judge for this category
is Terry Simons.
Terry is a world-renowned
dog agility trainer
and competitor,
also an author
and an animal advocate
and founder of CLEAR,
Canine Lymphoma Education
Awareness and Research.
That's a non-profit organization
that educates dog owners
about canine cancer.
SIMONS: Uh, Harry?
[ Harry barks ]
Harry, I hate to bother you,
but it's time for you to come forward
and get your belly rubbed.
[ Laughs ]
DIA: Come on, Harry!
TESSITORE: First up is Harry,
a mutt rescued by
Valley Humane Society.
Harry is here with
his forever mom, Dia.
Harry's loved belly rubs ever
since we got him six years ago.
He wakes up on his back
expecting a belly rub.
If you walk by him
and he's just laying there,
he'll flip over
and expect a belly rub.
TESSITORE: The Humane Society told her
Harry is probably the cutest dog
they've ever seen.
RIGGLE: Wow,
it's a fantastic looking mutt.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Come on.
-You rub my belly, okay?
-DIA: Oh, he will.
Come here. Ah, there you go. Hi.
Okay, that's -- Oh, okay!
-There we go!
-Good boy, Harry.
There you go.
He's getting really into
that belly rub, Joe.
Isn't he? I don't think he's
going to be moving anytime soon.
You know the best part about
a belly rub, Joe,
is when you find --
when you hit that right spot,
just catch 'em in the right --
It's called the thumper.
-TESSITORE: Yeah.
-And you hit that right spot,
-and the leg just starts going.
-That's right.
And they can't -- And they're frozen.
It's like they're paralyzed
almost, like [Groaning]
It's -- It's the best.
When you hit it in the right spot,
it really is satisfying for everybody.
SIMONS: Okay, I'm ready for
Marshmallow. [ Clicks tongue ]
TESSITORE: Next up from Mexico
is Marshmallow,
a Pointer-Dalmatian mix
rescued by Smiling Dog Rescue,
and here today
with her forever dad, Michael.
MICHAEL: We call her Marshmallow
'cause she's soft and sweet.
After the three-month period
that we were supposed
to foster Marshmallow,
there was no two ways about it,
she was going to be my dog.
SIMONS: Oh, there we go.
Daddy's doing it now.
-He's much better.
-Michael: That's my good girl.
Oh, she's loving this.
That's a good belly rub right there.
That is a good belly rub.
Simons: Aww, you like that, huh?
Hi, sweetie.
If I could have Nova come forward?
TESSITORE: Nova's an American
Staffordshire Terrier
rescued by Pups Without Borders.
And Nova's with her rescuer, Evie.
SIMONS: Hi.
She is the nicest wiggly butt girl,
and she just speaks so well
to dogs who are missing limbs
or can't hear.
I think she's just a perfect
representation of the underdog,
and how amazing underdogs are.
-SIMONS: Oh! Okay. Okay.
-EVIE: She'll just flop over.
Well, let's just do some belly rubs.
EVIE: Oh, good girl.
-SIMONS: There you go.
-Yeah.
[ Laughs ]
[ Audience "aww"s ]
TESSITORE: Special-needs dogs
like you see here with Nova
are just wonderful.
They're so courageous.
They're so inspiring.
And they are as happy,
if not more happy, than any other dog.
So we encourage you to consider
adopting a special-needs dog, as well.
That's a good belly rub right there.
That is a good belly rub.
She's really enjoying that.
SIMONS: Oh, such a good girl. Yes.
-I love you. Mm, mm.
-SIMONS: Yeah, hi, sweetie.
We've reached our quota
for belly rubs.
And, legally, I believe
we have to take a break.
We do, we do. Union rules.
Two belly rubs, and you get a "10,"
which is meant to mean that
you get a 10-minute break.
-TESSITORE: Yep.
-But in Hollywood parlance,
I just leave until someone finds me.
It's kind of like a game
of hide and seek, Joe.
That explains a lot
when it comes to you, Rob.
When we return,
our Best in Belly Rub champion
plus categories
Best in Fetching,
Best in Couch Potato,
Best in Ears,
and later, Best in Talking
is absolutely outrageous,
when "The American Rescue Dog Show"
continues, right after this.

[ Dog barks ]

[ Person whistles ]
TESSITORE: Welcome back to
"The American Rescue Dog Show."
Beautiful shot of the
illustrious ribbons, plates,
trophies that the dogs and
their forever families will win.
Pretty exciting stuff there.
Let's get back into the action.
While you were away,
the Best in Belly Rubs category
wrapped up
in dramatic fashion.
Very dramatic!
SIMONS: Okay, Jabba.
TESSITORE: Jabba brought the belly rub
like a champ...
-He likes scritches.
-Scritch -- Scritches!
-Yes.
-There we go.
TESSITORE: ...while Bonnie
took a back dive
with just a little bit
of help.
-Oh, yes. Oh, yes.
-Dig! Dig! Dig! Dig! Dig!
And Spartacus not living up
to the name "ready for battle."
MICAH: Sparty likes to party.
SIMONS: "Sparty likes to party."
TESSITORE: But fully committed
to all things belly rub.
RIGGLE: Oh! Spartacus!
He's trying to say,
"I am Spartacus,"
but it feels too good.
[ Both laughing ]
You know, French Bulldogs are so stocky,
so you're not getting
a lot of that Pilates form
-out of a French Bulldog.
-That's right.
One last look, as all the competitors
-are now in prime belly-rub form.
-RIGGLE: [Laughing] Yep!
-Look at them.
-They're loving this!
-What a great category to take part in.
-Oh! Abs--
You get belly rubs all day long.
All day!
They're not complaining.
They're in heaven right now.
You know, and, folks, let me say this.
This is exactly what I love
about "The American Rescue Dog Show."
This is not about
conformation to the breed.
This is not about bloodlines.
It's about belly rubs.
It's about enjoyment, love,
exactly what you're seeing,
just loving on these precious rescue dogs.
Best in Belly Rub.
Judge Terry Simons taking
one last look at the dogs
before his final decision.
Good baby.
MICHAEL: My good girl.
ANNA: The scritches. Scritches.
Okay, you guys, this was really tough.
You all deserve a spot.
Unfortunately,
we can only have one of you.
[ Nova barks ]
EVIE: Oh.
[ Laughter ]
Okay.
[ Cheers and applause ]

And the winner
in Best in Belly Rubs is...

...Nova!
-Nova wins Best in Belly Rub.
-Yes.
And remember, Nova is deaf,
Nova is missing a leg,
but Nova feels those vibrations
when somebody approaches
and gets down
for a good belly rub.
And now Nova, with Evie,
is headed to compete for Best in Rescue.
Number 17, Nova,
the American Staffordshire Terrier.
EVIE: Good baby, yes.
Let's take a look at our leaderboard.
We have Saber, our Best in Underbite,
Capone for Best in Snoring,
and just like that, Nova,
our Best in Belly Rubs.
They're all moving on
to the Best in Rescue.
That's the finale.
It's a shot to win
an additional 100 grand donation
that'll go to an animal
welfare organization
in that dog's hometown.
Let's go to Monica McNutt
in the winners' area with Nova.
-Nova and Evie, Best in Belly Rubs.
-Hi!
-Congratulations.
-Thank you.
You just won 10K in honor of
precious Nova here.
What would you say to someone
considering adopting a pet
who may come with
a little bit more needs?
The more needs, the better.
That just means -- It builds --
it builds character.
Those are the best dogs.
They're the most deserving.
They will love you so much for life.
Thank you, Evie.
-Congratulations, Nova.
-Thank you.
Guys, back up to you, Joe and Rob.
You know, Joe, we have seen
a bunch of categories.
I actually came up with a bunch
to help out the producers.
"Help."
RIGGLE: No, seriously.
Dogs that look like Joe.
What do you mean, dogs that look like --
Oh, you'd be surprised
how many are out there.
Alright, And dogs that play poker.
-Next.
-RIGGLE: Okay.
This would have been
the Best in Supermodel.
[ Cheers and applause ]
TESSITORE: From Afghan Hound Rescue
of Southern California...
Supermodel Afghans.

This category was actually
kind of a misunderstanding.
I was actually asking production
to order me 20 afghans
'cause I was cold on set.
Ah, afghans, like the blankets.
Honest misunderstanding,
except this is a dog show.
Yeah, well, this is way better.
[ Camera shutter clicking ]

Aww, Joe, that warms my heart.
Can we just move on now, Rob?
I'm still cold, so no.
Heart's warming, nothing else.
Stretch, can you look into
those blankets again, please?
I think we need to take a break.
More "American Rescue Dog Show"
after this short break.
We'll be right back.
[ Dog barks ]

[ Person whistles, dog barks ]
Hey, guys.
You've seen what's going on
in the arena with Joe and Rob.
But I want to take you behind the scenes.
Here at "The American Rescue Dog Show,"
we treat our dogs like
the rock stars that they are.

Here we are, in the dressing room.
Look at this cutie. Now, listen.
No champagne bottles
for these guys,
but plenty of
green squeaky toys.
You like that?
[ Toy squeaks ]

Now, for those of us that need
a little help getting ready
for the day in the morning,
this is where you thrive --
the grooming section.
And you see this cutie foxy getting ready.
But don't you worry. This is not
where the pampering stops.
Of course,
celebrities love free stuff,
and the celebrities
at our events are the dogs.
Instead of swag bags, they'll
get this bed full of wag.
It is so glam back here, you guys.
A cuteness overload, for sure.
I don't think I'm ever leaving.
Back to you, Rob and Joe.
Thanks, Monica.
Well, we've got another category
for everyone watching,
our fourth of the night.
And it is a real show-stopper,
a true testament
to a dog's loyalty -- Best in Fetching.
Seriously, if a dog
will get something for you,
he really loves you.
Very true. Oh, hey!
[ Chuckles ]
Thank you so much, Rob.
Loyalty.
Let's go down to the floor
for Best in Fetching.
[ Cheers and applause ]

COOPER: Welcome.
TESSITORE: For Best in Fetching,
our judge will determine a winner
based on the awesomeness
of their fetching skills.
Your judge in this category,
Best in Fetching,
is Darris Cooper.
Darris is a certified
professional dog trainer,
and a national pet lifestyle expert,
and we're thrilled to have him.
First up is Indy,
an Australian Shepherd
-rescued by Aussie Rescue SoCal.
-[ Indy barks ]
And here today
with her forever dad, Britt.
Tell me a little bit about Indy.
BRITT: Well, you know, she's a sweetheart,
and she likes to herd, the herding dog.
-But of course. Of course.
-Yeah.
Alright, it looks like
Indy's ready to fetch for us.
Let's see how Indy does.
Now, Indy was originally taken in
by a college student.
-Play some ball. Indy, come here.
-But then that student realized
that they couldn't handle
the responsibility,
-You ready? Go.
-so she was a rescue.
[ Cheers and applause ]
And here she is.
Indy going for Best in Fetching.
Uh, Indy's, uh, exited stage left.
Indy saw her chance and is out of here.
COOPER: No problem. Come on back.
Okay. Let's do it again.
Ready?
[ Cheers and applause ]
-Tessitore: Indy!
-RIGGLE: That ball's not getting away.
[ Laughter ]
-Alright, girl. Indy.
-Then right into the camera for Indy.
COOPER: Alright. Great job,
Indy. Thank you so very much.
That's a nice job by Indy,
as Indy gets a great round of applause.
Next up, Tully,
a Border Collie rescued by
the Pasadena Humane Society,
and here today
with their dog mom, Susan.
She just turned 2 years old,
and she's kind of bossy, too.
She's a boss girl. Alright.
Well, I am excited to see
this superstar do her thing,
so let's give it a shot.
[ Cheers and applause ]
TESSITORE: Here she goes,
going after that Frisbee.
-Susan creating some...
-RIGGLE: Oh, what -- Fancy.
...creating some anticipation.
Here's the Frisbee toss.
-Oh, and a great job...
-Oh! Perfect.
...by Tully, getting that golden Frisbee.
COOPER: Amazing!
You know, Tully does it all.
She's an all-around athlete.
She competes in dock-diving, fetch, catch,
and various Frisbee events.
-RIGGLE: And one more time.
-Whoo!
Yes! Tully!
Let's see that again in slow-motion.
TESSITORE: Very nice.
RIGGLE: So good.
Alright, I am looking for Miss Lou Lou.
From Texas, Lou Lou.
She's a Basset Hound
rescued by
Golden Gate Basset Rescue,
and here today with
their forever mom, Valerie.
She makes me laugh all day long.
The real names for these dogs
that I have are Zoloft and Paxil
because they are our antidepressants.
-COOPER: How old is she?
-VALERIE: 9.
9 years young!
9 years young.
-So cute!
-We all get old.
-Oh, she loves you.
-Aww.
TESSITORE: Really playing to the judge.
-RIGGLE: Yeah.
She knows what she's doing.
Go get the ball. Go get it, Lou Lou.
Lou Lou!
Go, Lou Lou!
TESSITORE: Lou Lou has those short legs
and did not use them...
-RIGGLE: Lou Lou.
...to chase after the tennis ball.
Get the ball!
[ Cheers and applause ]
Go get it, Lou Lou!
-Oh, Lou Lou denied the tennis ball.
-Lou Lou, get the ball!
Lou Lou said, "I have
other interests right now,
and that is showing off
in front of the crowd
here at 'The American
Rescue Dog Show.'"
RIGGLE: [ Chuckles ] Lou Lou should have
been in Best in Ears,
Best Couch Potato, and Best Belly Rub.
I don't think fetch
was her thing.
Yay!
A reminder that there are
senior dogs out there
looking for homes,
and they're just as incredible
as some of the young pups
that we enjoy.
Consider adopting
a senior dog like Lou Lou.
All right, we're ready for Pippi.
Pippi, she's
a Jack Russell Terrier mix
rescued by Love Leo Rescue,
and here today
with her adopter, Shayla.
-Hi. How are you?
-Hey.
-How old is Pippi?
-Pippi's 5 years old.
She's very competitive.
She's very clever.
You like that hairdo on Pippi?
Yeah. It's that chic, disheveled thing.
-Yes. Here's Pippi.
-Ready?
RIGGLE: Oh, yeah, yeah.
COOPER: Hey!
-Okay.
-[ Cheers and applause ]
COOPER: Whoo!
-Good girl!
-That's the stuff.
-Drop.
-Pippi retrieving that grounder.
Amazing job, Pippi.
Thank you so very much.
-Look at that!
-There is Pippi.
Highly skilled.
The rocket dog, Pippi.
Alright, Lieutenant Dan,
come on over.
Hey, Joe, it's Lieutenant Dan.
TESSITORE: It is Lieutenant Dan.
And Lieutenant Dan is absolutely beloved.
A Treeing Walker Coonhound
rescued by Animal Advocates Florida,
here today with
their forever mom, Laura Person.
He doesn't know he's
any different. He doesn't care.
He acts like one of the other dogs.
He wrestles with them.
He plays chase with them.
He swims with them.
-I think I'm ready to see this.
-We'll see. He's real nervous.
We're all rooting for him, right?
[ Cheers and applause ]
Come on, Wheels.
TESSITORE: I like that, its a good
nickname for Lieutenant Dan.
-Here he goes. Look at him.
-LAURA: Get it! Get it!
Best in Fetch, Lieutenant Dan.
Get it.
RIGGLE: Go, buddy.
COOPER: Oh, my God.
-RIGGLE: Go, buddy.
-LAURA: Get it? Nope, he's leaving.
Something more interesting.
Something more interesting.
TESSITORE: [ Laughs ]
Lieutenant Dan says,
"Hold on. I'm going
to take a hard left here."
"I'm out of here."
Get it.
Get it. Get it.
-Get it.
-TESSITORE: Glancing off to the left.
RIGGLE: Never even a glance
at the ball, Joe.
-Never even a glance.
-LAURA: Get it. No.
RIGGLE: He really wants
to walk the perimeter.
-Oh, he's coming back.
-[ Ball squeaking ]
He's coming back. Maybe. Maybe.
-Nope. Come on.
-Nope. It's not happening.
-TESSITORE: Oh.
-RIGGLE: Nope.
Listen, I think he's enamored
with the spotlights,
-RIGGLE: Yes.
-with the crowd, with all the attention.
Well, looks like we're having
a great time anyways.
And that's really --
That's all that counts, right?
-Lieutenant Dan's headed for the 405.
-Yes.
Yeah, Lieutenant Dean
has a date up in Malibu.
-That's right. He's outta here.
-He's got a lunch date.
Alright, Love, you're up next.
Come on up to the mark.
TESSITORE: Love, she's a Husky Labradoodle
rescued by Delaney's Dog Rescue,
and here today
with her dog dad, Denis.

RIGGLE: Oh. Oh, almost caught it
in the air, Joe,
without even a one-hopper.
TESSITORE: Here goes Love,
the Husky Labradoodle.
-Whoo!
-RIGGLE: Whoa.
COOPER: In the air.
[ Cheering and applause ]
RIGGLE: She knows the audience
is appreciating.
Did you see her look
at the audience just then
like, "Yeah, you bet.
You want to see another one?"
COOPER: Okay!
TESSITORE: There it is, off the bounce,
and into her mouth.
COOPER: Great job!
RIGGLE: Three for three, Joe.
[ Dog barks ]
And last but not least,
we have Phineas!
And our final dog, Phineas,
a Blue Heeler Cattle Dog
rescued by
Helping Herders Rescue,
here today with forever dad John.
Phineas can jump higher than me.
I can put up the Frisbee.
He can jump and catch it in the air.
You're going to see it.
The connection and the love
from rescuing a dog,
that connection that you get,
there's nothing like it.
Ready? Uh-oh.
TESSITORE: He is a year and 4 months old,
-weighing 35 pounds.
-Release.
Going for that red Frisbee,
here's Phineas!
COOPER: Whoo!
RIGGLE: Nice!
TESSITORE: Good tracking.
RIGGLE: Good tracking
and a nice toss there.
TESSITORE: Good speed.
JOHN: That's a good boy, baby.
They work together well.
COOPER: Thank you so much, Phineas.
- [Cheering and applause ]
-RIGGLE: All right.
What a great category, Joe.
And the Best in Fetching,
moving on to the finals is...

...Tully!
[ Cheers and applause ]
COOPER: Come on over.

Congratulations, baby.
-[ Cheers and applause ]
-Yay!
Riggle: Look at those eyes. So happy.
TESSITORE: Our Best in Fetching is Tully,
the Border Collie, number 40.
Congratulations to Susan and Tully.
And now the path to Best in Rescue
includes a step forward by Tully.
Wow. I don't know about you,
but all that fetching made me
kind of tired, Joe.
Well, it's time for us to
take a break, rest our voices.
And our eyes.
We'll be back with more
"American Rescue Dog Show"
after this.
And he's...out.
[ Person whistles, dog barks ]

[ Person whistles, dog barks ]
[ Dog growls ]
It's that dog.

Bones.
Joe, it's that dog, Bones.
It's still stalking me.
TESSITORE: Rob, there is no dog.
Where'd it go? It -- It was --
It was right there.
Joe, you gotta believe me.
-It was right --
-There's no dog.
Was it in my mind?
It was in my mind.
Welcome back to
"The American Rescue Dog Show."
Let's doggy-paddle
back into the competition.
This category's my favorite.
Every category
can't be your favorite, Rob.
But it is true that this is
a really good category.
This is Best in Couch Potato, my friend.
Let's get to the floor for the action.
TESSITORE: It's a gathering of dogs that
know the finest things in life,
like relaxing.
Your judge for this category
is Lisa Arturo.
RIGGLE: Look at this -- Look at this pose.
-Look at this guy! He's got the --
-Look at this!
All the paws are up.
He's totally opened up.
He's maxing and relaxing.
He looks like he's got
an underbite, too.
He should have been
double entered.
May I have Joy to the couch, please?
TESSITORE: First up,
all the way from South Korea,
it is Joy,
a Borzoi rescued
by Greyhound Friends for Life.
And Joy is with
her forever mom, Margie.
ARTURO: She's beautiful.
MARGIE: Thank you.
So, in your opinion,
what makes her a couch potato?
Is that, like, her favorite
thing to do all day, or she --
Well, she -- she's active
in the morning,
very active in the morning.
Okay.
And then, if you're looking
for her, look on the couch,
-upside-down with a big smile on her face.
-Oh!
TESSITORE: 5 years old.
So affectionate, Rob.
Absolutely.
Took to that couch very easily.
Come on, Joy-Joy!
Come on, Joy-Joy!
Couch Potato may be one
of the more difficult divisions
and competitions we have,
because the bright lights,
the cameras,
the sense of competition.
Yes, absolutely.
May I have Hennessy
to the couch, please?
JERI: Let's do this. Come on.
TESSITORE: Next up, Hennessy, a Bulldog
rescued by Balooja's Foundation,
and here today
with his foster mom, Jeri.
ARTURO: Yay, Hennessy!
[ Both laugh ]
Aww!
ARTURO: Come on. Let's give you a hand.
There you go.
JERI: Whoa. Oh!
ARTURO: Hi, honey!
Are you having a rough day?
TESSITORE: Hennessy is
9 years old, and you can tell
he is one heck of a couch potato.
RIGGLE: Look at that.
He is made for that couch.
-[ Audience "aww"s ]
-You know, all he needs right now
is a bowl of chips and a remote control,
and he is, like,
completely set for the night.
ARTURO: Well, Hennessy, uh, as much
as I don't want to disturb you,
it is time for your walk.
Come on, come on, buddy.
A couch potato after my own heart.
That's a dog that'll binge-watch
"The Bachelor" with you, Rob.
Ah, true love.
You basically
go on "The Bachelor"
to find someone to watch
"The Bachelor" with.
-It's very meta.
-Very meta.
Dustin is a Basset mix rescued
by Golden Empire Basset,
and he's here today
with his adopted mom, Elena.
The kind of dog that they say
will stay on the couch
all day long.
ARTURO: Wow, Dustin,
you have adorable ears.
Dustin loves to make a fool of himself.
He loves to kiss you.
He is like a little bright light
at the end of the tunnel.
He is just amazing.
Oh, thank you --
Oh, thank you for --
-ELENA: He also loves kisses.
-Oh!
TESSITORE: Here you see Dustin
really engage with the judge.
I mean, he's kissing the judge,
which you would think
would go over very well, but,
you want to prove yourself
as a worthy couch potato.
Yeah. You just gotta turn off,
Joe, like this.
Yeah.
[ Cheers and applause ]
ELENA: Alright, come on. Good boy.
-ARTURO: What a good baby.
-[ Laughs ]
What I'd really like is for you
to be engaged and energized
and really play
to the cameras here, but --
[ Snores quietly ]
You're still talking?
-It's what I do for a living.
-Oh, boy.
ARTURO: May I have Biff
to the couch, please?
[ Cheers and applause ]
ARTURO: Hi, Biff!
Biff -- Miniature Poodle mix Biff --
was rescued by Ozzie and Friends.
And Biff is here today
with his forever mom, Diana.
Now, Biff goes upper deck.
RIGGLE: Upper deck, look, Joe.
TESSITORE: Biff immediately understands
what it is to be a couch potato
but elevates the level of couch potato,
going upper couch.
Biff clearly understands
what's at stake here.
You look very, very comfortable.
Thank you so much.
-[ Cheers and applause ]
- Let's go, let's go!
ARTURO: Thank you, Biff.
Sparrow, you're up next.

TESSITORE: Sparrow, a Boxer mix
rescued by WAGS Pet Adoption.
-ARTURO: Hi, Sparrow!
-Sparrow is here with her dog mom, Amy.
Sparrow going to plop down
and take some time off?
Sparrow is actually only 14 months old,
and she's a Boxer,
so even more higher energy.
-Okay.
-Put her right on her back.
-Whoa!
-There we go.
Oh, that does -- that does
look comfortable, Sparrow, I must say.
RIGGLE: Amy pulled Sparrow
into this position,
so I don't know if that counts.
-I-I would deduct points.
-I would.
Now, listen, I give Amy credit
for saying, "We gotta win this thing."
-"Yeah, you gotta relax, Sparrow."
-and -- and go for it.
But I need Sparrow to do it.
ARTURO: Thank you. Thanks, Sparrow.

[ Dog barks ]
May I have Bully
to the couch?
TESSITORE: From France, we have Bully,
a French Bulldog-pit bull mix
competing on behalf
of Wags & Walks Rescue.
And Bully is with
his forever mom, Donna.
ARTURO: You are just beautiful.
Now, I heard
that Bully, uh, has a passport.
-DONNA: Yes.
-Wow!
You're fancy.
[ Laughter ]
-Aww.
-Aww, Bully.
What you do with your front paws
and your head position,
I think, is absolutely critical.
I personally like when
the typical couch potato
will duck the paws underneath
and bury them where their head
is covering their paws
-so you can't even see the front paws.
-Oh, yeah.
That's a great move
for a dog couch potato.
That's the snuggle move.
That's the --
-Yeah, totally.
-"I'm -- I'm burrowing in."
- [Bully barking ]
- ARTURO: Yeah.
ARTURO: Thank you, buddy.
DONNA: Thank you.
[ Cheers and applause ]
ARTURO: And, Willy, you are up.
Hi, Willy.
TESSITORE: And our final dog, Willy.
He's an Afghan Hound
rescued by Afghan Hound Rescue,
Southern California.
Willy is with his forever mom, Kim.
ARTURO: Come on, Willy!
-Come on.
-Up here, up here.
-Come on. Hi, Willy.
-That's my boy.
Wow! Willy, this is what my hair
was supposed to look like today.
TESSITORE: Nicknamed "Chilly Willy."
Now, Chilly Willy just settled
right into that couch.
And Willy is a purebred Afghan.
-He is, he is, yeah.
-Wow.
And many people don't realize
that you can get
pure-breed dogs in shelters.
TESSITORE: Willy gets groomed
every two weeks.
RIGGLE: Oh,
as well he should.
As well should your beard.
-Uh --
-I-I'm sorry.
Was that -- Was the mic open there?
Yeah. No, I heard you.
Everybody heard you.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Hey, there were a lot of lazy dogs here
exhibiting a lot of different techniques
to try to conquer Best in Couch Potato.
But there can only be one
Best in Couch Potato
to earn a trip to the finals
and Best in Rescue.
Who will it be?
ARTURO: The winner
of Best in Couch Potato
and advancing to the finals is...

-...Biff!
-Yay!
TESSITORE: Oh, Biff!
RIGGLE: Biff! Oh, yeah, look,
-Biff woke up.
-Look at Biff.
Biff's like, "That's me.
That's me."
"They called my name.
They called my name."
The Miniature Poodle mix,
Biff, number 10,
is Best in Couch Potato.
I love the Miniature Poodles,
'cause they'll go upper deck, right?
RIGGLE: Yes. Absolutely.
Didn't even think about it.
Just jumped up and said,
"Now this is my --"
He did it again!
He knows his spot.
[ Cheers and applause ]
TESSITORE: Congratulations to our
Best in Couch Potato.
They just won $10,000 to be donated
in honor of Ozzie and Friends.
Way to go, Biff.
ARTURO: Good job. Good job.
[ Laughs ]

Let's talk to
the winner backstage
and see how they're feeling.
Monica, take it away.
Biff and Diana,
you guys just won $10,000
to the rescue that Biff came from,
And you are off to the finals
for a chance to win another $100,000
that will also go to rescuing animals.
What is going through your mind right now?
I'm still in shock.
There were so many great
couch potatoes out there.
We are just happy to be you know,
nominated and in the running
and really glad it's going
to a great cause, so...
Well, Diana and Biff, I can't
get enough of this guy cuddling.
Congratulations.
We will see you in the finals
for Best in Rescue.
Back to you,
Joe and Rob.
Thanks, Monica. We'll be back
with more "American
Rescue Dog Show" after this.

[ Dog snorts ]
A dog sneeze, they go --
[Huffs]
-Yeah, well --
-They go side to side, usually.
A human sneeze is more of an
up and down, like, a wha-wham.
Right. So y-you don't believe
there's any human
who sneezes horizontally.
All human sneezes are vertical?
Yes. That's a fact. That's science.
[ Laughs ]
Welcome back to
"The American Rescue Dog Show."
You're going to love
this next category, Rob.
-Oh, yeah?
-Oh, yeah.
-I'm all ears.
-It's Best in Ears.
That's perfect.
Let's go down to the floor.
-See what I did?
-I saw what you did.
TESSITORE: Here are your top seven
for Best in Ears.
A Basset Hound,
-a Miniature Schnauzer...
-RACHEL: Yes!
...a real mutt, everything
but the kitchen sink of breeds,
an English Cocker mix,
-a Podenco Canario...
-JULIE: Good boy. Yes.
-...a German Shepherd mix...
-SCOTT: Come on. Yes. Come on.
...an American Bull Terrier...
MAN: Good boy.
...and...
[ Woman smooching ]

A pig?
-Whoa. What? Joe, no.
-What?
That's a cool-looking dog.
[ Woman smooching ]
Come on!
[ Cheering ]
Man: Sooie! Sooie!
Well.
Woman: [ Smooching ]
Come on.
It's pretty clear that that is a pig, Rob.
That's a pig.
No, no, that's a dog,
a real dog.
[ Laughs ]
Never seen a pig with those kind
of ears, I'll tell you.

[ Pig oinks ]
It just oinked. Rob!
It just oinked.
-Your "dog" --
-That was a bark.
-It was not a bark.
-That was a bark.
Come on, now, let's stop
all this silly chatter
and watch all these dogs compete.
Woman:
Come here. Come here.

[ Pig grunts ]
By the way, the pig is, uh --
Wh-What are you --
What are you doing there?
Nothing.
I'm doing some notes, Joe.
Focus on what's going on out there.
No, no, are those odds?
Is that a money line?
No, no, no.
This is a couple phone numbers
-I gotta call.
-It just said 10-1 on that.
[ Laughing ]
It did not.
Did you just -- Are you
getting action on the pig?
[ Clears throat ]
Nope.
That's not a pig, by the way.
That's a dog.
[ Pig grunting ]
Uh, excuse me.
[ Dodger barks ]
I'm so sorry, but this is Best in Ears
for dogs.
[ Pig oinks ]
TESSITORE: Oh, and look at this.
Judge Callie is clearly
-having none of this.
-What is this?
She is holding up the great standards
of "The American Rescue Dog Show."
Oh, Joe, this is not good.
Let the dog compete.
Let what dog?
-The dogs are competing.
-"Let the dog compete.
Let the dog compete."
If you think you're going
to try to mobilize
-and galvanize this crowd --
-Oh-oh. Here she goes, here she goes.
-Oh, no.
-I'm not sure if your pig
can stay in this competition.
-No, no!
-I'm so sorry.
[ Pig grunting ]
I know. I love pigs, okay?
[ Sighs ]
And he does have great ears,
but, unfortunately,
I'm going to have to ask
your pig to exit stage.
[ Audience groaning ]

TESSITORE: The right thing was done.
The pig is out of the competition.
Let's go to the floor.
[ Sighs ]
This is not -- not good, Joe.
HARRIS: First up is Bunny.
If I'll have Bunny to the mark, please.
TESSITORE: Bunny, an American Bull Terrier
rescued by Deity Animal Rescue,
and here today
with her foster, Ellen.
When we are out and about,
her ears totally get her extra attention.
People look, and they smile, and
you can read it on their face
that they're just watching her ears
kind of prance down the street.
HARRIS: I am getting
an amazing look at her ears.
I mean, I feel like she's communicating.
And as a vet, I get a lot of
my cues from my patients' ears.
Okay, next up is Charlie Hound.
TESSITORE: Charlie Hound, a Basset Hound
rescued by Basset Hounds Rescue of SoCal,
and here today
with his adopted dad, Isaiah.
Charlie's ears are these
massive, super-long, wide ears
that drag across the whole floor.
And fun fact, I stopped buying
brooms once I got Charlie,
'cause he sweeps the floor with his ears.
[ Laughs ]
HARRIS: Oh, my gosh.
ISAIAH: Look at this.
I mean, amazing.
ISAIAH: Thank you.
Amazing.
TESSITORE: Look at the ear span.
Not the wingspan, that's the ear span.
That's like the Spruce Goose wingspan.
Charlie, the Basset Hound.
-That was like a full football field.
-[ Laughs ]

We'll be back with more
"American Rescue Dog Show"
after this.

TESSITORE: For all the
pet parents watching tonight,
did you know that at some point
in their lifetimes,
one in three pets go missing?
You can sign up free today
for Petco Love Lost
to protect your pet
should the unthinkable happen.
Go to
abc.com/theamericanrescuedogshow
for more information.

[ Person whistles, dog barks ]
Welcome back to
"The American Rescue Dog Show."
-You know, I barely want to even watch...
-Why?
...since they missed an opportunity
to make my dog a winner.
Oh [Stammers] Rob, that was a pig.
We-- We're not going
to get into it right now.
You can't win 100 grand
with a pig entry here.
-Hold on! Do not besmirch my dog...
-"Dog."
...good sir. Be respectful
of my pig's sensitivity.
Oh! So now you admit.
You just said "pig."
You admit it was a --
I'm glad you're doing that.
No, no, that's my dog's name,
is "My Pig."
Your dog's name is "My Pig"?
Well, technically, it's Dr. My Pig.
Alright, let's take a look
at what we missed
while we were at break.
HARRIS: Okay.
Dodger, you're up next.
Come on, Dodger.
TESSITORE: Dodger,
a German Shepherd mix,
displayed some fine ears
on the floor.
[ Toy squeaking ]
Let me see. Let's see.
[ Gasps ] There we go.
TESSITORE: Quickly upstaged
by Aroa's on-point ears.
I understand Aroa
is a Podenco Canario.
A breed that we're
not so familiar with
here in the States.
She's giving me
supermodel vibes.
TESSITORE: And Jin brought the heat
with a classic floppy ear coif.
HARRIS: This blond bombshell.
[ Stevo laughs ]
Jin's ears are beautiful.
Come here.
Come on the green.
Another belly rubber.
What can you say?
TESSITORE: Peanut -- Well, Peanut had a
familiar vibe for Judge Callie.
-I feel like Peanut reminds me of someone.
-Kristen: Mm-hmm.
-Maybe Baby Yoda?
-A little bit, right?
Okay, I was correct.
Next up, Bunny Steinberg.
TESSITORE: And finally,
Bunny Steinberg.
Those radar dishes
really wowed the crowd.
HARRIS: Oh, my goodness.
Look at these ears.
They're perfect.
RIGGLE: This is the "Top Gun"
of canine ear competition.
The best of the best are here today.
Also, I don't know of
any other dog ear competition,
-so, really, this is the only one.
-Oh, y-you don't --
You don't think there are
dog ear competitions
-throughout the country?
-I don't -- I don't know of any,
and I've got my finger
on the pulse of canine America.
Let's find out who the winner is
for Best in Ears.
Let's go down to the arena floor.
Alright, last look, guys.
[ Sighs ]

[ Dodger barks ]

So many beautiful dogs,
and they are all amazing.
But there can only be one winner.
And you all have
the most incredible ears,
so you did not make my job any easier.
But the Best in Ears dog
advancing to the final is...

...Charlie Hound!
- Whoa!
-Charlie Hound, the Basset Hound!
How about that!
Charlie Hound, number 47...
...the Basset Hound, is Best in Ears.
RIGGLE: You know, in some ways,
a surprise,
and in some ways, not a surprise.
TESSITORE: I loved the way Charlie Hound
finished up the competition...
...because he went with the ear span.
I thought the ear span
put it over the top.
That locked it in.
That was the golden moment.
That was the turning point.
[ Cheers and applause ]
TESSITORE: What a great story
with Charlie Hound.
He was living in a shelter
on the San Diego-Mexican border
and then was rescued.
-And now here he is, a division winner...
-Yes.
...potentially taking Best in Rescue
thanks to those massive ears.
On his way to the finals, Joe.
Let's go to Monica McNutt
in the winners' area.
I'm here with Charlie and his dad, Isaiah,
who just won Best in Ears.
These are quite the ears.
Are you surprised that Charlie
picked up this award?
The competition was steep.
Um, no, the competition was steep,
but with these ears, how do we lose?
You guys are on to potentially
be the Best in Rescue
-in the finals, congratulations.
-Thank you so much.
-I'm so excited.
-Charlie, you did great, my guy.
Let's get it back upstairs to Rob and Joe.
Let's take a look
at the leaderboard.
So, we continue to fill in
our competition round.
Another semifinalist
is on the leaderboard,
everyone here headed
to Best in Rescue.
We're going to take a quick break.
When we return,
it's Best in Talking,
plus the finale,
Best in Rescue overall,
when "The American Rescue Dog Show,"
right here on ABC, returns.
[ Dog barks ]

Welcome back to
"The American Rescue Dog Show."
-I'm Joe Tessitore.
-And I'm Rob Riggle.
And this is our last
semifinal competition
before we get to our big one,
Best in Rescue.
It's Best in Talking.
Hey, I think we know a little
something about that one, Joe.
Uh, some would debate that.
But let's get to the floor.
Here are your top seven
for Best in Talking.
-Oh, they are talking already.
-[ Dogs barking ]
You hear them down there, Joe?
[ Dog howling ]
Judging Best in Talking
is Darris Cooper.
[ Puka barks, howls ]
Alright. I'm ready for
Inigo Montoya. Come on over.
TESSITORE: Inigo Montoya,
a Poodle-terrier mix
rescued by Friends for Life
Humane Society,
and here today with his forever mom,
Cathy Brooks.
Why don't we take a look
at the video, shall we?
[ Inigo whining ]

[ Whining continues ]
[ Tessitore laughs ]

Good job, all right, good job.
TESSITORE: You know what I love about it?
It's not barking.
It's talking.
COOPER: [ Laughing ] Adorable.
Awesome job. Thank you.
TESSITORE: Interesting fact about Inigo.
His favorite treat --
-beef lung and trachea.
-Ugh!
Alright, Puka, you're up next!
TESSITORE: Next up is Puka.
She's a Boxer-Bulldog mix
representing spcaLA...
Hi!
...and here today with
her forever mom, Christine.
[ Puka howling ]
-Do you want more?
- [ Laughing ]
-That's amazing.
-She'll give you the full biography.
I'm sure she would.
But you know what?
We're lucky,
because we have a video.
CHRISTINE: Do you want a cheeseburger?
[ Puka groans ]
[ Puka howling ]
You want French fries?
[ Puka groans ]
[ Puka vocalizing, howling ]

That's Phantom of the Opera.
That's Phantom of the Opera.
[ Puka howling ]
RIGGLE: Oh, my gosh.
Puka loves to talk.
TESSITORE: And here's what's wonderful.
As Puka is watching the video play,
Puka's in the ring singing along
to Puka on videotape.
RIGGLE: Puka likes the sound of Puka.
That's right.
TESSITORE: Puka has a cleft palate,
and there are many dogs just like her
in shelters, waiting to be rescued.
As you can see,
they make wonderful pets.
I'm looking for that talker Romeo.
-Come on over.
-Come on.
TESSITORE: Romeo is a terrier mix
rescued by
the Dexter Foundation,
and here today
with his dog mom, Georja.
When we first got him,
he was almost a year old,
but he had never had a family before.
He was a street dog,
and he had broken legs.
I don't think he started talking
for a while,
till he started feeling
a lot more settled.
-We have the video.
-Okay.
[ Romeo groans ]
GEORJA: Yeah? What else?
-[ Romeo grumbles ]
-Really?
Did you see the dolphins? Yeah?
-[ Romeo whining ]
-Yeah?
TESSITORE: I think Romeo
does a really good job...
-Georja: Oh, really?
-...expressing his feelings,
expressing how he feels.
RIGGLE: Yes.
Yes.
COOPER: [ Chuckles ]
Absolutely adorable.
Wounded street puppy who was picked up
and then adopted by Georja.
Can I have Sierra
to the mark, please?
TESSITORE: Sierra, an Afghan Hound
rescued by
Afghan Hound Rescue
of Southern California.
And Sierra is with
her forever mom, Donna.
-[ Sierra howls ]
-Oh, okay!
[ Laughter ]
Amazing.
Let's take a look
at her video, shall we?
[ Wanser and Sierra howling ]
DONNA: Sierra! Oh, Sierra!
Oh, Sierra!
You want to see "Luca"?
You want to see "Luca"?
"Quit asking me! I said yes!"
Sierra, you want a cookie?
[ Stops howling ]
[ Laughter ]
Amazing job.
Thank you so very much, Sierra.
TESSITORE: "You said cookie?"
RIGGLE: Yeah, "Don't play around
with me, lady."
-TESSITORE: "You said cookie."
-"You said cookie. I heard you say it."
"Now, that cookie better show up
right here. You said cookie."
Sky to the mark, please.
[ Cheering and applause ]
TESSITORE: Sky is a Siberian Husky
representing Second Chance
Pet Adoptions...
...and she's here today
with her forever mom, Cyndy.
It was a self-rescue.
She was actually with a family
that kept her in the kennel 24/7.
We got her in the car, and
she literally was yelling at us
like, "Let's go home.
Let's go do something."
So, yeah, immediately, It was adorable.
Cooper: Take a look.
[ Sky growling ]
-Sky will let you know how she is feeling.
-Yeah.
[ Sky barks, growls ]
[ Sky vocalizing ]
CYNDY: You got something to tell me?
[ Sky groaning ]
[ Sky howling ]
No. You need to stop arguing with me.
Just come downstairs.
[ Sky howls ]
No, you're not getting back in the bed.
That's not your bed up there, come on.
[ Sky growling, bouncing ]
[ Laughter ]
Thank you.
[ Laughs ]
That is amazing.
Thank you so very much.
Bye-bye, Sky.
TESSITORE: Great baritone voice
out of Sky.
Very expressive, deep voice.
Almost has a human-like quality...
-RIGGLE: Yes.
-...to engage fully
in the conversation.
[ Dogs howling ]
RIGGLE; Oh, they're still talking
down there, Joe.
They can't help themselves.
COOPER: Alright, Bellerina,
please come forward.
TESSITORE: Bellerina, a Maltipoo
rescued by
Priceless Pets Rescue,
and here today
with her forever mom, Kelsie.
COOPER: So, I hear that she has
a very special ability.
-Tell me a little bit about it.
-So, she says "I love you,"
"yes," "no," "I don't wanna."
Let's see if we can get an "I love you."
Do you love me, Bella?
Do you love me? Speak!
[ Whining "I love you" ]
I love you. Yeah.
[ Cheering and applause ]
Oh, my gosh.
I would love to see some more.
Let's take a look at this video.
KELSIE: I love you.
Do you love me? Speak.
Say, "I love you." Speak.
[ Gravelly whining ]
TESSITORE: I believe I heard
Bellerina just say "I love you."
Can you say, "Hello"?
[ Bellerina yowling "Hello" ]
Good job.
TESSITORE: I believe I just heard
Bellerina say "Hello."
COOPER: Oh, my God.
RIGGLE: I think I did, too.
Bellerina, you guys are such
an amazing team. Bye, guys.
RIGGLE: This is a great dog, Joe.
TESSITORE: That's incredible.
Bellerina is incredible.
RIGGLE: All animals have
the ability to mimic,
but I've never heard a dog
actually get close to English.
COOPER: Marina to the mark, please.
TESSITORE: And finally, Marina.
She's a Husky mix rescued
by Hollywood Huskies.
And she's here today with Jan.
So let's see what she can do.
Jan: Okay.
Let's take a look.
[ Marina howling ]
Jan: Yes? Yeah?
Did you --
[ Marina howling ]
Did you have a good weekend?
[ Marina grumbles ]
Show me where the treats are.
Show me where the treats are.
[ Marina howling ]
-You want a coconut blueberry stick?
-"Over here!"
JAN: You do? Okay, let's go this way.
-"Open the cupboard!"
-JAN: Go to the treats.
Where are the treats?
"Right in here!
You know where they are!
-Quit playing games with me!"
-JAN: Okay. There you go.
[ Marina howling ]
[ Cheers and applause ]
Beautiful job, Marina.
Thank you so very much.
Bye, guys.
TESSITORE: A beautiful Husky coat.
Well, That is Marina
trying to win Best in Talking.
I was truly impressed and inspired
by all of the voices that I heard tonight.
But there was one that really
stood out to me, for sure.

The Best in Talking,
advancing to the finals, is...
Bellerina!
TESSETORE: Listen, it was a great,
great group of competitors
for Best in Talking.
But Bellerina, Rob -- Bellerina
was speaking, Bellerina.
RIGGLE: She was speaking.
I actually felt like there were
sentences and thoughts
being exchanged
between human and canine.
Bellerina, number 25,
advancing to the finals.
The Maltipoo
looking to nail down
Best in Rescue,
having now the crown Best in Talking.
Say, "Thank you."
Can you say, "Thank you"?
Say, "Thank you." Speak.
[ Bellerina barks ]
[ Kelsie laughs ]
All right.
Hold on.
This is getting weird, man.
I mean, Joe, are you seeing this?
[ Laughs ]
Look, I know it's not real.
I mean, it can't be...real.
Oh, boy. Joe?
Joe, it's got me.
Joe, I can't see.
Oh, boy.
What's happening, Joe?
Joe! Joe!

Oh, my gosh, she's here.
TESSITORE: Hey. Bones.
Oh. Oh, hey, you don't want
to hurt old Robbie.
-I'll be your friend! Yes, I will!
-Well, Rob's made a friend here.
And, actually, Bones the dog is
just one of several dogs tonight
that are still looking for a forever home.
Now, if you're interested
in any of these dogs,
just go to
abc.com/theamericanrescuedogshow
for more information
on how you can adopt them.
And now we've got to take a break.
All of our semifinal winners,
they are just incredible.
One of them's going to take
the title of Best in Rescue.
An additional 100 grand donation
is going to go to
an animal welfare organization
in that dog's hometown.
Our Best in Rescue final
and celebrity judges
are coming up right after this.
You don't want to miss it.

[ Person whistles, dog barks ]
You know what's next?
I think it's pretty obvious
what's next. Puppies!
Close -- Puppies!
I just said that.
Oh, yeah. They're so precious.
They're adorable.
-Gotta goose the ratings.
-No doubt about that.
Now, listen, you can actually
adopt puppies like this
from shelters
and rescue groups,
so there's no need to buy one
from a breeder or a pet store.

It is time for our biggest
competition of the night,
Best in Rescue.
But before we do that,
we want to acknowledge a dog
that didn't place in the competition
but still won our hearts,
and, Rob, I'm sure yours.
It's our Mr. or Mrs. Congeniality.
The winner for Mr. Congeniality is...
-Lieutenant Dan.
-Hey!
Let's give Lieutenant Dan
a round of applause.
There he is,
the 3-year-old
Treeing Walker Coonhound.
Magnificent Lieutenant Dan.
RIGGLE: One of the happiest dogs
-in the competition.
-But he is one of the happiest dogs
we have seen
throughout the competition.
TESSETORE: Remember,
special needs dogs
can be some of the most
inspiring, courageous,
and beautiful companions
among all rescue dogs.
Congratulations, Lieutenant Dan.
Now it is the finals.
This is the rescue dog Super Bowl.
Who's it going to be?
I know I can't choose.
Well, which is why we've got
celebrities to do it for us.
It's probably the hardest
they've ever had to work.
TESSITORE: Let's meet
our celebrity judges.
Her character in
"Lady and the Tramp" hated dogs,
and that was a very
challenging role for her,
since she absolutely
loves them.
It's Yvette Nicole Brown.
[ Cheers and applause ]
He's an actor, writer, singer,
and a sweet Southern gentleman
known for his Emmy-winning
portrayal of Beverley Leslie
on "Will & Grace."
It's Leslie Jordan.
[ Cheers and applause ]
And finally, she's a superstar
who does it all --
singer, dancer,
choreographer, actress.
But above all, she's a mom
to three rescue dogs.
It's Paula Abdul!
[ Cheers and applause ]
And our floor judge for our
final round is Terry Simons.
And now, please put
your hands together
for your finalists
for Best in Rescue.

First up is
Best in Underbite, Saber,
a French Bulldog-American
Staffy mix.
Look at that. Lookit.
Best in Snoring, Capone,
a pit bull mix.
Aww. Aww.
Best in Belly Rubs, Nova, an
American Staffordshire Terrier.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Best in Fetching, Tully,
a Border Collie.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Best in Ears, Charlie Hound,
a Basset Hound.
Hi!
[ Cheers and applause ]
Best in Talking, Bellerina,
a Maltese and Poodle mix.
Aww.
[ Cheers and applause ]
And last but not least,
Best in Couch Potato,
Biff, a Miniature Poodle mix.
[ Laughs ]

[ Cheers and applause ]
May I have our
Best in Underbite winner,
Saber, to the mark, please?
[ Cheers and applause ]
TESSITORE: Remember,
each dog will be judged
on their specific category
that they've won.
Saber was the winner
in Best in Underbite.
Hi, there, Saber. Let me see that.
Oh, my goodness. Look at that.
You have an amazing underbite, my dear.
Now, if we can let the judges
take a good look at this.
-PAULA: Hi, Saber.
-YVETTE: Hi, Saber.
-LESLIE: Hi, Saber.
-TESSITORE: As our celebrity judges
are able to see
that underbite up close.
Best in Underbite, Saber.
Okay, I'm looking for Capone.
Come on forward!
TESSITORE: Your Best in Snoring, Capone.
Hi, Capone!
Oh, my God.
-There you go.
-Yes, there you go.
Hi, buddy, how are you?
[ Laughter ]
Okay. I know he's in the finals
for a reason,
so why don't we stand up
and take a look
and see his snoring video?
[ Capone snoring ]
[ Laughter ]
SIMONS: Oh, he's wagging his tail.
[ Laughter ]
TESSITORE: I think our celebrity
judges have to appreciate
the depth of the snore of Capone.
[ Laughter ]
[ Cheers and applause ]
Thank you, Capone.
ALL: Capone! Capone!
-PAULA: Oh, just a love bug.
-[ Yvette exclaiming ]
TESSITORE: Best in Snoring going for
Best overall in Rescue.
He's so cute.
We're ready for our
Best in Belly Rubs, Nova!
Here is Nova, 6-year-old, 45 pounds.
She is gorgeous, and she
has become a fan favorite.
EVIE: Nova, you want to lay down?
[ All "aww"ing ]
SIMONS: There we go.
Little belly rub.
EVIE: She'll stay here
as long as you keep petting her.
I really do honestly
hate to interrupt this,
'cause she's --
she's just enjoying this.
But the other judges
need to see her,
so let's take her over
to see the judges over here.
-ABDUL: Nova?
-SIMONS: Come on, Nova!
-Thank you, Nova.
-Come on!
-Come on. Nova.
-Nova, come!
-Hi!
-Evie: She's deaf, by the way.
-Oh, she's deaf.
-Aww.
[ Cheers and applause ]
SIMONS: Thank you, Nova.
Good girl.
I'm ready for our
Best in Fetching, Tully!
TESSITORE: Tully was spectacular
when the stakes were highest.
Everything on the line for Tully, though.
Let's see if she can perform
like that again.
Simons: Hi!
Susan: Oh.
-Well, she loves fetching,
-Yes.
and it looks like you have
some Frisbees for us.
-Yes.
-Do you mind showing off your fetching?
Of course not.
TESSITORE: You know, you step
onto this purple carpet
with an underbite, it's just there.
You don't have to put forth
and perform at that moment.
But for Tully,
this is the moment
where she has to step up again.
Good girl.
Go get it.
This one's --
[ All exclaiming indistinctly ]
-RIGGLE: That was dynamite.
-That was great.
That was all four paws off the ground.
Well done, Tully.
TESSITORE: Unique pressure on Tully
that you get to Best in Rescue,
and you have to perform at that moment.
RIGGLE: That's right. Look at that tail
wagging, though.
Tully's having the time of her life.
SIMONS: Okay, I'm ready
in our Best in Ears,
-Charlie Hound!
-ABDUL: Yay, Charlie!
TESSITORE: Best in Ears, Charlie Hound.
Even Isaiah admits that
the length of Charlie's ears,
which won him Best in Ears,
are a hazard -- he trips over them.
SIMONS: Well, if you don't mind,
want to show me some ears?
You ready?
Let's have them.
Here we go, Charlie.
[ Laughter ]
TESSITORE: What a move that is by Charlie.
RIGGLE: Oh!
That's his signature move.
It's a flex.
It's like when, uh, uh,
Schwarzenegger went into the crab
back in Mr. Olympus days.
[ Judges murmuring indistinctly ]
Charlie!
BROWN: Hi, baby!
Bellerina, our Best in Talking,
come on forward!
TESSITORE: Bellerina.
Bellerina, 9 years old.
She weighs 25 pounds.
,-She's so impressive.
-Well, she speaks English.
She does. She speaks.
SIMONS: Why don't we take a look
at the monitor
-and see her talking video?
-[ Kelsie laughing ]
KELSIE: I love you.
Do you love me? Speak.
Say, "I love you."
Speak.
[ Gravelly whining ]
ABDUL: Oh, my God.
-KELSIE: I love you, too, baby.
Can you say, "Hello"?
[ Bellerina yowling "Hello" ]
Good job.
Man: Oh! Wow!
-Aww!
-Aww!
TESSITORE: Incredible to see the reaction
of the celebrity judges,
because Yvette Nicole Brown
reacting exactly the way that we did.
-I love you.
-I love you.
JORDAN: I love you.
Love you.
TESSITORE: When you listen to Bellerina,
and she repeats, "I love you,"
-and repeats, "Hello"...
-And "Hello," yes.
...it's mind-blowing.
I'm going to go over
and spend a little time
with our Couch Potato, Biff!
So Terry Simons will spend time with Biff.
So, I understand he kind of
likes to be cat-like
-Yes.
-and get up here on the --
-Can he do that for us tonight?
-Let's see.
Remember, Biff had
a dominating performance
in Best in Couch Potato
when Biff made the decision,
"I'm going up
to the top of the pillow."
-SIMONS: Hi.
-JORDAN: [ Laughs ]
You wanna lie down?
[ Cheers and applause ]

RIGGLE: Biff in a bit of
a dilemma right now.
-[ Whistle ]
-[ Laughter ]
[ All laughing ]
-RIGGLE: Not sure how to play it.
-SIMONS: It's okay.
I get performance anxiety --
There we go.
-RIGGLE: Aww!
-TESSITORE: There he goes.
-That is classic couch potato.
-RIGGLE: Absolutely.
Sorry, Biff,
you gotta get up off the couch.
Aw man, that's it!
And now Biff has to begrudgingly
come off the couch
for a moment to go say hello
to the celebrity judges.
Hi, sweetie.
Yeah.
-Hi, Biff.
-Hi, sweetie.
TESSITORE: What do you think is going
through Biff's mind right now
as he's up for Best in Rescue?
I think he's feeling pretty good.
He -- He -- He did
what he came to do,
which was show everybody
nobody lounges on a couch like Biff.
TESSITORE: Those are the sensational seven
who have won their categories
to become semifinalist winners
for "The American Rescue Dog Show,"
Best in Rescue.
So much on the line here --
of course, the pride
in the title of Best in Rescue,
but also, a $100,000 donation
to be made to a rescue organization.
The intensity in this room is palpable.
All eyes on our rescue dogs,
the judges deliberating over
our winner for Best in Rescue.
RIGGLE: But we really like
to tease this part out.
So we're going to take
a break right now
before we tell you who it is,
even though I totally know who it is.
You don't know who it is. You
don't know who the winner is.
Technically, but deep down, I know.
He doesn't know. He does not
know who the winner is.
It's "The American Rescue Dog Show,"
and we will have the winner after this.


[ Person whistles, dog barks ]
TESSITORE: We welcome you back to
"The American Rescue Dog Show."
It's been an incredible path
to get to this point, hasn't it been?
RIGGLE: Absolutely.
One of these seven will soon
be named Best in Rescue.

-You're really good at that.
-Am I really?
-Really good.
-Oh, you're so sweet.
Thank you so much.
[ Charlie Hound barks ]
We have to thank
our friends at Petco Love
for providing tonight's grants.
We want to thank
the rescue organizations
and all the families that participated,
and every single person
watching out there
who does their part
to help animals in need --
those who rescue,
foster, or volunteer.
We hope tonight's competition
has inspired all of you
to rescue a dog of your own.
And now our judge for Best in Rescue,
Terry Simons.
First of all,
we want to thank
all of you for being here,
especially the dogs.
[ Cheers and applause ]
This was a difficult decision
for all of us.
But...
every one of you here
has a special gift.
And you've shared that
special gift with us tonight.
So thank you
for making us all smile
-and touching our hearts.
-ABDUL: Yes.
While you are all winners,
there can only be one
Best in Rescue champion.
I'm so excited, Joe. I can't believe
it's about to actually happen.
TESSITORE: Now it all comes down
to this moment.
Six division winners standing,
and then Biff still on the couch.
The 2022 Best in Rescue is...

...Capone!
TESSITORE and RIGGLE: Capone!
RIGGLE: Oh, my gosh!
It was Capone!
TESSITORE: Best in Snoring
is Best in Rescue.
RIGGLE: How about that, Joe?!
Unbelievable!
ARTURO: Over here, over here,
over here, over here.
What a night for Capone!
TESSITORE: Can you believe that?
With the rumbling, earth-shaking snoring
and that incredible spirit,
Capone, the pit bull,
-is Best in Rescue.
-SIMONS: And you get that trophy, too.
RIGGLE: [ Laughing ]
ELISHA: Oh, my God.

ELISHA: Oh, my God.
That is so awesome.
-So good, buddy!
-Congratulations!
Thank you so much.
-SIMONS: Congratulations.
-Thank you. Thank you.
TESSITORE: Capone, who was found
on the streets of Jacksonville, Florida,
and found a great foster mom...
...through the San Diego Humane Society.
RIGGLE: Already drinking the champagne
out of the winner's bowl.
Oh!
TESSITORE: Many kisses for celebrity judge
Paula Abdul,
as a $100,000 donation will be made
in honor of Capone.
What a night.
That's our show, everybody.
We will see you next time.
For "American Rescue Dog Show,"
I'm Rob Riggle.
And I'm Joe Tessitore.
And remember, everyone...
TOGETHER: Adopt, don't shop!
-That was awesome.
-That was great.
Capone.
Let's celebrate, my friend.
Wow!
[ Cheers and applause ]




-MAN: Bark.
- [ Dog panting ]