A special one-hour presentation of Animal Emergency, the inspiring series which showcases the love, care and heartbreaking emotion in one of the world's largest animal hospitals, here in Australia, will air on Sunday, August 3 at 6.30pm on the Nine Network.
More than 100,000 unwanted, homeless and injured animals are brought to Melbourne's Lort Smith Animal Hospital every year, and Nine has been given unprecedented access to every facet of the organisation which cares for animals around the clock.
Hosted by Georgie Parker, this Animal Emergency special will reacquaint viewers with the dedicated staff and pet owners who made the series must-see family viewing earlier this year.
In this one-off episode, animal rescuers and the fire brigade are called in to save a trapped cat, but time is working against them; a young bitch is in serious trouble delivering pups; a Lort Smith employee is on the receiving end when she discovers a tumour on her dog; a Maltese terrier comes off second best after a fight with a possum; a kangaroo turns up at school; and a pup takes the bait hook, line and sinker – literally.
Cat In The Wall
Young cat Cobby went exploring and got stuck between two adjoining houses. Lort Smith's animal rescue expert, Nigel, and the fire brigade are called in to pull him out, but 15 centimetres of concrete separates them from the feline. It's a stressful seven-hour operation, not only for Cobby but also for his anxious owner, Wendy, who has to watch as her house is turned upside down in an effort to free her beloved pet.
Bailey's Emergency
Young Bailey's troubles started two months ago when the little staffy mated with a much larger German shepherd. Now in labour, one of the unborn pups is dangerously stuck in her birth canal, leaving vets with no alternative but to rush her into theatre for an emergency caesarean.
Passion and Compassion
Animals are her life, and working as a vet nurse at Lort Smith, Rachel witnesses first hand the highs and lows of owning a pet. Recently Rachel noticed a large lump on a leg of her own dog, Piper. While she is prepared for the worst, she'll need all her inner strength and the support of colleagues to make it through this emotional time.
One-Eyed Jilly
Jilly, a playful Maltese terrier, was attacked by a not-so-friendly possum. Her eye has been severely damaged, and with infection rapidly spreading there's only one thing to do – remove it. This is a life-changing experience for both Jilly and her doting owner, Irene.
Roo Chase
As our major cities expand, our native animals find themselves trapped in the urban sprawl. One wayward kangaroo has ventured into a school ground, so it's up to a dedicated team of wildlife volunteers to capture the startled roo before disaster strikes … which is easier said than done.
Hooked For Life
After a serious car accident, 21-year-old Russell was given a pup to help him through his rehabilitation. But now the dog has become the hospital patient after trying to eat a rusty fishing hook.
