Actor, producer, and reality show host Tommy Habeeb gives rescue dogs a second chance at life on his popular TV show To The Rescue. Tommy is well known as the original host of the reality series “Cheaters,” and has produced, hosted, and appeared in more than a dozen nonfiction TV shows, including “Eye for an Eye” and “Billionaires Car Club.” While busy with projects, Tommy also dedicates his time to helping animals off the screen as the founder and Executive Director of the non-profit Forever Family Rescue. Keep reading to learn more about Tommy Habeeb, To The Rescue, and his accompanying non-profit Forever Family Rescue.

Where are you based?
Dallas, Texas, but production and filming takes place across the world.

What sparked your interest in working in television? When did you know you wanted to become a producer and TV host?
Growing up watching actors like Dean Martin, Bob Hope, and Fred Astaire, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. My plan was to sing and dance my way through Hollywood.

As a working actor, I also found myself hosting live and taped shows, and I realized I was quite comfortable on a live stage, and it became a natural thing for me. I worked with Dick Clark, and he helped me understand the importance of producing and controlling my destiny.

You are very well known for your time hosting the reality television show “Cheaters,” what was your experience like hosting this show?
I actually developed, executive produced and hosted the show. Since the evolvement of that show introduced the viewer to a new genre of reality TV, at the time, it felt both innovative and cutting-edge to push the envelope of the budding genre as we gave birth to a show that inspired water cooler discussions and had an immense impact on people from all over the world.

You went from a show about broken relationships to your new docu-series, To The Rescue. That must have been a bit of a switch. What made you decide to shift your focus?
The fact is they really aren’t that different; they are both about lives that need help and the reciprocal cycle that meets deep-rooted needs from both parties embarking on a new journey of trust and hope together. After covering many genres, including reality TV, that often pushed the envelope, I felt that it was time to do something important to me and to my family at this point in my career. I readily admitted that doing a show about dog rescue was not necessarily going to be a ratings hit among my followers. Still, I cared more about doing something that would have a positive change on all types. Also, little did I know the effect this venture would have on my personal life. To The Rescue is not just a show about dog rescue. It’s a show about humanity. It’s a family show that appeals to young and old, with lessons about life and the importance of treating all creatures with love and care. The stories we tell inspire our viewers and me, and the show has become some of the best work of my career. It was a wonderful surprise to receive a call congratulating us for becoming the number one rated show.

What made you decide to focus on dogs?
I love animals, and dogs have had a tremendous impact on my life. It was a natural choice.

Do you ever have a hard time letting the dogs go to their forever homes after spending so much time with them?
I do get very attached to many of the dogs, especially those I have been a part of their journey from suffering and abandonment to safety and love. I find comfort in knowing they will have such an impact in changing their new family’s life in such a profound way.

Do you have a favorite dog/story from the show?
I met a sweet 10-year-old boy that lives on the spectrum and watched how his life changed when he met a huge Great Pyrenees, twice his size. He has learned how to love and has allowed animals to love him. Watching the two grow together is amazing – they just “get” one another.

What has it been like filming this series during the pandemic?
Filming this past year has been very challenging. As the creator and Executive Producer, I was faced with two options. One, cancel the season and lose two years’ worth of work, and my entire investment, or two, rework the production and take some risk so that we could film safely and make our deadline. My dedicated team came together, masked up, social distanced, and we pulled something very special off, despite the obstacles we faced.

During a time in history with so much hardship, how do you feel “To The Rescue” has been received by the viewers?
I can only tell you that from the thousands of letters I have received and the amazing ratings the show has pulled off. It seems as though our country is in need of some “feel-good” entertainment.

Initially, when the pandemic hit, adoption rates for animals were through the roof. Do you still see this? How do you think the pandemic has impacted animal adoption?
Animal adoption is the beneficiary of the pandemic’s effects. Millions of families have learned the power and impact of what unconditional love from a dog truly means after bringing a pup to their home.

We love that in conjunction with the show, you started the non-profit Forever Family Rescue. Why was this important to you? Which did you want to do first, the non-profit or the show?
From the inception of the efforts surrounding the goals of the show, it only made sense to have a foundation tied to the show. We can only tell so many stories and save so many dogs on our show, but with the foundation, we can touch thousands more and give dogs, rescue organizations, and people the help they need. We have millions of viewers; that is a powerful tool, and while many of our viewers want to help but don’t know-how, our foundation can help utilize those advocates ready to promote change.

If our readers want to get involved, what can they do?
Quite simply, they can visit the website www.totherescuetv.com and join our rescue team or donate directly on the site.

How are you staying positive during a shelter in place?
Our work is so important. It makes me smile every day!

What is your motto in life?
Kindness, honesty & not sweatin’ the small stuff!

To learn more about Tommy Habeeb, please follow him via the below platforms:
www.totherescuetv.com
www.foreverfamilyrescue.org
www.tommyhabeeb.com
@totherescuetv
@foreverfamilyrescue
@tommyhabeeb

Tommy Habeeb To The Rescue