Welcome to Maximum Mudroom Makeover,
and, boy, do we have a treat for you today.
You're doggone right, Anna. We're here with Charles Peterson,
a young man who, along with his sister, Lizzie,
put his dream of getting a puppy on hold in order to foster countless others.
It's true, Campbell. Lizzie and I love dogs more than anything.
And that's why we're gonna help as many dogs as we can find forever homes.
After hearing this heartwarming story,
the Maximum Mudroom Makeover team knew we had to help.
Here's what Charles and Lizzie's mudroom used to look like.
Charles, are you excited to see your new puppy paradise?
-So excited, Anna. -[chuckles]
[Charles] Whoa! This is so, so cool.
[Campbell] You and the puppies deserve it.
I can't wait to show--
Lizzie, why are you wearing a blindfold?
It's an experiment for school. Well, not technically for school.
More for me to gain perspective, for school. [chuckles]
I'm doing a report on Helen Keller,
so I'm trying to experience what it's like to be blind.
Okay. Remember how we were talking about fixing up the mudroom for the puppies?
-I was thinking-- -Can you record me eating dinner?
-I wanna document it for extra credit. -Can't.
-Sammy's grandma is picking me up in-- -[horn honks]
-Now. -Wait.
Again? [chuckles] You and Sammy are always hanging out.
It's what happens when you have a best friend, I guess.
I guess.
Honey, are you sure we can't do anything? Helen Keller had a helper, you know.
You mean Anne Sullivan. She wasn't a helper.
She was Helen Keller's teacher and best friend.
She encouraged her to do things on her own and to be self-sufficient.
-[doorbell rings] -It's open.
-Who's that? -Surprise dinner guests.
-You might wanna take off your blindfold. -[chuckles]
Helen Keller wasn't able to see her guests.
-Hello, Petersons. Hi. -[Betsy] Hi.
-Is that Dr. Abby? -[sighs] The accent.
-It always gives me away. -[Betsy chuckles]
-[barks] -Oh, you brought a puppy.
I never show up to a dinner party empty-handed.
This little quokka is Shadow.
His new owners had no idea their son was allergic,
so they've asked me to find him a new home.
Shadow, that is, not the son.
-[both chuckle] -Charles and I will find him one.
Your dad might have beaten you to it.
Captain Carter wants to surprise her daughter Nell
with a puppy for her seventh birthday. Shadow was perfect.
Oh, Lizzie, you have to see how adorable he is.
That's okay. I can experience Shadow in other ways.
Did you know that when you lose one of your senses, the others are enhanced?
-[grunts, pants] -Oh, he has the sweetest puppy breath.
Shadow's staying with us until Nell's birthday party.
-Yes! -Which reminds me,
what happened to Charles's plan to make the mudroom more puppy friendly?
It's hard when he's always at Sammy's house.
Shadow's a well-behaved fellow and quite happy in his crate.
-He won't be a problem. -[barks]
Oh. Here we are, Lizzie.
I can't wait to see you tomorrow.
Looks like he couldn't wait either.
[all laughing]
-[Paul] Hey, buddy. Oh. [chuckles] -Hi. Oh, hello.
Since I wasn't able to see,
my other senses, like hearing, taste and smell, all got a lot stronger.
That really made me appreciate the strength of Helen Keller,
who used the resources she did have
to show the world that she wasn't handicapped,
but she was handicapable.
Thank you, Lizzie. Excellent job.
Actually...
Homemade cupcakes, one dollar.
Homemade secret recipe cupcakes, two for a dollar.
[kids cheering]
[whispers] Yes!
[kids chanting] Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria!
[chanting continues]
Other senses don't get stronger when you're blind.
You just learn to pay more attention to them.
Also, maybe Helen Keller would have liked being called handicapable,
but maybe she wouldn't.
To me, it feels like you're saying having a disability is a bad thing,
and I don't think it is.
It's just part of who some people are.
Wow, Maria, that is incredibly insightful.
Thank you for teaching us, myself included,
something really important today.
[knocks]
Hmm, the bones are good, so let's focus on theme.
Modern, minimalist, maybe rustic farmhouse?
I just want it safe for the puppies.
Have you noticed that Shadow won't stop staring at us?
I don't think he's blinked once.
Lizzie says he's the most focused puppy she's ever seen.
Or maybe he just thinks you're dressed funny.
[Charles] Yeah.
-[grunts] -Whoa! Be careful.
Lift from your legs. Keep your core tight and your eyes up.
-Maybe I should find someone to help me. -Yeah. Good idea.
Oh, right.
[both grunting]
[Shadow whimpers, whines]
[barking]
Whoa. Shadow, move. I almost stepped on you.
-Guess he's not as smart as we thought. -[groans]
-[both grunt] -[Shadow whimpers]
No, he's smarter. Shadow saw you were gonna step on those nails.
He was protecting you.
Oh, they could have gone right through my rubber soles.
I knew I should have worn work boots.
You are a special puppy, aren't you?
[school bell ringing]
Aw.
-Can I say hello? -Of course. His name is Simba.
Hi, Simba.
[panting]
Oh, I-- I'm sorry. I didn't realize he was a guide dog.
Don't be sorry. Simba's modest. He doesn't like to brag about it.
[whines]
He's beautiful.
And he's more than just a handsome face.
The Helping Eyes Foundation
said that he was the most impressive puppy they've ever trained.
Simba's been my eyes for eight years now, and I don't know what I'd do without him.
I'm sure Helen Keller would have loved to have a dog like Simba.
My niece said the same thing last night.
Her class just finished reading The Story of My Life.
-That's my class. Who's your niece? -Hey, Aunt Camila.
Oh, look, my mom's here. Well, no, you don't have to look.
Uh, it was nice meeting you. [chuckles] Bye, Simba.
-[footsteps approaching] -[Shadow whines]
Sleeping.
[sighs]
Lizzie, come on. I'm tired.
[scoffs] From what, cleaning the mudroom? 'Cause it looks exactly the same.
We have to get everything ready before we can start the major work.
Sammy says the most important part of renovation is preparation.
Charles, not everything always has to be about Sammy, you know?
Why don't you like Sammy? Did he do something to you?
No. Sammy's great.
And I'm glad you have a best friend. It's just...
I don't know.
[whining]
[whines]
Lizzie, he did the most amazing th--
What?
[stammers] It has to do with Sammy.
Go ahead.
Sammy was about to step on a bunch of rusty nails,
but Shadow ran in front of him and barked like crazy.
-[chuckles] Really? -He knew, Lizzie.
-He's like... -The most impressive puppy ever?
-Totally. -[knocks]
Kiddos, bad news. The captain's daughter has decided she wants to be a magician
when she grows up.
Instead of a birthday puppy, she's getting a vanishing cabinet.
We need to find another home for Shadow. Let's talk about it tomorrow. Cool?
-Yeah. -Okay.
[chuckles] That's not bad news. That's great news.
It's a sign that Shadow's meant for something bigger,
-something more than being a pet. -Like what?
-Like becoming a guide dog. -Whoa.
-Do you think he could? -It's worth finding out.
-[chuckles] -[chuckles]
Excuse me?
Um, I'm Lizzie Peterson. This is my brother, Charles.
Hi.
Uh, and we have the most impressive puppy you'll ever meet in your entire life.
We were wondering if you could consider
making him a part of your guide dog training program.
Uh, he's calm. He's really smart.
And he has natural ability to sense when something's wrong.
[Charles] He's such a good puppy. He wants to take care of people.
Please?
First of all, if you wanna get on my good side,
the two precious minutes between 4:30 and 4:32 are hardly the best time to do so.
That is reserved for hot cocoa and baked goodies.
-No exceptions. -But--
Secondly, we have rules.
And one of those rules is we do not allow outside dogs into our training program.
All of our recruits are bred by us.
But Shadow could be the best guide dog ever.
Yeah, and some rules were made to be broken.
And these rules were made by our president.
Now, if you'll excuse me,
the remastered, original, London cast recording
of Phantom of the Opera is about to drop, and I have been waiting on that for...
[inhales deeply] ...well, my entire life.
-We'd like to speak to the president. -You just did.
[sighs]
So now what? Instead of doing great things for humanity,
Shadow's just gonna be a regular dog?
I mean, unless Simon changes his mind.
-The whole thing's not fair. -It's more than not fair.
Shadow's rights are being denied.
We need a grassroots campaign to get him a tryout.
I can start a petition
explaining how Shadow saved me from stepping on a bunch of rusty nails.
Oh, do you know how much that would have hurt?
Just thinking about it makes me dizzy.
[Charles sighs]
[no audible dialogue]
I'll catch you guys later.
[man] Thanks, Maria.
Maria, hi.
Um, hi, Lizzie.
Um, I met your aunt yesterday.
Yeah, I saw that.
Look, I feel really dumb for telling the class what it's like to be blind
while you were right there.
You shouldn't. Your report was really good.
And if it makes you feel any better, you make me feel dumb sometimes too.
Really? Cool. Wait, how do I make you feel dumb?
-I mean, you're Maria. -What do you mean?
Just that you're incredibly good at everything.
[scoffs, laughs]
I'm serious. Why are you laughing?
Remember the second-grade spelling bee?
[Lizzie] Invincible.
I-N-V-I-N-C-I-B-L-E.
Invincible.
[applause]
[no audible dialogue]
[Maria] Or last year's production of Hamilton?
[students chattering]
[chattering continues]
Well, you're the captain of the debate team.
I won't rebut that point. [chuckles]
I think this is the longest conversation we've had since first grade.
-Definitely. -[both chuckle]
Um, if you wouldn't mind,
-I'd like to ask your advice on something. -Sure.
My brother and I, we're fostering this dog, Shadow.
He's amazing, and I think he'd make a great guide dog, like Simba.
The only problem is--
The Helping Eyes Foundation will only train their own dogs.
Yeah, how-- how did you know that?
Oh, right. You're Maria.
Other puppies should be given a chance. I can't imagine my aunt without Simba.
And there could be someone who Shadow would be perfect for.
Exactly.
I've been around Simba my whole life, so I do know a lot about guide dogs.
If you want, I can meet Shadow.
Maybe between our two brains, we could figure something out.
Really? Well, you wanna come over after school?
Okay. But I can't stay long. I have a test tomorrow in honors history.
That's fine. I have one in honors math.
[grunts] What do you think, Shadow?
It's like a massive pile of leaves to play in, but inside.
Shadow?
-[grunting] -[laughs] There you are.
Whee!
-[barks] -[Maria] I can't wait to meet him.
We're only taking care of him temporarily.
[Shadow barks, whines]
Charles?
[Charles grunts] Lizzie.
[grunts] Check this out. [pants]
-Come on, Shadow. -[whines, woofs]
Puppy on the bottom.
[metal clanks]
Kid on top.
Sammy's Grandma Dayle made it. She's an amazing carpenter.
Cool. [chuckles]
[Shadow whimpers]
[sniffs]
-Okay. I love him. [chuckles] -[chuckles]
We're gonna take Shadow upstairs. Maria is an expert on guide dogs.
Well, I'm not an expert.
But I do know some tests we can do to see if Shadow's a good candidate.
-Do you wanna help? -Definitely.
Uh... not. Thanks for asking, but you two go.
[Maria] Come on, Shadow.
[whispers] Thanks.
[typing]
You were right about Shadow. He's calm and doesn't get distracted.
But he's also curious. He'd make a great guide dog.
[sighs] Honestly, it's not Shadow I'm worried about.
-It's Simon, the foundation's president. -What do you know about him?
[sighs] Only that he has a major attitude,
a sweet tooth, and he's a pretty big fan of musical theater.
I know we can figure this out.
Like you said in your Helen Keller report, we need to use whatever resources we have.
Uh, wait, we?
Well, yeah.
-I wanna help. -Okay. Resources.
Online encyclopedias can be pretty unreliable,
so we have to cross-check our primary source data.
Actually, I was thinking of something more like...
the drama club wardrobe department.
[laughs] How is that gonna help Shadow become a guide dog?
-[whirring] -[liquid pouring]
[humming]
[whirring stops]
[humming stops]
-[groans] -[Lizzie] Fear not.
A delicious cupcake, good sir?
Why do you look familiar?
I'm Alexander Hamilton.
You probably know me from founding the United States financial system.
Please, have a colonial confection.
And I'm Eliza.
I started the first orphanage in New York City.
And you are here because...
We're revolutionaries, and we think it's important to...
break the rules.
-Now I remember you. -As you know,
guide dogs possess special qualities to do their jobs effectively.
That's why we put together five tests
to show you what an amazing guide dog Shadow can be.
-We call it... -[beeps]
...the trust test.
You may wanna sit down for this.
Test number one, touch.
This shows how comfortable the puppy is with human contact.
-[Lizzie] You'll notice he's very calm. -Very, very calm.
Our next test...
-Eliza? -[recorded sirens blaring]
Guide dogs have to learn to handle all kinds of sounds and noises.
As you can see, Shadow's fine with it!
-Yes, but I'm not! Turn that off. -[noise stops]
Let's cut to the chase, shall we?
-The umbrella test. -[clicks]
Pop it open and see how the puppy reacts to being startled.
[growls]
The tunnel.
The puppy runs through, displaying his confidence.
And finally, we see how responsive a distracted puppy is when called.
[Shadow panting]
Shadow? Return.
[Shadow panting]
-Mmm. -So, what do you think?
Not bad.
Although I prefer buttercream to ganache.
-Noted. But we meant-- -The puppy.
I can't say that he doesn't have potential.
And your presentation was excellent. I admire your moxie.
But as I previously told Mr. Hamilton in no uncertain terms,
I can't break the rules. I'm sorry. Good day.
-You're the president! -I said good day.
[Lizzie sighs]
[bell rings]
Hey, Lizzie.
I was thinking of asking Ms. Newman to let us switch partners
so that you and I can work together on the Industrial Revolution project.
-If you want. -Sure, yeah. I'd love that.
[sighs] We just have to convince Ms. Newman.
I bet we can if we use our best resource.
The cupcake cart?
Each other. The two of us working together?
I think we'll be pretty I-N-V-I-N-C-I-B-L-E.
-Invincible. -[chuckles] That was cringey.
-So cringey. -[both laugh]
My dad found Shadow a new home.
Do you wanna come over later to say goodbye?
I wish. I have a paper due on plate tectonics for honors science.
Right. I have to study too. J'ai un quiz in honors French.
You're really good at science. Can I call you if I have questions?
Yeah.
-And if I have-- -[speaks French]
-I got you, my friend. -[both chuckle]
[Charles] Seriously, I don't know if this is a better dog room or kid room.
Gotta hand it to you two. This room looks fantastic.
And almost everything in here is either upcycled or recycled,
which means it's eco-friendly and sustainable.
Or, as Dad likes to say...
[together] Free.
-[Charles] Mmm. -Mm-hmm. [laughs]
Oh, good. I'm not too late. Sammy, your grandma's waiting for you.
-Lates. -'Kay.
I know it's not exactly what we wanted,
but as long as they give Shadow lots of love,
I'm sure he'll be really happy.
I know. I just wonder if there was anything else Maria and I could've done
-to convince Simon. -I'm sure you guys were awesome.
Kids, this is Traci and her son, Wyatt.
Hey, what's up?
-Hi. -[Paul] They're Shadow's new family.
True, but Shadow's real job will be to help Wyatt get around.
I don't think Shadow's allowed to be a guide dog.
-He's not. -Simon?
But Wyatt's not old enough to have a guide dog of his own yet.
And until he is, I can't think of a better companion
or someone to keep an eye on him than Shadow.
[Shadow barks]
-[Simon, Traci chuckle] -Hi.
-He likes me already. -[whining]
[Charles] Well, what happens when it is time to get a guide dog?
-What happens to Shadow then? -Well, nothing.
Guide dogs and regular dogs live together all the time.
And I'm sure Shadow will be thrilled to have a new dog best friend.
-[chuckles] -Dad, can we take Shadow outside to play?
Definitely.
-Come on. I'll show you. -Great.
This is kind of amazing.
Well, Shadow's kind of amazing himself.
Thank you.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I should join my family.
I don't want Shadow to like them more than he likes me.
[both sigh]
[Paul, Traci laughing]
[Charles sighs]
[Shadow barks]
[sighs] We need to celebrate.
Like this.
Whoo-hoo!
-[laughs] -Try it. It's so fun.
[Betsy] Lizzie, Maria's on the phone.
Tell her I'll call her right back.
-Whoo! -[laughs]
-[grunts] -[Lizzie scoffs] It's on.
[both grunting, giggling]