New Oprah Winfrey Show Investigates Puppy Mills And Changes Oprah's Life

April 2, 2008 9:08 a.m. EST

Chicago, IL (CNS) - Talk show legend Oprah Winfrey said she will dedicate her Friday show to her cocker spaniel, Sophie, who died last month from kidney failure. The show is about the abuse and horror of puppy mills. Although Sophie was not adopted from a puppy mill, Oprah said in the future she will adopt a dog from a shelter.

Harpo Productions released a statement Tuesday about the up-coming puppy mill show. "Sophie gave me 13 years of unconditional love. She was a true love in my life," Oprah said.

Then she added that the show is "for anybody anywhere who loves a dog, has ever loved a dog, or just cares about their basic right to humane treatment."

The show will feature special correspondent Lisa Ling investigating the puppy mills. Ling calls the investigation "horrific" and "haunting."

Oprah's cocker spaniel was not a product of a puppy mill, and her three current dogs were all adopted from breeders, but Oprah has a new feeling about where she will get her next dog. "I would never, ever adopt another pet now without going to a shelter to do it. I am a changed woman after seeing this show," she said.