Pet Theory
If you've got the family cat or dog at your feet right now, you probably know how the companionship of animals can make life more bearable. Research has proven that pets can enhance lonely lives and even have medical benefits for hospital patients. But now the bond of a faithful animal is proving a godsend for children who suffer autism. Not only calming wild behaviour, but perhaps unlocking parts of their brain and enabling them to learn and communicate better. It sounds incredible even to scientists trying to fathom why, but we’ve seen the results. Families at their wits end whose lives have been turned around by the animals they love.
Reporter: Charles Wooley
Producers: Hugh Nailon, Julia Timms
 
Oh Lord!
Is nothing sacred? The Brits have finally had enough of being lorded over by the aristocracy. The government's giving the hereditary peerage the chop. Evicting them from those hallowed halls, the House of Lords. Add to that the high cost of living in a stately home and your lord and ladyship's days could be numbered. But, as history has shown us, you can't keep a true blue blood down. The landed gentry are sharpening their swords and polishing their armour for one last battle against the barbarians. And we should warn that this story contains scenes of upper class privilege and moments of sublime eccentricity.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Stephen Rice
 
Reggie’s Biggest Battle
We knew her as Reggie Bird, the down-to-earth Tassie battler on Big Brother. When you meet her, you can see why she was the show's most popular winner, ever. Reggie's been through some tough times and she's managed to survive them all with a smile. But now she's going to need all the courage and strength she can muster. She's losing her sight, in fact, she has only 10 per cent vision, which makes her legally blind. Even more worrying, her little daughter, Mia, could suffer the same fate. As you can imagine, it's been a trying time, especially when Mia's DNA test results finally came in.
Reporter: Michael Usher
Producer: Phil Goyen