WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — You've seen Dr. Terrence Ferguson and Dr. Vernard Hodges doing pet veterinary tips right here on 13WMAZ, and you've probably seen veterinary shows on TV. To land your own gig is a big deal, and Ferguson and Hodges know that firsthand.
"That's the big thing about Critter Fixers -- we feel if you come here, we love you. You're part of our family and we treat you like family," Hodges said.
Now, a cable network wants to bring Ferguson and Hodges into their family.
"So the guy asks me on Instagram, 'Vernard, would you be interested in having a TV show?" Hodges said with a smile.
"When I got the call from Dr. Hodges, he said, 'Before you say no, I've got something to tell you,'" Ferguson said. "Initially, I don't know if he's for real because he's always joking around."
The guy with the easy smile wasn't joking.
"We got a call in September. It was miraculous. It said Nat Geo wants you to have a TV show. You're going to have a series," Hodges exclaimed. "I was like, 'Whoa,' and that's when it got serious."
Nat Geo is short for National Geographic. The network is going to air one hour shows this fall called "Critter Fixers." They filmed on location for ten weeks this year.
"The first run is six shows, so we have a six-episode season, and I know the first time I see it I'm going to be a little nervous. I may go in my room and close the door and let everyone else look at it," Ferguson said.
"I'm still the same person, still feels the same, but sometimes, I wake up and go, 'Whoa, I just can't believe it,'" Hodges said.
Ferguson and Hodges went to school together, and that's part of the plot of the show.
"The premise of the show is two veterinarians from the South -- they've known each other a long time, we have laughs and games, but we're serious about being veterinarians," Ferguson explained.
If the show goes well, Hodges says Nat Geo has told them they'll bring them back for another year.
Dr. Hodges says they see about 20,000 patients a year, mostly dogs and cats, but Nat Geo did ask the guys to make some farmhouse calls where they treated horses, pigs, and even a camel.