Having huge soft spots for both real animals and pretend ones (Curious George, in particular), there's no way I can't post this.

In an upcoming episode of "Curious George" airing on UNC-TV, the lovable cartoon monkey will teach children about animal shelters and the importance of keeping pets safe and happy. The episode, "Where's the Firedog?", airs at 8 a.m. on Monday, February 4, on UNC-TV, with multiple repeats on UNC-KD (search the UNC-TV schedule).

In the episode, George's canine friend, Blaze, keeps running away from the firehouse and eventually ends up at an animal shelter. George and firefighter Sam learn to keep Blaze safe by putting a tag on her collar, walking her on a leash, and making sure she's never lonely. Awwww.

According to PBS Kids, "Curious George" is the #1 TV program for preschoolers. It's currently in its seventh season.

An 8-year-old from Moore County will appear on Monday's installment of "Biz Kid$," a public television series about financial literacy.

Maggie Batson of Whispering Pines is featured in the episode titled "Businesses that Give Back," because she sells necklaces made with recycled materials and donates profits to the Humane Society in Carthage.

Maggie isn't the only North Carolina kid to make the show. Some students from Smith Elementary School in Burlington appeared in an April 19 episode about understanding media manipulation and commercial messages, and an episode airing May 2 will have three siblings who opened their own business (FlipOutz bracelets) in Davidson.

"Biz Kid$" airs on UNC-KD, a UNC-TV channel devoted to programming for young people, at 5:30 p.m. It will repeat at 1:30 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday.