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Clifford the Big Red Dog - Mac's Secret Dog Club (S1E35)

Clifford the Big Red Dog poster

Mac starts an “exclusive” club (he wants to exclude T-Bone); Mr. Bleekman wants to exclude dogs from the park, but he finds that he misses them when they're gone.

Runtime (min)15
Air Date2001-07-02
GenresAnimation, Kids
TV RatingTV-Y

Where to Watch

Storyline

In this episode of Clifford the Big Red Dog, Mac creates an exclusive club, aiming to keep T-Bone out. His desire for exclusivity leads to tensions among the friends, showcasing how sometimes the wish to be special can alienate others. Meanwhile, Mr. Bleekman expresses his own desire to keep dogs out of the park, believing it will lead to a quieter environment.

However, as the dogs are excluded, Mr. Bleekman realizes how much he misses their presence and the joy they bring. This dual storyline highlights themes of belonging and the importance of community, even amidst disagreements. By the end, both Mac and Mr. Bleekman learn valuable lessons about inclusion and friendship.

What Parents Say

Parents will appreciate how this episode tackles the importance of inclusion and the negative impacts of exclusivity among friends. Mac's attempt to create a club that excludes T-Bone serves as a relatable situation for children who might encounter similar dynamics in their own social circles. The story provides a gentle reminder about the value of friendship and accepting others, regardless of differences.

Moreover, Mr. Bleekman's realization about missing the dogs invites discussions about community and the joy that comes from sharing experiences with others. The episode encourages kids to think about their actions and how they affect their friends, fostering empathy and understanding. It's a great conversation starter for parents looking to discuss friendship and the importance of inclusion.

What Children Can Learn

Kids learn valuable lessons about friendship and the consequences of exclusion through Mac's actions. When Mac tries to create an exclusive dog club, he discovers that true friendship isn't about excluding others but about embracing everyone. This episode encourages children to reflect on how their choices can impact their relationships with peers, promoting a sense of kindness and acceptance.

Additionally, Mr. Bleekman's journey emphasizes the significance of community. His initial desire to have a park without dogs shifts to a realization that the laughter and joy of the dogs bring life to the park. This teaches kids that sometimes, the things we think we want may not actually make us happy, and that inclusivity enhances our experiences.

Five Most Asked Questions

Here are five common questions parents might have about the episode 'Mac's Secret Dog Club' and its themes.

Question Answer
What message does Mac's exclusive club send about friendship? Mac's exclusive club highlights the dangers of excluding friends, showcasing how attempts to create special groups can lead to hurt feelings. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that true friendships thrive on inclusion and acceptance, reminding children that everyone deserves to be part of the fun.
How does Mr. Bleekman's character contribute to the episode's theme? Mr. Bleekman's desire to exclude dogs from the park initially reflects a common wish for peace and quiet. However, his change of heart illustrates that community and companionship bring joy and fulfillment. This character arc reinforces the idea that having friends, even if they are noisy, enriches our lives.
What can kids learn about the consequences of exclusion? Through Mac's experience, kids learn that exclusion can lead to loneliness and regret. When T-Bone feels left out, it not only impacts him but also affects Mac's happiness. This teaches children the importance of being inclusive and the negative feelings that can arise from alienating peers.
How can parents discuss the episode's themes with their children? Parents can use this episode as a springboard for discussions about empathy and inclusion. Asking children how they would feel if excluded or how they can include others in their activities can foster an open dialogue about friendship dynamics and the importance of being kind.
What does this episode teach about community and belonging? The episode emphasizes that belonging to a community means embracing everyone, including those who may seem different. Mr. Bleekman's realization about missing the dogs illustrates that community enhances our lives and that shared experiences create lasting bonds, encouraging children to appreciate the diversity of their friendships.

Cast

John Ritter
Clifford (voice)
Grey DeLisle
Emily Howard (voice)
Kel Mitchell
T-Bone (voice)
Cree Summer
Cleo (voice)
Gary LeRoi Gray
Charley (voice)
Show 2 more cast
Cam Clarke
Mac Handover (voice)
Kath Soucie
Jetta Handover (voice)

Writing

Directing

Season
Season #Episode #Episode Name
11
My Best Friend - Believe in yourself Emily decides that she must find something "special" for Show and Tell. But after an exhaustive search of Birdwell Island for the perfect thing to share, Emily learns that sometimes the best things in life are right under your nose.
12
Cleo doesn't want to share her new toy with anyone.
13
Clifford accidentally breaks a present he was supposed to deliver for Emily.
14
Clifford tries to stay clean for a magazine's Dog of the Year contest.
15
Emily has to take care of a baby bird, leaving her little time to play with Clifford.
16
Emily is jealous when Jetta gets to visit an exciting city.
17
Everyone, including Clifford, must work as a team to put on the fall carnival.
18
Emily's cousin Laura and her dog, Rex, arrive for a visit.
19
T-Bone finds himself in a race against Mac.
110
When the dogs eat too many treats, they learn that too much of a good thing can be bad.
111
In a flashback story, Cleo shakes things up when she arrives on the island.
112
When Cleo makes a new friend, she starts ignoring Clifford and T-Bone.
113
Emily competes against Jetta for the lead in the school play.
114
Clifford itches like crazy but hides his discomfort to avoid a trip to the doctor.
115
The new dog in town has only three legs, which makes the gang uncomfortable.
116
Clifford's digging talents become an asset when a big storm blows in.
117
Clifford learns that stars, like everyone else, sometimes need help.
118
Cleo develops stage fright when the dogs are recruited to help with a show.
119
All fingers and paws point to Emily as the thief when Jetta's trophy and locket vanish.
120
Jetta mocks Emily's plans for her birthday party activities.
121
When Mac tears one of Jetta's sweaters, he feels terrible about it and runs away.
122
Jetta learns that it's OK to have fears and admit them.
123
In flashbacks, Emily meets Clifford, and her love turns him into the biggest dog around.
124
Clifford has to dispel preconceived ideas about large dogs.
125
126
127
Clifford jumps into a pile of leaves that T-Bone has raked, and when they scatter he has a lesson to learn; Charley finally finds a sport he can't master, “jiggly juggle,” but he decides to work at it anyway.
128
129
The dogs go to school for the first time, and T-Bone worries that he won't be able to keep up; the library sponsors an essay contest called “Islander of the Year.” Guess who it is?
130
131
T-Bone's not looking forward to the town celebration because he's afraid of loud noises; nobody will play with Clifford because they're too busy planning a surprise party for him.
132
133
134
135
Mac starts an “exclusive” club (he wants to exclude T-Bone); Mr. Bleekman wants to exclude dogs from the park, but he finds that he misses them when they're gone.
136
137
Cleo is voted Fluffiest Dog of Birdwell Island and can't stop bragging about it; Jetta tells Vaz that he's bad at soccer, which prompts him to stop playing.
138
139
140
141
Clifford and Cleo think that T-Bone is moving; the dogs are upset with the arrival of cats, but then they learn that different isn't necessarily bad.
142
143
Clifford misses Emily when she goes on a trip, so his friends try to make up for it; Charley wants to lead a chore-free dog's life.
144
145
T-Bone falls in love. Meanwhile, Clifford tries to make the perfect Valentine for Emily.
146
147
Cleo is jealous of her owner's sister's dog, Susie. Also: it's role-reversal time: Clifford, Cleo and T-Bone take care of a pet.
148
149
T-Bone gets a new sweater but learns that “Clothes Don't Make the Dog”; Emily thinks Clifford is neglecting her.
150
151
T-Bone eats Cleo's new dog food then lies about it; Charley and Emily have an ice-cream party when Charley's father is away.
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
While her house is being painted, Cleo stays with Clifford---and takes over; the dogs try to get grumpy Mr. Bleakman to brighten up, and find that their good deeds make them feel good, too.
160
161
Clifford and the other dogs pitch in with the “Keep Birdwell Island Beautiful” effort by planting a flower garden. Except for Cleo. She wants to plant a dog-toy garden for herself. Then the dogs find the long-buried trunk of the island's discoverer, Captain Birdwell. But Jetta is given credit for the find. Will she tell the truth? Voice of Clifford: John Ritter.
162
163
In a flashback sequence, the Howards arrive on Birdwell Island, and their new neighbors join in welcoming a very big newcomer. Then Jetta breaks a beach date with Emily Elizabeth because she has received a “better offer” from an older girl.
164
165
Clifford gets a really big case of the hiccups and his friends have a big job helping him get rid of them; Jetta throws a movie party, but all she shows are home movies of herself.
166
167
Clifford cleans out his doghouse but can't throw things away because each item holds a memory. Also, Jetta has a new baby brother, but that means that she no longer gets all the attention.
168
169
Jetta's envious of Emily Elizabeth because everybody loves her pet, Clifford. So she makes up a pet of her own. Then Cleo helps Vaz with his paper route. She likes helping him and she likes the treats she gets as a reward. In fact, she mostly likes the treats.
170
171
Clifford and Emily Elizabeth try to get Mr. Bleakman (voice of Earl Boen), a notorious party pooper, to attend the Howards' party; Emily Elizabeth writes a poem for her mother's birthday, but Jetta thinks it's not a good gift.
172
173
K.C. returns for a visit and Cleo's so excited that she forgets her other friends. Also, rain threatens the back-to-school barbecue and Mac is so disappointed that his friends try to stop the rain.
174
175
It's Topsy Turvy Day, so Jetta and Emily “trade” dogs. Then Clifford is told to polish his manners for Mrs. Bleakman's book-club party. Voice of Mrs. Bleakman: Edie McClurg.
176
177
Clifford forgets a play date with Cleo, who accuses him of abusing her friendship; Cleo teases T-bone because he's smitten with a visiting dog named Mimi.
178
179
Cleo borrows Clifford's favorite blanket and carelessly gets it dirty; the dogs dig for dinosaur bones as part of a friend's college project.
180
Season #Episode #Episode Name
21
Cleo Pretends to hurt herself so she won't have to embarrass herself on the ice rink. But with the help of Clifford and his friends, they help her understand that trying new things with your friends is fun.
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
Emily Elizabeth and Jetta try to get Charley to honor his promises; Cleo runs away to avoid taking a bath.
236
237
When Cleo's bored by the rain, Clifford gets her to imagine an exciting story; a power failure threatens Birdwell Island, but Clifford and Mr. Bleakman save the day.
238
239
240
241
A visiting dog tries to lead Clifford astray, but he learns to stand up for his beliefs; the kids wonder if marriage will change their teacher.
242
243
Ads for a new dog food influence Clifford and his friends; news of an old buddy's upcoming visit makes T-Bone recall his days as a puppy.
244
245
Clifford accidentally bathes in dye and then tries to hide the fact; Mary's afraid to perform in front of an audience, but is helped by Emily.
246
247
T-Bone puts together a pop band that Mac would like to join; a dog champion comes to Birdwell Island and all the dogs want to impress him.
248
249
A very small dog named Frankie envies Clifford being big; T-Bone and Clifford have to adjust to their differences in size.
250

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