“The Dog Whisperer” (8 p.m., National Geographic) moves beyond its usual calm, submissive state to take a stand against puppy mills. These operations supply millions of the dogs sold in pet stores. Although most mills operate within legal limits, the life of the breeding dogs is horrible, diseased and frequently short. Some dogs produce six litters in the span of three years. Many never see life outside of a cage, where they live in fear and filth. The puppies that come from these facilities are likely to suffer from genetic defects, physical abuse and life-long psychological traumas. Host Cesar Millan believes that many of the damaged dogs he treats come from mills.

Tonight, Millan joins forces with the Los Angeles group Last Chance for Animals, which rescues dogs from illegal mills and try to find them homes. Millan offers counseling services for the recently released pets that suffer from neurotic behavior such as obsessively hostile biting or frantic, ceaseless licking. Last Chance also pickets pet stores that buy from unscrupulous mills and helps convince pet shoppers to either buy from reputable breeders or adopt from the pound. One such convert is Sharon Osbourne, who offers a testimonial for Last Chance and the rescue dog Little Bit, the newest member of the Osbourne family.

• Released to generally positive reviews, the animated 2006 children’s feature “Happy Feet” (7 p.m., ABC) features plenty of music, tap-dancing penguins and Robin Williams in two roles. Clearly produced with the patented Disney “spoonful of sugar” philosophy, “Feet” mixes iceberg shenanigans with morals about global warming.

• Two series wrap up tonight, one established and the other brand new. On the fourth season finale of “Everybody Hates Chris” (7 p.m., CW), Chris is threatened with having to stay back. This may be a case of art imitating life. The CW has renewed six series, but, to date, not “Chris.” So a plot about repeating a grade may be the smart way to introduce viewers to a world of only “Chris” repeats. Besides, it’s best for a show with a teen star (Tyler James Williams) to bow out gracefully before he becomes just another 30-year-old trying to pass as a high schooler. At its best, “Chris” brought humanity and sly subversive humor back to the live-action sitcom. It was the best TV comedy about a working-class family since “Roseanne.”

• “Dollhouse” (8 p.m., Fox) concludes its truncated season, with Alpha in obsessive pursuit of Echo. “Dollhouse” has not fared so well in its pursuit of viewers.

Tonight’s other highlights

• While planning her wedding, Melinda takes out time to help a girl who believes she’s the victim of vampires on “Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m., CBS).

• Michael is faced with an impossible choice on “Prison Break” (7 p.m., Fox).

• Aimless slobs (Billy Murray and Harold Ramis) join the volunteer army in the 1981 service comedy “Stripes” (7 p.m., AMC). A game cast includes Warren Oates and John Candy, two great performers who died too young.

• TCM continues its salute to Sean Connery with “Goldfinger” (7 p.m.), “Thunderball” (9 p.m.,) and “Woman of Straw” (11:15 p.m.), co-starring Gina Lollobrigida.

• A dying woman and her lover go on a crime spree on “Flashpoint” (8 p.m., CBS).

• Katie returns to the singles scene on “Mistresses” (8 p.m., BBC).