Film & TV Unit

A History of Animal Stars

Professional animal trainers make up one one of the largest rescue groups in the country. American Humane estimates that more than 80% of the dogs and cats used in motion pictures come from shelters. After a dog has worked with a professional trainer on a movie set, it's not only well trained and socialized, but also exposed to numerous cast and crew members interested in adopting the animal. Trainers often keep the animals after a production wraps, or find them other permanent loving homes.

Here are just a few memorable animal actors with less-than-auspicious pedigrees.

“Fang” from Harry Potter

A drooling Neapolitan mastiff named Bully is one of the four dogs that portrays Hagrid’s loyal yet cowardly “boarhound” Fang. One of the production’s trainers rescued Bully from a junkyard and adopted him after filming ended.

“Scooter” from Mike’s Super Short Show

Scooter, an Airdale mix who currently works on a series called Mike’s Super Short Show that airs between Disney Channel shows, was rescued from the Burbank, California, shelter in 1992 by trainer Rob Bloch of Critters of the Cinema. A current favorite among the preteen set, stars Mike Johnson and Alyson Stoner give viewers updates on the latest Disney movies, chat with fellow child actor guests, and take audiences to exclusive premieres.

“Max” from How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Along for the wild ride on this popular movie is the Grinch's trusty dog Max. Although he objects to his master's penchant for wreaking havoc, his loyalty never wavers.

Max was actually played by six different dogs, each a mixed-breed shelter rescue. Animal trainer Roger Schumacher spent three and a half months practicing with the animals prior to filming to perfect their stunts and acclimate them to the set environment. This period not only allowed the canine stars to become their character, but also allowed the trainers to discern which particular behaviors each dog felt comfortable performing.

In case you're wondering whether the dogs were initially frightened of Carrey in full Grinch regalia, American Humane monitored the pre-production training and observed that the dogs reacted comfortably to all of the actors' makeup and costumes, as well as their own costumes and safety devices. For example, Max's antlers and long, floppy ears were actually a lightweight headpiece that the dogs wore throughout their training, and by the time filming began, the little stars were well adjusted to their accoutrements.

“Lucky” from Dr. Dolittle and Dr. Dolittle 2

The clever animal actor named Sammy, aka Lucky, wasn’t always living in the lap of stardom. Sam was discovered by a trainer from Birds & Animals Unlimited at the East Valley Shelter in Los Angeles.

This multi-cultural canine was approximately five years old when he made the second Dr. Dolittle. One of Sam’s handlers, Stacy Basil, considers the dog exceptionally intelligent because he was able to learn behaviors in a very short amount of time. “Not that all dogs aren’t capable of learning these things,” Stacy says. “Most dog owners have a diamond in the rough right in their backyards. All they need to do is polish it up.”

Sam was trained to go with the actor and simultaneously look back and forth and move his jaw as if speaking. Stacy compared this in human trick terms to walking, talking, nodding, chewing gum, rubbing your stomach, and patting your head, all at the same time!

“Prologue” from Dr. Dolittle

Adopted from the Baldwin Park shelter in 1991, Casey performed the action in Dr. Dolittle while comedian Ellen DeGeneres supplied the voice. Casey’s other credits include extensive commercial work as well as a supporting role in Homeward Bound.

“Happy” from the television show 7th Heaven

Shawna Suffredini, a trainer at Boone’s Animals for Hollywood, discovered Happy in 1996 at a veterinarian’s office. The vet had rescued her after finding the dog wandering the streets, but it was Shauna who adopted the terrier mix and gave her a home and career. At nine months old, Happy auditioned for the pilot of 7th Heaven and landed her first job. Happy loves wearing all the costumes on the show and playing dress up with her younger co-stars.

In addition to being featured in various magazine and newspaper articles, Happy has appeared in segments on Access Hollywood, E!, and The KTLA Morning News on The WB's Los Angeles affiliate, as well as with her fellow cast members on the TV Guide Awards.

“Murray” from the television show Mad About You

Trainer Boone Narr discovered Maui at the Castaic Animal Shelter along with the dog’s mother, Bingo, who starred in the 1991 film Bingo. Maui served as mom’s double in that film. This collie mix delighted viewers throughout the Emmy Award-winning sitcom’s seven-season run. Maui’s special tricks include making people believe he is relieving himself, sneezing, crawling, shaking his head, and rolling over.

Search our Movie Listings to see how the animal action was achieved in your favorite film.

Other Shelter Animals in Show Business:

II, a yellow Labrador retriever, was adopted from the Castaic Animal Shelter in 1993 by trainer Boone Narr from Boone’s Animals for Hollywood. II’s film credits include Siringo, A Time To Kill, Out of Towners, and Mumford. Television credits include Power Rangers, Walker Texas Ranger, and NYPD Blue. Commercials include Sunkist, Nutra Life, and South West Airlines.

Bob, a golden retriever, was adopted by trainer Boone Narr from Boone’s Animals for Hollywood from the Lacy Street Animal Shelter in 1993. Bob’s film credits include Twister and The Parent Trap. Television credits include Full House. Commercial appearances include South Western Bell, Mighty Dog, Buick, and McDonald's.

Nugget, a terrier mix, was adopted from the Lancaster Shelter in 1994 by trainer Boone Narr from Boone’s Animals for Hollywood. Nugget’s credits include the film The Parent Trap and commercials for Pop Tarts, Ritz Crackers, and Pac Bell.

Twister, another terrier mix, was adopted from the Castaic Animal Shelter in 1995 by trainer Boone Narr from Boone’s Animals for Hollywood. Twister has appeared in the film Paulie and commercials for Western Union, Southwest Airlines, and Shell.

Benji

Trainer Frank Inn found the famous canine, named Higgins, at the Burbank Animal Shelter in the early 1960s. This poodle, cocker spaniel, and schnauzer mix had an extraordinary ability to convey a broad range of emotions through his facial expressions.

Higgins’ special tricks included opening a mailbox and removing a letter, yawning, and sneezing on cue. Higgins starred in the film Benji and in the television series Petticoat Junction. He retired in 1970 at the age of 14.

Morris the Cat

This familiar orange feline was discovered by trainer Bob Martwick at the Hinsdale, Illinois, animal shelter in 1968. Morris’ credits include all of the ads for 9Lives cat food and the feature film Shamus with human co-star Burt Reynolds.

Morris II

After the original Morris retired in the late 1970s, this second cat was discovered at a New England Shelter and stepped in as spokescat for 9Lives.

Friskies Spokescats

For years, all Friskies cats have been adopted from various Los Angeles and Southern California area shelters by Rob Bloch of Critters of the Cinema.

Zoe was adopted from the Mojave shelter.

Tyler the piano-playing cat was rescued from the Castaic shelter.