| No actor wants to share the stage with a dog, for | | | | real pets are only too?real, and individuals end up |
| he will undoubtedly be upstaged. It?s all but impossible | | | | disappointed when the pet they purchased doesn?t |
| to watch a dog movie without falling head over heels | | | | behave like their screen counterpart. Disappointment |
| into puppy love. Consider Mom, the warm-hearted | | | | quickly turns to annoyance and sometimes can even |
| Border Collie from the 1995 blockbuster Babe. There | | | | become abuse. |
| was nary a dry eye in the theater as she watched | | | | Besides expert training, many Hollywood dogs require |
| her pups sold. Disney?s 101 Dalmations left an | | | | extensive care. Frequently films will feature rare and |
| audience crying (as Cruella), ?I want those puppies!? | | | | exotic breeds that are difficult to care for. Take our |
| Even television commercials tug at our heart-strings. | | | | little talking tacquito friend. Chihuahuas, while smart |
| Dinky started a Chihuahua craze the world over as | | | | and affectionate, need careful socialization to keep |
| the spokes-dog for Taco Bell, while Spuds Mackenzie | | | | them from becoming suspicious of strangers, jealous, |
| ushered in a new generation of Budweiser Beer | | | | and even aggressive! Their tiny frames, while |
| drinkers. There is no doubt about it; the media has | | | | adorable, make them vulnerable to injuries. All of |
| great influence over pet popularity, particularly those | | | | these traits make Chihuahuas an unsuitable |
| of the canine persuasion. In itself, this isn?t a terrible | | | | companion for children, but these aren?t traits |
| thing, but when it comes to choosing a pet for your | | | | generally advertised on Taco Bell?s commercials. |
| family, Hollywood can spell disaster! | | | | However they should definitely be taken into |
| Just imagine a couple going to a movie featuring a | | | | consideration before bringing home Taco?s twin. |
| cute child. On screen the child is humorous, attractive, | | | | At times Hollywood has actually created a breed |
| and clever. It never gets into trouble, except when it | | | | boom with a movie. Unfortunately this instant |
| is funny. Imagine the couple falling in love with this | | | | popularity can attract the wrong crowd. There are |
| on-screen child, going so far as deciding to have a | | | | irresponsible breeders out there who are more |
| baby of their own, without taking any of the | | | | interested in making money than careful breeding. |
| complications of child-rearing into consideration. They | | | | Their negligence can result in animals of poor health, |
| don?t expect to have any troubles with their | | | | bad temperament, and inferior structure. Sadly these |
| child?they naturally expect it to resemble the child | | | | breeders are everywhere. It may take a little |
| from the movie. | | | | research to buy a purebred, something impulse |
| Sound ridiculous? | | | | buyers, like those influenced by the latest Hollywood |
| Now imagine that same couple six months after their | | | | trend are unlikely to do. |
| baby is born. They are now trying to find a family to | | | | What happens to these pooches when people |
| adopt their child. It takes up too much room, and | | | | become bored or disillusioned with them? Too often |
| they can?t leave it home by itself while they work all | | | | yesterday?s fads become a burden on shelters and |
| day. They had no idea how much money it cost to | | | | rescue groups struggling to place forsaken pets. |
| feed and diaper it, not to mention the doctor bills! | | | | Roughly 60% of animals in shelters are eventually |
| The baby demands too much attention, and over all, | | | | euthanized. So, before you go looking for that Lassie |
| they can?t take anymore crying. | | | | look-alike, remember that choosing a pet is a lifestyle |
| This same scenario happens over and over again | | | | choice, not a fashion statement. Think through your |
| every time Hollywood releases a dog movie. Don?t | | | | decision, realizing that dogs require time, money, and |
| get me wrong, I love a good dog movie as much as | | | | a lifetime commitment. (Most dogs live between 10 |
| the next canine enthusiast, but there are good | | | | and 15 years.) If your child has her heart set on |
| reasons Sandi Dreimel of sites this as one of the four | | | | Pongo?s stunt double, consider buying her the DVD, |
| worst reasons for getting a dog. | | | | or better yet, a stuffed animal. And if you do decide |
| The next time you think about bringing home | | | | to get a dog, make sure you read up on its breed, |
| Rin-tin-tin remember: Dogs are great stars, and often | | | | spend time with it, talk to real dog owners, and set |
| several dogs share one role. Nine different dogs have | | | | realistic expectations for yourself and your new pet. |
| played the part of Lassie since it first premiered in | | | | There?s a reason dogs are known as man?s best |
| 1943. These dogs are trained by experts for years | | | | friend. But as with people, choose your friends with |
| before they are accepted on the set. Special tricks | | | | care! |
| and effects can give animals human-like qualities. But | | | | |