Top Ten Dog Actors of All Time

A new Top Ten list is posted every Monday. If you have a suggestion for a Top Ten list, send it to petpurri@gmail.com. If we use your suggestion we'll send you a prize!

1. Rin Tin Tin (1918-1932).  Found as a puppy on a WWI battlefield in Lorraine, France, Rin Tin Tin was one of the first canine stars and, to this day, still considered one of the best.  Rin Tin Tin saved a studio and set the standard for animals actors to follow.  Rin Tin Tin is one of only three animals with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2. Pal [Lassie] (1940- ?).  Lassie was originally played by Pal, a male Collie, who was hired as a stunt dog.  Because of the popularity of the Lassie film and TV series, nine generations of Pal descendants have played Pal.  Like Rin Tin Tin, Lassie has a star on Hollywood Boulevard.
3. Strong Heart aka Etzel von Oeringen (1917-1929).  One of the earliest canine film stars, Strong Heart paved the way for Rin Tin Tin and also has a star on Hollywood Boulevard.  Strong Heart was a former German police dog who starred in many films, including White Fang (1925).
4. Spike (Old Yeller).  Spike was a true rescue dog, having been adopted by legendary trainer Frank Weatherwax for $3.00 at the East Valley Animal Shelter.  Old Yeller is hands-down the biggest tear jerker of all time, in no small part because of Spike.
5. Higgins [Benji] (1957-1975).  Adopted from the Burbank Animal Shelter as a pup by trainer Frank Inn, Higgins had an amazing 14 year career on the large and small screens, beginning with a role as "Dog" on Petticoat Junction in 1964.  Higgins is  however best known as Benji.
6. Uggie (2002- ?).  Although Uggie has been acting since 2005, it was his role in this year's Best Oscar winner "The Artist" (in which he stole every scene he was in) that made him a household name.
7. Pal the Wonder Dog [Pete the Pup] (1929-1946).  Known as "Petey" in The Little Rascal series (where Max Factor created the iconic black circle around his eye), Pal also appeared in 14 films and the Buster Brown TV series.
8. Moose [Eddie] (1990 - 2006).  Moose played the beloved Eddie Crane on the popular television series "Frasier," and actually received more fan mail than his human counterparts.  Energetic Eddie proved too much for his original owners, which is how he eventually ended up with LA trainer Mathilde DeCagny and rest is history
9. Terry [Toto] (1933-1944).  An adorable Cairn Terrier who appeared in 15 movies, she will always be best known as Toto in the wildly popular "Wizard of Oz."  Terry was paid $125 a week, more than many of the human actors at the time.  Judy Garland wanted to adopt her, but Terry's trainer Carl Spitz refused.
10. Skippy / Asta (1931 or 1932 - ?).  Known for his intelligence, this wire haired fox terrier starred in dozens of movies during the 1930s, including The Thin Man series in which he played the companion to William Powell and Myrna Low.  Skippy knew both verbal and hand commands.

Strong Heart

"The Return of Boston Blackie"

This short clip from the silent film "The Return of Boston Blackie" is thought to be the only suriving film of the legendary Stong Heart.

Best in Show is a Shelter Dog

The Westminster Kennel Club recently held its annual dog show.  The televised event is re-running Ad nauseam on the cable networks.  This year's winner was a Pekingese - the proverbial "Best in Show."  Other field winners included a German Shepherd, Dachshund, Dalmatian, Irish Setter, Doberman, and Kerry Blue Terrier.  All of which came from breeders.  Most if not all of these dogs can readily be found in shelters and with rescue groups. 

To make matters worse, Westminster dropped Pedigree as a sponsor - apparently Westminster didn't want to remind viewers that dogs are being killed in shelters.  And Westminster was afraid the ads would depress their viewers, and they want their viewers to associate "happy thoughts" with their show.

Pedigree's heartfelt shelter dog commercials absolutely must run during Westminster. And Westminster and the AKC need to do more to curb the practices of abusive puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders.

Because it's the shelter dogs who truly deserve a blue ribbon.  And a home.

And that's Wednesday's Woof.

Special Needs Small Dog Trio Needs Rescue!

WHAT HAS 9 GOOD LEGS AND WEIGHS 24 POUNDS? THIS TRIO OF SMALL DOGS WITH BIG PERSONALITIES. Sadly, all of these babies have fractures -- and will require a visit with an orthopedic vet to determine the next step. These dogs do not deserve to die because of careless humans who brought about this harm. To meet any of them, stop by the South L.A. shelter at 3612 11th Ave., L.A. 90018 (213) 485-0117 or -0119. And, if you would like to contribute to a qualified rescue(s) who might agree to save one (or more), please let me know asap. Time is running out for this little gang. With thanks, Andrea ivegonetothedogs@gmail.com (323) 363-4909

MAYA

Maya (A1251795, only 8 months old, and a tiny 6 pounds) was abandoned by her owners -- with a hind leg that is broken. "What more could go wrong?" she is asking. Maya is a precious little girl, so excited to get out of her cage that she ran in every direction -- until we snatched her for the photos. And then it was battling kisses to get her to sit still. Medical staff who see her daily adore her. Maya's a true beauty with her double-chocolate coat and big brown eyes!!!! Not to mention those unique ears.


EDDIE MUNSTER

 

 

Eddie Munster (A1279893, 3 years old, 9 pounds) looks just like -- Eddie Munster. That little mask. Those teeth (read fangs). He is a TV treasure come to South L.A. Eddie is hilarious, not letting anything stop him as he skips along on his 3 good legs. He's ready for a race -- and a place in your heart. Eddie has a distal fracture of the radius and ulna -- which may have already healed on its own. But, this needs to be determined by your vet. Also, cryptorchid. Poor Eddie -- what luck, eh? But, he's still getting residuals -- and is ready for a new series -- with you.

ARMAND

Is it those button eyes or that soft, soft fur that makes Aramand (A1281158, 2 years old, 9 fluffy pounds) so irresistible? He's a happy fellow who is all-over-the-place and in-your-face too. The question is : Can he kiss faster than he can run? We are waiting to find out because Armand has a feacture of the left hind leg as well as an inguinal hernia. And while we may be looking at surgery, Armand is dreaming about his next venture. In a home with a really comfy bed and people who dote on him. That's not so hard to imagine, given this adorable face.

 

South L.A. shelter at 3612 11th Ave., L.A. 90018 (213) 485-0117 or -0119

Top Ten Reasons Everyone Should Have at Least One Cat

A new Top Ten list is posted every Monday. If you have a suggestion for a Top Ten, send it to petpurri@gmail.com. If we use your suggestion we'll send you a prize!

1. You need someone responsible to take charge of your life.
2. An empty lap is a cold, lonely lap.
3. The top of your television looks bare.
4. Everyone should have a pet that silently stares at them for no reason.
5. You bought a lot of lint brushes at Costco and you're anxious to use them.
6. You have stairs and want someone to play "trip me if you can" with you.
7. Cats won't besiege you when you come home from work; wanting walks, playtime, treats, etc. (indeed, they won't even acknowledge that you came through the door).
8. You enjoy watching animals run full-speed from one room to the next for no reason.
9. ... waking to the sweet sound of contented purring in your ear.
10. The shelters and rescues have an abundance of beautiful, loving cats that need homes.  Adopt a cat, save a life!

Kitten Rescue

http://www.laanimalservices.com/

http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/

Cats vs. Covers

Cats are cover hogs.  They don't take up a lot of room, but they definitely try to hog the covers.

Twink always gets the covers to my left.  She gets them all bunched up and then goes into a coma. 

Lillie-Belle does a sly little crawl, nose first, and worms her way beneath the covers and finds the most uncomfortable (for me) position possible.  And then here comes Big Puck.  It's all over now.  The rest of the posse jostles for position ... someone always has to sleep on my pillow (Little Mess) and someone always wants to sleep on top of where Lillie-Belle has burrowed (Darwin).   

Any attempt to roll over, in fact any attempt to change positions at all, is futile.  Pets in the pits, pets in the knee curves, pets on the sides.

If you want a good night's sleep, don't sleep with cats. Or dogs.  Or cats and dogs.  

And that's Tuesday's Tip.

Top Ten Reasons Everyone Should Have at Least One Chihuahua

A new Top Ten list is posted every Monday. If you have a suggestion for a Top Ten, send it to petpurri@gmail.com. If we use your suggestion we'll send you a prize!

1.     Chihuahuas are one of the most euthanized breeds in shelters.

2.     You can sneak them into almost any kind of establishment.

3.     A Chi's wardrobe options are limitless – can you imagine a rottie
  in a pink dress? I think not.

4.     Teeny dog = teeny poop.

5.     Chi's come in an endless variety of colors, shapes and sizes –
  you're sure to find one you love.

6.     Perpetual lap warmers, Chi's make great companions and are
      affectionate and loving.

7.     If you are a guy with a Chi, you will exude masculine security.
      Chicks dig that.

8.     On the average Chi's live a long, long, long time.

9.     They’re versatile - they can ride in bicycle baskets, handbags and
       carry-ons.

10.   Thanks to Paris Hilton and Beverly Hills Chihuahua I & II, they
       have been overbred like crazy. They need you - please rescue a
       Chihuahua today!

http://ranchodechihuahua.org/

http://www.laanimalservices.com/

http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/

Outrage Continues as Brown Tries to Repeal Hayden Law



California's "progressive" Governor, Jerry Brown, continues to spark widespread outrage by seeking to repeal all provisions of the Hayden Law that the Commission on Mandates ruled to be “reimbursable state mandates.” The provisions subject to repeal will be:  

1. Providing care and maintenance during the increased holding period for impounded dogs and cats that are ultimately euthanized. The increased holding period shall be measured by calculating the difference between three days from the day of capture and four business days from the day after impoundment, as specified below in 3 (a) and 3 (b), or six business days from the day after impoundment (Food & Agr. Code, §§ 31108, 31752); 
2. Providing care and maintenance for four business days from the day after impoundment, as specified below in 3 (a) and 3 (b), or six business days from the day after impoundment, for impounded rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, pot-bellied pigs, birds, lizards, snakes, turtles, or tortoises legally allowed as personal property that are ultimately euthanized (Food & Agr. Code, § 31753);
3. For dogs, cats, and other specified animals held for four business days after the day of impoundment, either: (a) Making the animal available for owner redemption on one weekday evening until at least 7:00 p.m., or one weekend day; or (b) For those local agencies with fewer than three full-time employees or that are not open during all regular weekday business hours, establishing a procedure to enable owners to reclaim their animals by appointment at a mutually agreeable time when the agency would otherwise be closed (Food & Agr., Code §§ 31108, 31752, and 31753);
4. Verifying whether a cat is feral or tame by using a standardized protocol (Food & Agr. Code, § 31752.5);
5. Posting lost and found lists (Food & Agr. Code, § 32001);
6. Maintaining records on animals that are not medically treated by a veterinarian, but are either taken up, euthanized after the holding period, or impounded (Food & Agr. Code, § 32003); and
7. Providing "necessary and prompt veterinary care" for abandoned animals, other than injured cats and dogs given emergency treatment, that are ultimately euthanized (Civ.Code, §§ 1834 and 1846).

It is imperative that everyone contact Governor Jerry Brown.  Tell him in the strongest terms that you OPPOSE the repeal of any portion of the Hayden Law.  California's shelters already kill at an alarming rate.  The perception is that California public policy prefers adoption over killing (even though it is the public responsible in large part for the overcrowding in the shelters).

• CALL Brown at (916) 445-2841 (9 am to 5 pm)
• FAX a letter of opposition (916) 558-3177
• EMAIL the governor's office at http://gov.ca.gov/m_contact.php (choose BUDGET as subject).
• POST to Governor Brown's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/jerrybrown
• TWEET to Governor Brown's Twitter page at @JerryBrownGov
• Sign this petition:  http://www.change.org/petitions/the-governor-of-ca-do-not-repeal-any-provisions-of-the-hayden-law

News Articles:

Sacramento Bee

News 10 Story

Winograd Article

Animal Law Coalition

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION AND CONTACT JERRY BROWN.  IF THE HAYDEN LAW IS REPEALED MANY SHELTER ANIMALS WILL DIE .