Hollywood Hounds
Monday, February 8, 2010
By: Kerry Bannon

...and other recipes for disaster.

Kerry Bannon is one of the dedicated volunteers on our staff.  She holds an M.S. in Animals and Public Policy.  She will be making regular contributions to our website starting with the article below.  We all look forward to her insights.  Thank you, Kerry, for donating your time to assist us with educating the public about important animal welfare issues.

It happens so easily – you’re on school vacation, and the latest blockbuster in the theater is an animal movie.  Of course you have to see it, what type of animal lover would you be if you didn’t? So you go to the movies with your friends, and you come out absolutely in love with the latest canine star. You have to have one of your own; this is your dream dog, after all... or is it?

Whether it’s a ferret in a TV commercial or a celebrity’s latest puppy sidekick, animals are a constant presence in the media.  High-profile pooches, as well as cats, birds, and other small animals, frequently become fads, especially when they are movie stars.  Growing up, I can remember the “spotted fever” that ensued following the release of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians.  It seemed like everywhere I turned, somebody had a Dalmatian.  According to the AKC (American Kennel Club), an organization which registers purebred dogs in the United States, statistics show that in the eight years following the 1985 re-release of the animated film, the number of Dalmatians registered in the US skyrocketed from 8,170 in 1985 to 42,816 in 1993. By 1994, Dalmatians were the 9th most popular breed in the USA.  This is quite a contrast from the 40th place ranking they had in 1980 and the 75th place they hold today. What happened?

For some people Dalmatians are a wonderful match.  But for others, they are the complete opposite. Socialization and obedience training help, but the fact remains that Dalmatians require a great deal of attention to handle the demands that their intelligence and energy levels place upon a family. Many parents who decided to go ahead and get a Dalmatian puppy were not prepared for the reality of raising that pet to adulthood. For example, a neighbor of mine purchased a Dalmatian named Patch (after his namesake in the movie) for their young family.  Patch was a great dog, but not the right fit for a family where the parents worked long hours and the kids were constantly busy with extracurricular activities. As Patch grew he received very little training and became bored. Soon he was a large and hyperactive adolescent dog that would tear around the house, knocking down anything in his path, including the family’s toddler. Patch’s family didn’t anticipate dealing with this bundle of energy, to the point where one of their kids remarked one day, “Why can’t Patch be like the dog in the movie?”  Patch had failed to meet his family’s expectations of a Hollywood-trained dog.  So his family decided to do the right thing and give him the chance to live with a family that would be able to meet his needs.  They surrendered him to a rescue shortly after his first birthday.  This outcome was very common for thousands of Dalmatians born in the 1990’s.

Similar, but less dramatic trends have occurred following the releases of other animal movies which show that all kinds of animals can fall victim to Hollywood-driven fads.  While a person’s heart may be in the right place, he or she might not expect that clownfish require expensive equipment and a specific temperature and water chemistry to survive (Finding Nemo, 2008), or that a Chihuahua’s size and temperament make this breed a poor fit for a family with small children (Beverly Hills Chihuahua, 2008), or that guinea pigs are not quite as exciting as specially trained spies (G-Force, 2009). 

Sadly, circumstances beyond anyone’s control (like the current state of the economy) can cause life altering change for many people and often pets are left homeless as a consequence.  Having to get rid of a pet due to failed expectations is preventable and does not have to be the reason another pet is surrendered to a shelter.  Too many pets and people are hurt in the process.

How can you help minimize the effect of the media on the demand for a particular animal?
- Set an example.  Don’t fall into the trap yourself. This is not to say that your interest in a particular pet should never be influenced by a movie.  But before bringing the animal into your home and life, research the pros and cons associated with that animal so you can make an informed decision.
- Spread the word. If there’s a movie or other type of show that features a pet star, learn about that animal and its needs.  Then, as an informed animal lover, you can share your knowledge with all your friends and family members.

Luckily, the story ended happily for Patch. A young, active woman adopted him after he was surrendered to the rescue by my neighbors. Patch did especially well in his new home because his new owner not only took him for runs every day but also enrolled him in agility classes.  “Going to School” challenged his intelligence and helped him to burn off his extra energy.  It was a match made in heaven!

So remember, research your breed before diving in.  And don’t forget to tell all your friends everything you know.  With your help, we can make sure others will not fall into the Hollywood trap so that there are more happy endings for everyone involved!