pet connection

We get media releases all the time from movie companies wanting us to write about upcoming films featuring animals. And nearly every time, we don’t, because there’s no genuinely interesting angle to the story.

Recently, I wrote back to a large studio that had a very charming video on YouTube promoting their film — something extremely clever that I would have liked to mention here on the blog — saying that if you could give me something to hang a story on, something to deal with the possible issues raised by using a purebred dog of a very popular breed in this movie, and how you’re not suggesting people rush right out and buy a dog of this breed because he or she will be just like your hero, I could write about it.

It’s not that the publicist didn’t respond; she did. With total incomprehension.

It’s well-known by responsible Dalmatian breeders that the film 101 Dalmatians prompted an increase in popularity of the breed from which it is still suffering the effects. Popularity is a curse on a breed, leading to increased numbers of carelessly bred dogs, more dogs in pet stores, and more people who should never even consider a dog of that breed deciding they want one, based on breed characteristics that are falsely or at least only partially shown by the movie dog.

That’s why the AKC and Twentieth Century Fox have teamed up to use the DVD release of Firehouse Dog to educate people about Irish Terriers and responsible dog ownership in general:

The DVD of family comedy Firehouse Dog, which is being released on July 31, 2007, will include a supplement from the AKC that details Irish Terrier characteristics, temperament and exercise needs as well as contact information for the Irish Terrier Club of America.

Life is anything but ruff for Rex, Hollywood’s hottest canine action hero. But this top dog is about to hit rock bottom when an aerial movie stunt goes wrong and the pompous pooch finds himself lost and alone in an unfamiliar city. Adopted by a rebellious 12-year-old boy (Josh Hutcherson), whose troubled dad (Bruce Greenwood) commands the ragtag crew of a rundown fire station, Rex soon learns the true meaning of loyalty and friendship while performing the most heroic act of all – bringing a father and son closer together.

“We are exceptionally pleased that the fine traits and qualities of the Irish Terrier are being displayed in this wonderful film; however, we continue to caution anyone who wants to purchase one based solely on what they see at the theater,” stated Gail Miller, AKC’s Director of Marketing.

The AKC breed insert includes the following points:

• As puppies Irish Terriers need a lot of socialization and training to support their upbeat Irish spirit and become loving well-mannered family companions.
• The breed has a dense, hard coat which requires hand stripping at least two times a year.
• Irish Terriers are smart and independent, which could lead them to mischief; a fenced yard is important to keep them from harm’s way.

Before the movie was initially released, the AKC and Twentieth Century Fox filmed a public service announcement with “Rex” and Firehouse Dog star Josh Hutcherson, available on both the AKC’s and Firehouse Dog’s websites, to remind people about making educated decisions before adding a dog to their home.

“We thank Twentieth Century Fox and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment for their continuing cooperation in helping AKC educate prospective puppy buyers. We hope that the information supplement we have provided will make those who purchase this DVD conduct their research and contact the Irish Terrier Club of America if they are interested in owning a dog like Rex,” said Miller.

Read the release here. And movie studios? THIS is how you get pet columnists to write about your films.