Dogs, dogs and more dogs!
One of the most touching sub-plots in Saving Dinah, was the story of the abandoned and ill mother dog who appears, resting quietly in the “rescue office” and later in the euthanasia scene.
This lovely actor was Tristan (born 1999) – Tristan is a black lab, who had elbow dysplasia and other orthopedic issues for many years. By the time of filming Saving Dinah, he was a well loved senior who had been one home his whole life. He shared his life with Nancy Franklin, who has been a Project Jessie foster for many years, and also lives with Sophie – sister/sibling of our Saving Dinah star Sally.
Tristan was such a calm and gentle presence during the Saving Dinah filming! Such a lovely fellow…
In one of the early scenes, Dinah is stolen and put in the back of Syke’s van (the “variety store” scene), and several of those dogs are friends who live with my family. They also appeared in the “research lab” scene.
Kaidee (born 2007)- a schnauzer x shihtzu, Kaidee was surrendered as a young, silly dog to the Newmarket OSPCA by her owner who had cancer and couldn’t deal with Kaidee’s exuberant nature. She has a heart murmur, and has lived with my family since 2009.
Kaidee appears in the back of Syke’s van, and also as the silhouette in a cage in the research lab scene. We couldn’t get a picture without her wagging her tail though!
Sugar (born 1999) –a border terrier x shihtzu –Sugar’s mom was seized by the North York SPCA because she had been in labour for 2 days without producing pups and the owner would not pay for a c-section. After the mom was taken, and given her surgery, she and her three pups came to me for fostering. Sugar had a genetic disorder which ended up requiring some major surgery on his hip. He has been a well loved member of our family ever since.
Pompom (born~ 1998)- a pomeranian, Mr. Muggles Panda Pompom Pants came to Project Jessie from a rural shelter. He was adopted out and then returned due to ongoing anxiety and mental health issues. We decided to adopt him, as he was comfortable and happy with our family.
The big, dramatic “dog fight” scene was completely staged with clever camera work and post-production editing. Obviously we would never stress out our dog friends, or put them in any situation where they might remotely have the chance of being hurt in any way.
Thea (born 2003)– a chihuahua, Thea’s parents were abandoned in a house when the people moved away. Brampton Animal Services asked Project Jessie to take them as momma was very pregnant. One of our wonderful vets fostered her, and mom ended up needing a c-section. There were 3 pups. Mom was adopted out, Thea was adopted by Andrea, one adopted by the vet and the last adopted by a vet tech. All the pups still get together on a regular basis.
Thea appears in the “fight scene” as the bait dog, that Syke’s shows to the audience before the fight.
The stars of the “fight scene” were Arthur and Marley a pair of best buddies that were so awesome during filming! This was one part of Saving Dinah that we didn’t really succeed at – even though they were great actors, there was no way to get these sweeties to look “fierce” – they are both too lovely!
In the scene that is shot at dog eye level, of him coming into the fighting ring, you can see the big silly grin on his face. (That’s because he’s coming to see me, already sitting in there out of camera view with treats in hand to get him to “run in” – and hugs and pats for a job well done!)
So there you have it! You’ve met most of our canine actors now. Stay tuned for part 4 when we meet some of the cats and the bunnies that acting in saving Dinah as well!
