A terrier mix who was once desperately looking for a home to escape euthanasia at a kill shelter found not just an adoptive family, but also stardom. The best part is that the pooch didn’t have to do anything special — he only had to be his friendly, affectionate self to bag the role.
Monte, the two-year-old terrier mix, came from the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley in New Mexico. He arrived in Phoenix in April 2018 after HALO Animal Rescue, a no-kill shelter, pulled him out of the facility along with 49 other dogs.
The notes on Monte in the New Mexico shelter had nothing but praises for the pooch. The staff described him as a sweet and outgoing dog who loved greeting people and kissing them.
It was thus puzzling as to why nobody was interested in the adorable terrier mix. However, Monte’s inability to attract adopters in New Mexico turned out to be the best thing that happened to him.
Mark Forbes, who trains animals for films, was looking for the canine star for the remake of the classic Disney film The Lady and the Tramp. The movie’s producer, Brigham Taylor, was adamant that they cast real dogs for the principal roles.
That’s how they got the idea to recruit shelter pooches. They eventually found a picture of Monte online and knew right away that his looks and personality were perfect for the character of Tramp.
Mark visited HALO Animal Rescue in Arizona to adopt the terrier mix. The energetic and fun-loving Monte enjoyed his training for his Disney role as much as his new fur dad did.
Monte’s not the only one with a rags-to-riches story. Many of his fellow canine actors in the remake also came from shelters and, like the terrier mix, went to new forever homes once they finished filming.
Heather Allen, the president of HALO Animal Rescue, appreciates Disney’s decision to give rescue dogs a chance. The move sends a clear message that shelter animals are just as worthy and lovable as any other pooch.
Moreover, casting them in a film — the remake of a beloved classic, no less — shows that any dog can be trained to act. Mark agrees, saying that positive energy is the key. Watch Monte’s story here:
Source: 12 News on YouTube