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According to a heart warming and only slightly suspect story in the National Enquirer, one of the little stars of Beverly Hills Chihuahua was hours away from euthanasia at the dog pound before he was scooped up by a trainer and made into a big screen star. It’s the type of fleas to fortune story that you frequently hear in Hollywood, and is likely exaggerated for effect:
Languishing in an animal shelter, time was running out for “Rusco,” the Chihuahua mix. Found wandering the streets of Moreno Valley, CA, two weeks earlier, no one had claimed the poor pooch - and no one had shown an interest in adopting him. It looked like he would be put to sleep.
By law, the shelter keeps strays for five working days, after that they can be euthanized at any time.
Meanwhile, 60 miles away in Los Angeles, animal trainer Mike Alexander saw Rusco’s photo on the website petharbor.com. He had a hunch that the scrappy-looking pup with the big ears would be perfect for the role of “Papi.”
Alexander called the shelter - and learned he couldn’t put a hold on the pup over the phone. He had to do it in person. The race was on to save Rusco’s life!
“I rushed down to the shelter, but it was so far aaway and I had traffic to deal weith… when I got there, they were just closing the doors and wouldn’t let me in.”
[From The National Enquirer, print edition, Octoeber 13, 3008]
Of course trainer Alexander arrived back at the shelter the first thing the next morning, little Rusco was still alive, and the rest is soon to be forgotten cinematic history.
That’s a sweet story though and it reminds you of all the animals in shelters worldwide who need good homes, most of them not as lucky as big-eyed Rusco. Rusco plays the dog with the voice of George Lopez, Papi. His co-star is a purebred dog from Beverly Hills with Drew Barrymore’s voice, Chloe, who ends up lost in Mexico and needing Papi’s help. The human stars are Piper Perabo and Jamie Lee Curtis.
The film is out today, October 3, and should be a hit with kids if not with critics. Here’s the trailer.
If you’re looking for a good animal cause, the North Shore Animal League is the worlds largest no-kill shelter and rescue facility. Another worthy charity is The Cat House On The Kings, California’s largest no-kill no-cage facility where hundreds of cats and dogs are cared for in an open environment. I learned about it through this inspiring YouTube video that shows the work they do.
Photos from AllMoviePhoto.
Written by Celebitchy
Posted in Photos
11 Responses to “Beverly Hills Chihuahua star saved from certain death”
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Both Morris the 9 Lives ’spokescat’ and Benji were pound animals so it does happen. Also I believe this was the case with the dog in Down and Out in Beverly Hills although on that one I’m not entirely certain. I’ll see if I can find anything on the net - just for curiosity’s sake.
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Yep, pound puppies are always the way to go.
But I f-cking hate Chihuahuas - my neighbor has one, and he yaps day and night. It’s like he’s scared of his own shadow.
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Here’s a website which includes all TV/Movie/commercial animals - with the glaring omission of Petey from the Little Rascals
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Rescue pups rule
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Hooray for rescue pups! & I agree with Codzilla, good on ya CB for promoting this issue
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All of my mommie’s chis are pound puppies.
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i would think with the popularity of tiny dogs that they wouldn’t have a problem finding a cute chihuahua a home.
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I have two pound pups and encourage anyone looking for a pet to visit your local shelter first. The animals there will capture your heart.
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I agree - I have had two cats straight off the street and it is amazing to watch them transform into loving vibrant animals. It makes them even more special.
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I don’t usually like Disney movies, but I’m thinking I might want to see this one.
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I dont care for PETA nor do I care for their ads. I don’t wear fur and I don’t ride...
CB: Whether this story is true or not, props to you for turning it into an opportunity to promote such great causes.
To all those thinking about bringing a critter into your life: Please, please, please adopt! You’ll save a life and, in return, your new friend will love you forever.
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