Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Canine Walk of Fame unveiled in London

Famous dogs including Lassie and Oscar-winning animated pooch Gromit were inducted into the world's first canine Walk of Fame in London on Monday, November 5th, as the four-legged version of the Hollywood pantheon was unveiled.

Other top hounds included Fang from the "Harry Potter" films and Toto from "The Wizard of Oz", although, disappointingly for some, Tintin's sidekick Snowy failed to make the cut.

"Dogs play a very important role in our lives, through their companionship, unconditional love and rewarding relationship they give us," said Caroline Kisko of the Kennel Club at the unveiling near the famous Battersea Dogs' Home in south-west London.

"It is fantastic to see that this is felt the world over through the recognition given by the film industry, and the number of these films that are box office hits prove how much love the public have for dogs in general."

The six winners, who also included Bobby from "Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story Of A Dog", Bullseye from "Oliver!" and Chance and Shadow from the "Homeward Bound" films, were chosen from a shortlist of 15.

Those left out in the Top Dog stakes also included Pongo and Perdita from "101 Dalmatians", Hooch from "Turner and Hooch" and the four-legged stars of "Lady and the Tramp".