BlogBlast 4 Peace – November 4th, 2012

We at AdoptedMomToChazzTheDog are joining other Bloggers in today’s BlogBlast 4 Peace.  Humans & Animals need peace in their worlds, so we are adding our voice to this issue. Peace is attained through fighting & violence only as a last resort. Granted sometimes this is necessary; but we much prefer this method of getting the word out. Join us if you can at http://rumpydog.com/2012/11/04/peace/

 

BlogBlast 4 Peace

 

 

ChazzTheDog is playing it low-key this year for Halloween. We decided to go understated with only headgear making up his costume. So without further ado, may we present…...ChazzTheDog Famous WWI Flying Ace.

Chazz Famous WWI Flying Ace

Happy Halloween to all our Pals. TRICK OR TREAT!!! 

And remember NO CHOCOLATE for dogs, it’s toxic. We are not kidding around here.

Have a SAFE Holiday with your pets.

Letting Go..starring Dragon, Hurricane, & Ted, as well as Jake Torem, Christopher Knight, Shirley Brener, Todd Stashwick, David Foster, Eliza Roberts, Jade Henham,  Peter Scolari

Peter Scolari at Premiere of “Polar Express” at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Hollywood, CA 2004 *superiorpics.com

Peter is an accomplished juggler and is skilled in circus arts.  Discovered acting at the age of 16 while performing in a high school production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”  Dreamed of being a professional baseball player but an elbow injury ended that dream.* imdb.com/name/nm0778642/bio

ChazzTheDog/AdoptedMom Interview Actor Peter Scolari About His Role in Letting Go

Q&A Section

CTD: There’s an old saying, an actor shouldn’t work with children or animals at the risk of being upstaged; so the obvious first question has to be: What was it like working with the three canine stars of Letting Go?

Peter: That’s attributed to W.C. Fields. But it was a coy statement. He never failed to work with kids and dogs. Look at Letting Go, the animals steal your heart, and no human character is the worse for it…

DRAGON

 CTD: What was it like on the set with your canine co-stars? Did you hang out together after filming was done for the day?

Peter: I think Jake and I commiserated with ourselves and the pups for a while, yes. Jake hogged their attention, it’s his way…

Peter Scolari and Jake Torem. talking dog  with Dragon, Hurricane, and Ted

 CTD:  How do you view this film: romantic comedy, story of grief & loss, a movie about dogs, or the Pilates craze?

Peter: All and none of the above. To me, it became a movie about listening to everyone’s point of view but your own, and then, having achieved that, respectfully choosing your own path. 

 CTD:  Where did the idea come from to incorporate the “Dirty Harry approach” to dog training you used in your performance?

Peter: Not a big deal. If you liked the approach, it was my idea. If not, I’m pretty sure Jake came up with it. We were just fooling around…

Bill The Dog Trainer keeping things under control with a wooden bone

 CTD: Was there an official Animal Handler/Trainer on the set that you picked up any pointers from? How if any did it influence your performance?

 Peter:  JT and I did this alone, above the Reservoir – Although I have no dogs in my life currently (instead there are children), I have had a few canine family members, loved them and have been loved in return, which is what they do. Many years ago, I learned from an older Sicilian-American Gentleman in Brooklyn, NY, how to teach and train a dog – he had quite a few, and subsequent to that, my dogs were always beautifully behaved, which leftthem free to be themselves. Also, many years ago, Voice-Over Genius Frank Welker taught me how dogs actually bark (which is on an inhalation of breath), while recording episodes of Batman, the animated series, and when you achieve it, dogs pay much greater attention. So I spoke to them directly.

Wise King Teddy

CTD: Mr. Scolari, you are always remembered for your gender-bending, cross dressing, character on TV’s, Bosom Buddies, Henry/Hildegarde Desmond (Hildy).  What memories do you have from that time in your career? 

Peter: Many, of course, but the ones that hold dear are moments of friendship: Wendy Jo Sperber, young Tom Hanks, Holland, Donna, Telma, and sometimes I actually think I can remember myself – not much else seems to matter.

Peter Scolari as Henry/Hildegarde Desmond with Tom Hanks in Bosom Buddies

CTD: Are you personally a Pet Parent? Dog? Cat?

Peter: Not at the moment, no. 

 CTD: As compared to other of your work, how would you describe the Letting Go set? Fun, noisy, slobbery? Follow-up question: Was Craft Services able to provide for the diverse culinary needs of the cast & crew?

Peter: Ha! I see where you’re going with this. Both questions. But apart from the occasional tug-o-war, it was a lovely time…

Canine Stars, Dragon, Hurricane, & Ted lounging in between takes

CREDITS…(Partial List)

2012 Letting Go  Bill

2012 Girls (TV series) Tad Horvath

Becky Ann Baker & Peter Scolari in GIRLS

2011 Batman: The Brave and the Bold (TV series)
Atom / Ray Palmer 2007A Plumm Summer 
Agent Hardigan

Peter Scolari in A Plum Summer

2007 Suburban Girl 
Mickey Lamm2006 Cathedral Pines 
Father Mike McGary2006/IMentor 
Jonathan Parks2006 American Dad! (TV series)
Himself / Limo Driver2006 Big Love (TV series)
Seminary Teacher2005 Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D (documentary short)
Pete Conrad (voice)2004 The Polar Express 
Billy – Lonely Boy2003 Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (TV series)
Ringmaster2002 What’s New, Scooby-Doo? (TV series)
Professor Higginson2002 What I Like About You (TV series)
Dad2002 The West Wing (TV series)
Antares C.E.O. Jake Kimball2002 ER (TV series)
Kyle Evans2002 Sorority Boys 
Louis2002 The King of Queens (TV series)
Ron2002 Reba (TV series)
Parker Reynolds2001 Ally McBeal (TV series)
Hooley1994-2001 Touched by an Angel (TV series)
Charles Hibbard / Tim Albright2000 The Ultimate Christmas Present (TV movie)
Edwin Hadley1997-2000 Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show (TV series)
Wayne Szalinski / Noodles Oregano / Quark / …1998 Hey Arnold! (TV series)
Doug 1998From the Earth to the Moon (TV mini-series)
Pete Conrad1997-1998 Pinky and the Brain (TV series)
Mr. Perfect / Weird Guy1997 George & Leo (TV series)
Dr. Michael Harris1997 The Nanny (TV series)
Leslie Tilbert1997 Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man (TV series)
Brad1996 For Hope (TV movie)
Date #2 (uncredited)1996The Drew Carey Show (TV series)
Councilman Kemp1996 Talk to Me (TV movie)
Howard Grant1996 That Thing You Do! 
Troy Chesterfield1996The Home Court (TV series)
Kenyon Stanton1995-1996 Gargoyles (TV series)
Preston Vogel1996 Stop the World, I Want to Get Off (TV movie)
Littlechap1994-1995 Dave’s World (TV series)
Fred / Kenny’s Boss1995 Can’t Hurry Love (TV series)
Colin1995 Dweebs (TV series)
Warren Mosbey1992-1995 Batman (TV series)
Gunther Hardwicke / John Hamner / The Shark1995 A Whole New Ballgame (TV series)
Glenn1993-1995 The Mommies (TV series)
Ken Ballantine1994 Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (TV series)
Stuart Hofferman– The Source (1994) … Stuart Hofferman1993-1994 Animaniacs (TV series)
The Driver / Wilford B. Wolf1994 Camp Nowhere 
Donald Himmel1994 Empty Nest (TV series)
Dieter Dietz1994 Burke’s Law (TV series) 1993 Family Album (TV series)
Jonathan Lerner1993 Fallen Angels (TV series)
Clerk1993 Ticks 
Charles Danson1992 Nurses (TV series)
George Myrock1992 The House on Sycamore Street (TV movie)
Dr. Zachary ‘Zach’ Drummond – plastic surgeon1991 Perry Mason: The Case of the Glass Coffin (TV movie)
David Katz1991 Perfect Harmony (TV movie)
Derek Sanders1991 Fire: Trapped on the 37th Floor (TV movie)
Paul DeWitt1991 Danger Team (TV movie)
Police Officer Shields1990 Corporate Affairs 
Simon Tanner1990 Encyclopedia Brown (TV series)
Bandini1984-1990 Newhart (TV series)
Michael Harris

Peter Scolari as Michael Harris in Newhart

1990 World’s Greatest Magicians… At the Magic Castle (TV movie) 1989 Trying Times (TV series)
Howard LaMotta1989 CBS Summer Playhouse (TV series)
Morgan1989 The Ryan White Story (TV movie)
David Day1988 The Twilight Zone (TV series)
Delos of Atlantis / Leonard Randall 1987 Father Dowling Mysteries (TV series)
Chris Robinson1987 Fatal Confession: A Father Dowling Mystery (TV movie)
Chris Robinson1987 The New Mike Hammer (TV series)
Andy Shales1986 The Love Boat (TV series)
Frank Hobbs / Wellington David Rothmeyer / Wellington Davis Rothmeyer1986 You Are the Jury (TV series)
Stephen Best1986 Fresno (TV mini-series)
Waiter1986 Family Ties (TV series)
Paul Kenter1986 Hotel (TV series)
Tom1986 Mr. Bill’s Real Life Adventures (short)
Mr. Bill1984 Finder of Lost Loves (TV series)
Ted Caton1984 The Rosebud Beach Hotel 
Elliot Garner1984 Amazons (TV movie)
Dr. Jerry Menzies1983 Carpool (TV movie)
Robert Duff1983 Baby Makes Five (TV series)
Eddie Riddle1983 Happy Days (TV series)
Jake1982 Missing Children: A Mother’s Story (TV movie)
Woody1982 Remington Steele (TV series)
Albie Fervitz1980-1982 Bosom Buddies (TV series)
Henry Desmond / Hildegarde ‘Hilde’ Desmond

Hanks & Scolari, Back-to-Back BOSOM BUDDIES

 Adopted Mom & Chazz The Dog would like to thank Mr. Peter Scolari for his time and interest in answering our questions.  Further, we wish to extend a paw in furriendship to him for agreeing in the first place to participate in this interview at AMTCTD Blog.  Most images of Mr. Scolari courtesy of Coy Dog Films.

Wallace by Jim Gorant – Book Review 10.02.12

Wallace… The Underdog Who Conquered a Sport, Saved a Marriage, and Championed Pit Bulls – One Flying Disc at a Time

Author: Jim Gorant

Publisher: Penguin Group (Gotham Books) New York, NY

First Printing: September 2012

I’ve reviewed a variety of things in my freelance writing career: Products, Films, Performances…but rarely does it present such an interesting challenge as it does to review something from my perspective as a Dog Lover.

Wallace, is the story of a Pit Bull. Yep a Pittie.  And as I have never taken a public position on the question of this breed, I will do so now.

Before becoming an adoptive dog pawrent myself, I believed that Pit Bulls were a question mark. I didn’t necessarily think they were inherently (ie. genetically) bad – that was the responsibility of the owner and whatever training they did or didn’t provide their pet. But as a general rule, I was a bit fearful of this breed of dog.  I still believe that. However, I am not in favor of breed specific legislation (BSL) that speaks to outlaw this animal and put them down at unbelievable rates (as compared to other dog breeds) But I am wary when I see this dog on the street, in the park, etc. If an animal is capable of killing another dog or inflicting catastrophic injury to human or dog; I am in favor of measures to be taken to reduce this possibility. In specific I am talking about being required to use a Basket Muzzle on this breed of dog. It does no harm to the animal, and helps to guarantee the safety of those around the dog, canine and human.  AdoptedMom

I am relating all this prior to writing my actual book review in the name of full disclosure.  I think it important to have a context in which to understand my opinions of this story.

REVIEW

I loved this story!  Wallace the dog and the story both have heart, drive, and intensity that keeps the reader engaged in his struggles and his victories.  To not only survive from all those who wish to see him dead, but to prove to the doubters that he can compete in championship level dog disc flying contests across the country.

 Wallace isn’t the only one facing challenges in this story. His owners Roo & Clara Yori struggle with their battles to save Wallace, their troubled marriage, and facing those who stand in the way of Wallace taking part, and ultimately becoming a champion, in this sport of dog disc flying.

To say Roo Yori is an unusual man is well simple. An athlete and former soccer player – he realizes early on that not only does Wallace have the skills to play competitive disc, but more than that the dog LOVES IT. He trains with Wallace for hours on end to perfect the moves and the tricks he and the dog must perform in competition.

But the connection between dog and man, so aptly described by Author Gorant, is not something that can be taught……… it just is or it isn’t.  The euphoric feeling Roo experiences as he’s on the field working, no playing with Wallace is delightful to read.  You can truly feel his passion.

Book Cover, Wallace by Jim Gorant

Wallace starts out his life named Ranger, the odd puppy out of his litter. With his one blue colored eye and disposition he is different than his littermates. And that is exactly what draws Roo Yori to Wallace.  With some reservations, he takes Wallace home and presents him to his wife Clara, telling her he wants to try Wallace in their home.

The story unfolds describing how Wallace and Roo both become involved and then attached to disc flying.  It becomes clear that Wallace, while not ideally suited for the sport – as are smaller, lighter, faster dogs – Wallace’s has got something else. Intensity & drive to never give up, to catch every disc thrown or to sacrafice himself in the effort.  This dog was meant to compete, to play disc.  He is so amazing in competition, other owners ask Roo, ‘What are you feeding that dog?”

And Wallace was meant for his Roo. The bond that emerges between Wallace and Roo goes far beyond the competition field and drives Roo to turn Wallace into the Poster Dog fighting Pit Bull Discrimination.  Judge a dog on how he behaves, not the shape of his head, his looks.  And together, one event at a time Wallace makes believers out of the naysayers.

Disclaimer:  AMTCTD received no compensation in any manner for this review. The opinions expressed are ours alone, and were not influenced by any other persons or company.

* AMTCTD blog would like to thank Penguin Group, publishers of Wallace by Jim Gorant in allowing this book to be the inaugural review at Chazz’s Literary Corner. We did get permission from the publisher to use the Book Cover image in this post.