adogsbreakfastmovie.com - Mars - From marked Mutt to movie star!

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Mars - From marked Mutt to movie star!

Written by dgeek

Saturday, 02 September 2006

Mars - From marked Mutt to movie star!

Mars is one lucky pup. According to the Humane Society of the United States, an estimated 3 to 4 million cats and dogs are euthanized in U.S. shelters every year. And Mars was about to become one of them - until Hollywood came calling.

Actor David Hewlett had just been cast as one of the leads on the hit TV series Stargate Atlantis. Wanting to share his good fortune, he and his girlfriend, producer, Jane loughman, decided to help out at the local animal shelter by volunteering to walk dogs. But Mars nosed his way in their plans.

“He came straight up to us and sat on my foot!” says David, “how could we resist?” The eager but fragile rottweiler-terrier mutt was scheduled to be destroyed. at the tender age of eleven months, he’d been diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia and could only take 10 minute walks. Nobody was willing to take on such a great responsibility and potential expense. The couple felt differently. How perfect – a big dog with a small dog exercise regimen! David and Jane couldn’t wait to take him home…

After two weeks with his new foster family, Mars was not only happier, his health had literally improved in leaps and bounds. So the couple took Mars to another vet for a second opinion and he was given a clean bill of health. According to vet number two, Mars’ mixed-up heritage had resulted in some bizarre bone structure – and a “supermodel” wiggle! Supplements, lots of exercise and a decent diet have kept him bouncing ever since.

So when David and Jane’s pet project – the comedy feature film “A Dog’s Breakfast” – went into production later that same year, it was obvious who would take the title role. “Mars was the quintessential star” says jane, “he loved being on set, made friends with all the crew, did just what we needed, when we needed it… and all for cookies and a tickle behind the ears!”

If you’d like to see a clip from the upcoming film visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpUJLMnr2NE

“A Dog’s Breakfast” is David Hewlett’s directorial debut, in which he also stars alongside his sister, Kate Hewlett, and fellow Stargate star, Paul McGillion. A nice, clean, family murder, the film reaches out to a potential US audience of over 10 million Stargate fans and 65 million pet owners – of whom 18 % have adopted their pet from a shelter, just like Mars. So as well as being happy and healthy, it looks like Mars may just have a Hollywood hit on his paws.

Comments

Impressions
Written by bluejay on 2006-11-15 02:14:35

Good for you to adopt a stray dog, especially a debilitated mix. My dog didn't make such a great impression on us the first hours we had him. We had to drive 25 miles home from Chicago, and he kept throwing up on me every ten minutes. My coat was never the same again, and neither was our house. We love that dog to death....

This is so cool!!
Written by luziax on 2006-09-26 21:55:10

I also have a street dog (sorry, ex-street dog) her name is “Pulga” (it means “Flea” cause she use to be such a tinny dog *sight*) I rescue her mother from the street and found her a home, and now my puppy is the cutest of her first litter.

David Hewlett videos (site in spanish)
http://masterchica.livejournal.com

Dog Lovers
Written by Pucky on 2006-09-09 18:50:56

It's fantastic that you were willing to take in Mars like that. I've had some experience with pounds and rescue shelters in the past, and I know how hard it is to find homes for dogs that are older or that have problems. Most often, they're the ones who have to be put down. People don't realize that they can be the greatest pets. My own was 14 when I got her, and three days away from being put down. It's great to see another person willing to take in animals like that.

Genius with a heart
Written by lemonchicken on 2006-09-08 20:36:22

Not only do you play the galaxy's greatest genius, but you take the time to help out animals in need! Its awesome. I cant stand walking into pet stores where puppies and kittens are crammed into aquarium like cages, while many others are on the verge of being put down because no one will dare to take a chance with them. Walking dogs from the pound - never really thought about that before. Its a great idea to help out - money only goes so far.
Say hi to Mars, and I think he deserves a treat or two!

Pound pups
Written by Pixel on 2006-09-08 11:14:51

Good for you for rescuing Mars. When I was growing up we adopted a dog from the pound. Shortly after we got him home he inflicted some very expensive damage on the family car and I was quite afraid he would be banished once again. Fortunately my mom had thoroughly bonded with our delinquent pooch and he got a reprieve. Many a tear was shed when he died years later. Unfortunately we are now unable to have either cats or dogs due to severe allergies. We do have a guinea pig, gerbil, budgie and fish (overcompensating perhaps?) Please give Mars a hug for me.

pound puppies
Written by Shawna on 2006-09-07 18:02:09

Certainly not the first dog to be rescued, then go on to become a star. I believe that was the case with Moose (the dog from Frazier). That's really cool that it didn't even end up being displasia. That must be so fun, having your own dog in your film.

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Last Updated ( Thursday, 07 September 2006 )