Disney blockbuster transforms rescue Chihuahua into Hollywood superstar

Published on January 20, 2009 by Jennifer White · No Comments

The latest Disney film – Beverley Hills Chihuahua, has been an instant hit at the American box office and is due for the same popularity over here in the UK.

It follows a high society Chihuahua – Chloe, who gets lost on the streets of Mexico and has to turn to other dogs for survival.

The Mail Online reports how Angel, the dog who plays Chloe was a rescue dog who was abandoned by her owners and was due to be put to sleep. A Disney dog trainer, Mike Alexander, came to her rescue and cast her as the leading role. He also rescued a Chihuahua cross who plays Papi. Both dogs now live with Mike.

The film has a cast of over 200 dogs, whilst some are used to Hollywood productions, some of the other dogs were found in rescue centres in LA and Mexico.

The Mail reports that over 60 dog trainers were hired to help the dogs with their roles.

Chloe, is voiced by Drew Barrymore, a dog enthusiast who was saved from her burning house by her dog Flossie. A fire started whilst Drew was sleeping and Flossie alerted Drew to the fire by barking and thumping her bedroom door. Drew rescued her dog, a Labrador Chow cross from a flea market in 1996 and continues to spend her time helping dog rescue centres where she lives.

”I adore dogs – there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my dog…Flossie means the world to me – especially after the heroic act of saving my life”.

It is reported how animal welfare groups have raised their concerns about how the film may start a craze for buying Chihuahuas and other designer dogs. Likewise with Disney’s 101 Dalmatians in 1996, a surge in demand for certain breeds may result in more dogs in rescues once the novelty has wore off.

Disney has prefaced Beverly Hills Chihuahua with a message to the public to urge responsible pet ownership.

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