Rebel with four paws: the story of Pal
In some cases, stars aren’t bornthey’re made, and the training can be quite difficult indeed. Such was the case with Pal, a male Rough Collie born in 1940 who was judged lower-quality thanks to his big eyes and white forehead. Rudd Weatherwax, an animal trainer and later Pal’s agent, began working with him at the age of 8-months, when Pal was going through a period of intense barking and motorcycle-chasing. Although the barking was cured, the chasing remained, and Pal’s then-owner gave him to Weatherwax in disappointment.Pal was originally rejected for the role, with it being given to a female show collie instead. However, that dog refused to perform during filming in the San Joaquin River. Pal was there to demonstrate his willingness, and impressed the director so much that he had tears in his eyes. The female was released from her contract, and Pal’s career had begun. (more…)