“STRONGHEART -- The Story of the Movie’s First German Shepherd Star”

An Article by Dan Condon

Presented by PUPPY DOGS INFO: www.puppy-dogs.info

 

 

 

During the early days of silent movies there were many heroes. Some famous and some not so famous. Among these were some canine stars that brought more fame and fortune to the movie makers than to themselves.

Little if any is known about these canine stars. There was Teddy, a Great Dane ­ Jean, the Vitagraph dog who was a Collie ­ Luke, an English Pit Bull - and many others. In the 1920's many more canines appeared. Strongheart, Rin Tin Tin, Peter, Lightning, Flame, Champion, Ranger, Flash and Leader - all German Shepherd dogs. However, the first German Shepherd to star in the movies was Strongheart.

In 1920, famous animal trainer Larry Trimble and writer Jane Murfin decided to search the world for an unusual dog to bring back to Hollywood to star in some feature films. In Germany they found that dog. Born October 1, 1917, as Etzel von Oringer, Strongheart came from a carefully bred, highly efficient family of German Shepherd dogs. He was powerfully built, utterly fearless and weighed 125 pounds. Strongheart was three years old and had been trained as an attack dog.

Although he had socialized very little with humans, Trimble knew this was the dog he was looking for and brought him back home to Hollywood.

Strongheart took to acting like a fish to water. He was no longer that trained attack dog brought home from Germany but a magnificent and loving, well-trained German Shepherd dog. After his first movie, "The Silent Call" (1921), Strongheart became a favorite of moviegoers of all ages. He traveled by train across the country making personal appearances. At every stop crowds of people were on hand to see this marvelous animal. From coast to coast, newspapers, magazines, the radio and signs were proclaiming "Strongheart" a sensational new star. Over the next few years he starred in several other movies ­ "Brawn of the North" (1922), "The Love Master" (1924), "White Fang" (1925), "North Star" (1925) and "The Return of Boston Blackie" (1927). He was also paired with Lady Jule, a beautiful female German Shepherd who appeared with him on the screen and with whom he sired many offspring.

While in the process of making a new movie, Strongheart slipped and fell against a hot studio light. The burn that seemed only minor had turned into a tumor in only a few weeks. Strongheart was suddenly gone, taken from those who admired him so much.

There is some discrepancy as to when Strongheart died, but an obituary in a Topeka, Kansas, newspaper gives the date of death as June 24, 1929. At any rate, it was too soon. His popularity did lead to the production of Strongheart Dog Food, which is still available today. There are a couple of books written with reference to Strongheart. Letters to Strongheart and Kinship with All Life written by J. Allen Boone, both of which are very interesting reading.

Strongheart also produced other famous German Shepherd dogs. "Lightning," Strongheart's grandson, made several movies during the 1930's including "A Dog of Flanders," "Wings in the Dark," "When Lightning Strikes" and several others. Another grandson named "Silver King" made some movies, but he was noted more for making personal appearances promoting his intelligence and teaching safety to children.

There isn't a lot written about these old canine stars. Many people don't even know they existed. But for those of us who admire them and watch their films, we will always remember these wonderful animals that were part of American movie history.

For more information on German Shepherd Dogs of the cinema, visit Bugga C's Home Page

 

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DOG BOOKS -- Some New Releases…

1. “CHIPS: The War Dog” by Nancy West.

 

"Chips: The War Dog" is based on the true-life adventures of one of the country's most famous four-legged soldiers…

 

The most decorated canine hero from the Second Word War is fondly remembered in the new book "Chips: The War Dog – The True-Life Adventures Of The World War II Canine Hero" by Nancy West. The book, based on the true-life adventures of one of the country's most famous four-legged soldiers, is a timeless story about the importance of home, friendship, and loyalty during a challenging time in America's history.

Chips, a husky-shepherd-collie mix, is a curious and carefree dog until news arrives that Japanese warplanes have bombed Pearl Harbor. Suddenly Chips's comfortable life, and the lives of everyone he knows in his peaceful little village are changed forever. Follow Chips as he is enlisted in "Dogs for Defense" and joins the first war dog detachment to be shipped overseas into some of the fiercest fighting of the Second World War. (Ages 9 and up. A Teacher's Glossary is included)

"Dogs have guarded and protected human life during war time for centuries," author Ms. West states. "At this writing there are more than 1,500 canines working in United States military bases around the world.”

"Chips: The War Dog" by Nancy West (Hero Dog Publications, ISBN # 0-9743659-1-2 $8.95, 180 pp. Ages 9 and up) is available at www.herodogpublications.com and at major bookstores, including on-line locations.

Ms. West is co-author with Captain Scott Shields of "Bear: Heart of a Hero" (Hero Dog Publications, ISBN # 0-9743659-0-4, $15.95, 160pp. 10 to Adult). World-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall has called this biography of America's most celebrated search and rescue canine from 9/11 "…one of the best human/animal relationship stories I know of."

 

 

 

2. “Soul Friends: Finding Healing With Animals” by Kate Nicoll.

 

"Soul Friends: Finding Healing with Animals"

Gain personal insight through play with your animal companion in the backyard? Kate Nicoll, a clinical social worker, believes there is much to learn through our daily interactions with our canine friends. Dogs can teach us about the power of NOW, the wonders of the natural world, and the healing power of connection.

Our relationship with animal friends and companions has been changing drastically over the last quarter century. There is a need to have a deeper understanding of the psychological relationship of the human-animal bond. "Soul Friends: Finding Healing with Animals" provides this helpful information for animal lovers, while also exploring the power of the connection to help heal people living with emotional, physical and mental challenges.

This book provides two sections, one for companions and one for healing, to assist the reader in developing a new direction in our communication with dogs in particular. It identifies psychological issues that drive people to seek out animal companionship with guidelines to deepen the human-canine relationship. Ten life lessons are provided as metaphors to find healing through the practicing of dog commands with to help build social connection and personal insight.

This 140-page book is an enjoyable read with lasting impact. The personal narratives of the author and children are meaningful and heartfelt, leaving a sense of hope in spite of past trauma and loss. The human-animal bond provides the comfort, the healing and the soul connection.

Kate Nicoll, MSW is the founder and President of Soul Friends, Inc a nonprofit established to provide clinical and educational programs that enhance the healing benefits of the human-animal bond. A graduate of Smith College, she has more than 17 years of clinical experience working with children and families living with loss, grief, trauma and illness.

“Nicoll blends rich personal experiences, sound expertise in counseling, and a catching passion for dogs into a tender book valuable to anyone interested in helping themselves of others heal.” Bill Samuels, PhD, Director of Humane Education, ASPCA, New York City

“Soul Friends is a book filled with warmth and wisdom. It is about what we all need in out lives and it tells you how to find it. So read it and start living in your heart.” Bernie Siegel, MD, author of "Prescriptions for Living" and "365 Prescriptions for the Soul"

"Soul Friends: Finding Healing with Animals" (ISBN: 0-9766603-6-9) is available for $16.95 at Dogear Publishing, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders and most other book retail outlets.

 

 

3. “DOGFRIENDLY.COM'S UNITED STATES AND CANADA DOG TRAVEL GUIDE BOOK” - SECOND EDITION.

Tired of 'Small Dogs only' accommodations, 'Smoking Rooms only' and Kennels when traveling with your Dog? Want to eat at outdoor restaurants, go to beaches, parks and attractions with your best friend?

DogFriendly.com (http://www.dogfriendly.com), a popular Internet and print publisher of pet travel information, announced today the availability of its new unique dog travel guide book. DogFriendly.com's United States and Canada Dog Travel Guide - Second Edition is a complete guide to all kinds of places where you can take your dog. This 544 page book is packed three columns wide with descriptions of dog-friendly accommodations, attractions, parks, beaches, and outdoor restaurants. In the big cities and small towns, vacation spots and business centers, in the Northeast, Mid-West, the South, the Mountains, Plains, the West and Canada this book is for you. Designed specifically for dog lovers who won't even consider a kennel, are afraid to put their dog in airline cargo and would simply not enjoy a trip without their best friend.

This book's lodging guide focuses on thousands of accommodations which have no weight limits for dogs, breed restrictions and do not require your dog to stay in smoking rooms. You can really feel comfortable knowing your dog is truly welcome at these places. Pet fees are listed and the information is kept current by DogFriendly.com's free online book updates.

"This book is the only one you'll need to travel everywhere with your dog." says Tara Kain, founder of DogFriendly.com. "Not only does the book show you great places to stay, but also dog-friendly parks, outdoor restaurants, beaches and other attractions. The highway guides show you where to stop along the way. And if your dog weighs more than a few pounds this book will make your trip especially easier."

DogFriendly.com also announced that its Third Edition California and Nevada Dog Travel Guide book will be available shortly. It includes over 2500 places in California and Nevada plus, as an added bonus, accommodations and City Guides in Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Both books are available at http://www.dogfriendly.com , by calling toll free 1-877-475-BARK (2275) or at Barnes & Noble.com.

DogFriendly.com, founded in 1998, offers a free online collection of nearly 10,000 truly dog-friendly places viewed by 600,000 dog travelers annually. DogFriendly.com's mission is to find places that allow all well-behaved dogs. Also on the website are dog-friendly events, many sponsored by Humane Societies, SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) organizations and rescue groups. The books are available in the book trade from DogFriendly.com directly or through Baker and Taylor.

 

 

To see more about dog books, and dogs in Literature & Hollywood, go to PUPPY DOGS INFO!

 

 

 

 

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