Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!

For generations, The Wizard of Oz has enchanted audiences with its vibrant characters, timeless songs, and a journey down the Yellow Brick Road that has become a cultural touchstone. And at Dorothy's heels, a tiny, scruffy companion stole scenes and hearts with every bark and tail wag: Toto. While we know the little terrier as Toto, the real-life canine actor behind the iconic role was a remarkably talented Cairn Terrier named Terry.

Born in 1933, Terry's story is as captivating as any Hollywood tale. Far from being an overnight success, Terry was trained by the legendary Carl Spitz, a prominent animal trainer of the era. Spitz, who also trained Buck from Call of the Wild, recognized Terry's intelligence, obedience, and undeniable charisma. These qualities would soon make her a star.

Terry's big break, of course, came with The Wizard of Oz in 1939. Working alongside Judy Garland, Terry proved to be an absolute professional. She hit her marks, performed her tricks flawlessly, and, perhaps most importantly, formed a genuine bond with Garland. This on-screen chemistry was palpable, adding an authentic warmth to Dorothy and Toto's relationship, making it all the more believable and endearing. Imagine the countless takes, the bustling set, and the need for a dog to consistently deliver – Terry did it all with remarkable composure.

One of Terry's most memorable moments in the film is, without a doubt, the scene where she pulls back the curtain to reveal the "great and powerful" Oz as nothing more than a man behind a facade. It's a pivotal moment of truth and humor, and Terry's simple, perfect execution solidified her place in cinematic history.

But Terry's career wasn't limited to the Emerald City. Prior to The Wizard of Oz, she appeared in films like Bright Eyes (1934) with Shirley Temple, further showcasing her versatility. After her star-making turn as Toto, she continued to work in Hollywood, appearing in over a dozen films. She even had her name officially changed to Toto in 1942 due to her immense popularity!

Terry lived a long and full life, passing away in 1945 at the age of 12. Her legacy, however, continues to shine brightly. She wasn't just a prop; she was a true co-star, an integral part of what made The Wizard of Oz such an enduring masterpiece. Her natural charm and disciplined performances set a high bar for animal actors and cemented her place as one of Hollywood's most beloved canine stars.

So, the next time you watch The Wizard of Oz and find yourself charmed by Toto's loyalty and pluck, take a moment to appreciate Terry. She was more than just Dorothy's little dog; she was a talented, warm, and utterly captivating performer who, in her own special way, helped us believe in the magic of somewhere over the rainbow.

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Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

🐶 Refer 10 people: We will donate a box of treats to an animal rescue 🐶

🐶 Refer 50 people: We will donate a bag of dog food to an animal rescue 🐶

🛏 Refer 100 people: We will donate a dog bed to an animal rescue 🛏

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Sources:

Dog of the day: IG tinka.the.cairn

Meme of the day: IG minniepennyb