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Monday, April 25, 2016

Friends of the Famous - U



As a rapper, singer, songwriter, dancer and actor one might assume Usher couldn’t impress us more. But there is just one more thing, his dog. And not just any dog, it’s a Goldendoodle! A cross between a golden retriever and a poodle these hybrids inherit the best of both breeds in friendliness, liveliness and loyalty without as much shedding. These popular designer pups are fast becoming staples in affluent homes with children and often serve as guide, therapy, search and rescue dogs. But of course, they’re not cheap. Breeders get anywhere from $1800 to $3000 per Goldie poo and Usher paid upwards of $10,000; outbidding all others at an auction for which proceeds go to building schools in impoverished nations. 

Having exasperated two former owners with sheer exuberance, Uggie was headed for the pound when trainer Omar von Mueller decided to take a chance and see what could be done with the wild Jack Russell Terrier. It didn’t take long for von Mueller to agree to keep him.  Under von Mueller’s professional guidance, Uggie appeared in commercials, toured in The Incredible Dog Show (he rode a skateboard) and got his first named role as Queenie in the romantic drama Water for Elephants before at last garnering mass-media attention  with his role in the silent movie The Artist, in which critics claim he stole every scene! He was later named Nintendo’s first-ever spokesdog, and put his paws in wet cement on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Acclaimed spoon-bending illusionist and self-proclaimed psychic, Uri Geller shares his unique pet observations on his website urigeller.comAll my life I have owned dogs, and I know the unconditional love I receive from them is like a healing energy. Being with my waggy friends fills me with vitality and high spirits. This bond is often so close it becomes telepathic. Once, as a teenager in Cyprus, I was exploring some hillside caves when I realised I was lost in the labyrinth. My matches ran out and I thought I would starve there. I desperately wished my little dog Joker was with me – and suddenly he was. How he found me, I’ll never know. But he led me to safety and, ever since, I’ve never been without a dog called Joker.”

Would you have a Goldendoodle?  Have you seen the films Uggie was in? Do you believe in pet telepathy?



8 comments:

  1. Hi, dear Diedre!

    I would love to own a Goldendoodle! It looks like a cute, cuddly, affectionate and playful pet. I enjoyed the story of Uggie, the Jack Russell Terrier. I remember the Reese Witherspooon movie Water for Elephants. I vividly recall Uri Geller and his many appearances on TV talk shows demonstrating his ability to bend spoons. (I wonder if he is able to bend his dogs to his will. :) I totally agree with Uri that there is nothing as special as the undconditional love of a dog. It is love in its purest, unadulterated form. When I look at a dog, I see God. If that story is true, the one about Uri being lost in a labyrinth and led to safety by his dog, then it is inspiring.

    Thank you, dear friend Diedre!

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    1. Hi Shady!
      I think the Goldendoodles are indeed enchanting, but for the price I think I'd rather buy the local Pound;-)
      I loved learning about Uggie - so glad his owner/trainer kept him!
      Uri Geller and magic in general has always fascinated me and I wonder what his dogs (over the years) thought about him doing magic tricks. Would they react like monkeys do when they see something bend or disappear?

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  2. I have a few Goldendoodles as clients, as well as Labradoodles. They are all lovely dogs and would be welcome in my home, any time. ☺ So glad Uggie ended up with an owner who understands Jack Russells! I haven't seen the films mentioned, but just watched the trailer for The Artist and now I want to watch it. Thanks! Uri Geller is so right about dogs' healing energy. That's an amazing story about him being rescued by his dog.

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    1. Hi Debbie!
      If one of my girls is any indication, I believe many dogs require understanding;-) Uggie was such a lucky dog (no pun intended).
      In Uri Geller's case I think it's logical to assume his dog could find him since a great many dogs are used specifically for search and rescue. In any case, what a joyous occasion that would have been:-)
      Good to see you, Debbie!

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    1. Hi Stephanie!
      I agree! And the look on Usher's face is priceless:-)

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  4. A goldendoodle, I never even knew there was such a thing. How interesting. I would have one of those. I like Golden Retrievers. My boss has one and brings it to work a few times a year. I suppose it would be interesting to see it's attributes in a poodle. Where do I get one with my modest income? LOL

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    1. Hi Jeffrey!
      The dogs do seem ideal for families and folks with allergies. Given the general personalities of the two breeds, I bet they are a great mixture of both;-)
      As far as cost, perhaps one will (tragically) show up at the Doggy Good Will;-) Crazy, isn't it?
      Have a terrific Tuesday!

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