Benji the Movie Star
Pet Bio:
Name – Benji (screen name)
Type – Dog, Mixed Breed
Portrayed by – Higgins, Benjean, Moochie and Fairfield
Occupation – Actor
Fame – Movie and TV Star
Benji the dog is a fictional character who was created by a guy by the name of Joe Camp. There have been seven Benji movies, the first named Benji released in 1974 and the latest film, a Netflix release in 2018 also titled Benji. There have also been documentaries, a television series and a video game about Benji. A busy pooch!
The eponymous (I had to look up the this word, which means giving one’s name to something) dog character is a small, smart and lovable mixed breed dog with an instinct for being in the right place at the right time, normally to help someone overcome an issue.
The original Benji was a dog handpicked from the Burbank animal shelter. His name was Higgins.
Higgins was discovered by Hollywood animal trainer Frank Inn. Frank would always first look in animal shelters for various show requests. Little did he know at the time, Higgins was destined to become his biggest star.
Dogs to portray Benji were:
* Higgins – who starred in the Original Benji movie, Benji;
* Benjean – who was Higgins daughter and also trained by Frank Inn. She starred in four Benji movies:
1. For the Love of Benji
2. Benji’s Very Own Christmas Story
3. Oh! Heavenly Dog
4. Benji the Hunted;
* Moochie – who starred in the sixth Benji movie, Benji: Off the Leash!;
* Fairfield in the 2018 Netflix release, titled Benji. Interestingly, this film was written and directed by Brandon Camp, Joe Camp’s son.
According to Joe Camp, Benji’s creator, Benji is an eternal character and an ever-living manifestation of love, hope, compassion, and the values of persistence toward a goal.
A fine sentiment to finish this post.
Note:
Anyone interested in adopting a shelter pet need go no further than their local animal shelter. There are also lots of small and large rescue organizations who have animals looking for their forever homes.
Do a Web search for animal shelters in your local area to find out more.
References: