A shelter pup is one lucky dog in Arizona after landing a starring role in the upcoming Disney remake of “Lady and the Tramp.”
“Monte,” a 2-year-old terrier mix, once called HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix his “home,” until the pup was adopted.
Monte was rescued from the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley in Las Cruces, New Mexico, by HALO Animal Rescue in April 2018.
HALO partners with other rescue organizations and shelters– that’s how Monte ended up there, said HALO President and CEO Heather Allen.
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The Mesilla Valley animal shelter often sends groups of dogs to HALO, sometimes up to 50 at a time. Monte was part of the group sent on April 26, 2018.
Shelter staffers noted that Monte was super friendly, loved to greet people and give kisses, and loved attention. He also knew how to sit and walked well on a leash.
When animal trainers came scouting from Hollywood, looking for rescue dogs to cast in the movie, Monte was a natural pick.
Monte was adopted by the trainers, and, aside from his filming and publicity appearances, he was said to be leading a happy, normal life.
“Lady and the Tramp” will premiere Nov. 12 on Disney’s new streaming service. The canine cast of the live-action remake features real-life rescue dogs (with voices provided by human celebrities.)
Monte’s “voice” will be that of actor Justin Theroux, a proud owner of a rescue dog in real life.
Disney adds that all the rescue dogs featured in the film found “forever homes” when production ended.