Celebrity Canines

The bond of love between a person and their pet can never be severed, not even by death. This fact is touchingly brought to life in Hachiko: A Dog's Story, which is based on the true tale of an Akita's continued devotion to his human parent long after his owner's passing. The upcoming Richard Gere film will co-star a series of canines, including several Shiba Inu puppies who portray the dog's early days, followed by three adult Akitas named Chico, Layla and Forrest.

Having touched the heart of generations of dog lovers, Hachiko has reached legendary status in his homeland of Japan, where a bronze statue of his likeness not only stands at the Shibuya Station where the pooch would wait daily for the professor's return from work (and where the Rover is remembered with reverence with a ceremony each April 8th,) but also at the Odate Station in the town of Odate, where Hachiko lived, and at the entrance to the Akita Dog Museum in Odate, Japan.

Hachiko: A Dog's Story is scheduled for release in the US in December 2009.



Photo Credit: Barcroft/Fame Pictures

She may have vanquished vamps during her years as Buffy The Vampire Slayer, but actress Sarah Michelle Gellar may have found battling bad guys a breeze when compared to taking a pet to the vet! Gellar-- who will be returning to the small screen in the upcoming HBO series The Wonderful Maladys-- was recently spotted taking her pawed pal for an appointment. The TV star and her husband, Freddie Prinze Jr.-- who are awaiting the arrival of their first bundle of joy-- are the proud parents of this lovable fur baby, an Akita who answers to "Tyson," and have also shared their home with a rottweiler called "Cody" and a Maltese named "Thor."






Photo Credit: LOMELI/ bauergriffinonline.com