TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Local Labrador Rudy Goes From Stray To Stardom

News Channel 8 photo by JOHN WINTERROWD

Rudy, once a stray, was rescued, adopted and went on to play the title role in the movie 'Marley and Me.' He was one of 22 dogs in the movie.

ADVERTISEMENT

By LYNN CARSON

News Channel 8

Published: January 1, 2009

A star from the Tampa Bay area has hit the big screen.

One of the Labrador retrievers used in the movie "Marley and Me" is a local. The dog, Rudy, ended up at a Hillsborough County Animal Services shelter as a stray eight years ago. The agency contacted Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida, and Susan Wooley, of Temple Terrace, adopted him.

When the producers of "Marley and Me" were looking for dogs to play the title role, they e-mailed the rescue center. In all, 22 dogs were involved in the movie, with Rudy among the older canine cast members.

In Tinseltown, where even canines get star treatment, Rudy was no exception. He spent a week in Hollywood with a special trainer and co-star Jennifer Aniston. He even had his own swimming pool.

Now Rudy is back home. He greeted moviegoers outside of the Muvico Starlight 20 multiplex in Tampa Palms on Thursday.

"It couldn't have happened to a nicer dog," Wooley said of her pet's Hollywood adventure. "But Rudy is happy to be home."

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT