Title: Leatherheads, feature film
Cast: George Clooney, Renee Zellweger
Extra: Rocky – The proud mascot of Duluth Bulldogs
Producers: Grant Heslov, George Clooney, Casey Silver
Director: George Clooney
Script: George Clooney, Stephen Schiff, Duncan Brantley, Rick Reilly
About Rocky
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| Rocky, with trainer Jim Keisler. |
Breed: English Bulldog
Appearance: Can be somewhat intimidating but is among the gentlest of dogs.
Protector: It will see off any intruder and is brave enough to bait a bull.
Characteristics: It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities.
Pampered: They seek out human attention and love every bit they can get. A lot of human attention is required for the breed’s happiness. Some English Bulldogs can be a bit dominating and need an owner who knows how to display strong leadership and understands alpha canine behavior.
Fitness: When Bulldogs are young, they are full of energy, but slow down as they get older.
Bad habits: They snore very loudly, and most have drool and slobber tendencies.
Height: About 12-16 inches but shorter Bulldogs are more prized when being shown.
Weight: Dogs 53-55 pounds. Females 49-51 pounds.
Living conditions: Indoor dog.
Exercise: Some adult Bulldogs would just as soon not take any exercise (see photo of Rocky) while others are full of energy. Fit English Bulldogs are capable of moving very quickly for short periods of time.
Life expectancy: An average of 8 years.
Grooming: The smooth, fine, short-haired coat is easy to groom.
Origin: The breed is descended from the ancient Asiatic mastiff, but its development took place completely in Great Britain. The name bulldog, which is medieval in origin, refers not only to the robust look of a little bull, which this aggressive dog has, but also to the power with which this dog attacked bulls in arena combat before that practice was prohibited by law in the nineteenth century.
About this interview:
Rocky reluctantly agreed to this exclusive interview for “The Leatherheads” Web site. It was conducted on the condition Rocky would appear in an undisclosed location. No tape recorders or video cameras were allowed. Rocky’s no-holds barred, candid interview follows.
Question: Rocky, stop me if I talk too fast and you don’t understand the questions.
Rocky: I’m an English Bulldog for goodness sakes! Just stick to your (our) native language, and we’ll be fine.
Q: How did you get the role in “Leatherheads”?
Rocky: My agent told me you would toss softballs. Well, there were several of my pedigree peers vying for ‘Top Dog’. Once I got my helmet and Bulldog sweater on, it was all over but the shouting! You know there really is something to the saying a wounded dog will run away with its tail between its legs! Now here’s a true story few people know. George auditioned all the dogs. And what’s his favorite dog? He even has one. Ta-da! English Bulldog!
Q: What was your favorite part of the movie?
Rocky: George was a lot of fun and tossed me a few bones to add some of my charisma into the action. But I would have to say standing next to Renee and having her pet me had to be the most awesome feeling someone like me could have. I admit, I wanted to cuddle up to her, but I didn’t see any other actors do that so I didn’t either. No way I was going to get put in George’s doghouse!
Q: I understand people from the humane society had to be on the set to monitor how you were treated. Were there any discussions between them and you about any mistreatment?
Rocky: Look. I can take care of myself. When I wanted something to drink, I got it. When I wanted a nibble, someone gave me some treats. I got fed just like the rest of the cast. If there was one thing I would have requested in my contract it would have been access to the same bathroom facilities all the others with Screen Actors Guild (SAG) cards had. But I didn’t think it was worth raising a stink over.
Q: I understand that you are noted for some health problems.
Rocky: Watcha talking about?
Q: Your breed has breathing problems and may have small windpipes. Your eyesight is said to be poor and you’re very susceptible to heat stroke in warm weather or hot rooms and cars. You are very sensitive to cold. Your digestive system is very active and may be offensive to people with sensitive noses. You may be susceptible to skin infections and hip and knee problems.
Rocky: So, what’s your point?
Reporter: Forget it.
Rocky: I thought so.
Q: The actors went through wardrobe and makeup every day. Did you?
Rocky: I must admit, I loved being pampered. I didn’t have to have any makeup put on me. My color was right on. My contract only allowed for long hairs to be trimmed but provided for brushing frequently. I also hope you noticed that Renee and I were the only ones with umbrellas during the hot days!
Q: Some of the reporters noticed that you were difficult to handle at times and seemed to want to wander away from the shooting.
Rocky: Yawn! You’re putting me to sleep with these silly unsubstantiated innuendos. That’s right I used a five-syllable word! Walk in my paws some day. Get up at 4:30 a.m., eat breakfast, go through hair and grooming, arrive at the set by 5:30 a.m. and then stand on your all fours all day and into the evening except for lunch and dinner breaks and the required Humane Animals Guild (HAG) breaks. Some days were boring and I just wanted to wander into the woods and scout out some delicious activity. My handler would tug on the chain and I guess, in the heat of the moment, we bared our teeth at each other. But we’re still friends and he still visits and takes walks with me.
Q: Is this the best cast you’ve ever worked with?
Rocky: As far as humans go.
Q: Didn’t you think wearing a helmet was just a little silly?
Rocky: Not as silly as you interviewing me. I’m outta here!
ROCKY'S IDOLS
ROCKY'S TAKE ON THE STARS
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