Links

Articles and Resources

 VOL. 172, NO.8 ~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ February 20, 2002 

Doggie movie stars make appearance during Fort Town Frost Festival

PRESCOTT - Two Disney movie stars of the canine variety stole the show and raised the curtain on Prescott's annual Frost Festival last weekend.

Bam Bam and Gloria, Siberian huskies raised by Carol Broadhurst and Mike Pinfold of Kortar Kennels of Kemptville, made a star appearance Saturday. The celebrities were brought to town by Gift Lane owner Jane Burton. More than 200 people came to see the dogs who star in Snow Dogs, now playing as the number two hit movie.

"It's been a kick," said Pinfold of the visit during the Frost Festival. The appearance was an opportunity to explain and educate about the breed of dog and responsible dog ownership, he said. It is important to not have a repeat of the 101 Dalmation scenario, Pinfold said. "We're very concerned we don't end up with a situation where everybody has to have a cute Dalmation puppy."

Siberian huskies are highly intelligent dogs and are good with children, he noted. However, the dog should never be left off its lead, as it has a tendency to wander and roam. Siberian huskies also have a tendency to dig holes, and have one major shed each year.

"As beautiful as they are, they aren't for everybody," Pinfold said. He recommends any dog owner attend puppy training classes, and thoroughly research the various breeds before buying.

In Snow Dogs, a fun family movie in which a Florida dentist inherits an Alaskan dog sled team, Gloria played the role of Duchess, and Bam Bam was used as a stunt double. The owners were kept informed of the dogs' progress during filming, and were told the lead actor, Cuba Gooding Jr., spent a lot of time with Bam Bam off set and was impressed with the dog's temperament.

Pinfold said he and Broadhurst, who has won a top Siberian breeder award from the Pedigree Canadian Kennel Club, were impressed with how the dogs were treated during movie filming. At the end of filming, the owners were given the option of retiring the dogs to an-upscale ranch in northern California, or keeping them at Kortar in case there should be a sequel. The owners continue to take the stars to schools for education and are also used for pet therapy.

"It's nice to know they take care of the dogs, and it's not just a means of generating revenue for them," Pinfold said.

Other Frost Festival events during the weekend included a lumberjack competition, bonfire, horse drawn hayrides, public skating, a sno-pitch baseball game and special dinners and a breakfast. The dog sled run scheduled for Sunday at the golf course was cancelled due to lack of snow.