TV VIEWERS VOICE

Our Viewers Voice Awards Banquet last October had a very unusual guest attend; Breezy more popularly known as Porthos the dog on UPN’s “The Enterprise.” She was a big hit not only among our members but also among our guests. Breezy was one of the first to arrive at the awards event and was given a royal welcome. I don’t think there was one person attending that didn’t go over and greet her. She was accompanied by her trainers Scott and Linda Rowe who reside in the Los Angeles area.

Breezy had her own plate at the dinner table, which included chicken breast and she gobbled it down without any hesitation and was looking for more. I guess being a big star hasn’t changed her any, still just the average dog.

Breezy was attending the banquet to accept her Viewers Voice Award for Favorite Animal Actor. When she and Scott came to the podium to accept her award she was very nervous since this was her first time being recognized for her acting. Scott sat her on the podium and a few times she managed to moon the audience; everyone laughed. Afterwards Scott was talking to one of the Viewers Voice members while holding Breezy and the award and she chewed on the corner of the plaque. I guess she just wanted to leave her mark.

After all the other guests left, Scott, Linda and Breezy stayed for an interview for The Viewers Voice TV Show which is airing now on the West Allis Cable Channel 14, and is being aired as a special. I thought you might be interested in reading what they had to say. Following is part of the interview:

Sharon: I’d like to introduce Scott and Linda Rowe who are the trainers of Breezy. Scott and Linda we’d be interested to hear about some of the others things you’ve done besides training Breezy.

Scott: We’ve mainly worked on feature films where the animals are the primary characters.

Sharon: What are some of those films?

Scott: “Turner and Hooch,” “White Fang” done in ’89 and ‘90 for Disney in Alaska, “Man’s Best Friend” with Lance Hendrickson, a horror film a bout a dog. It was done with a genetically engineered dog that was part tiger, chameleon and all sorts of good things in it. 

Sharon: How did you get started as an animal trainer?

Scott: Years ago I was a Plummer doing new construction, traveling around the country building motels, when my brother called one year. He had a hit movie come out with one of his dogs and he said I’m doing a lot of publicity and I’ve got to go to Europe and I need some help out here. So I finished up what I was doing and came out and stayed. We both grew up around animals and just have an aptitude for them.

Sharon: How did Breezy get this part on “The Enterprise”, did she have to audition?

Scott: Yes she did have to audition. It was a process between her and a Boston terrier, a male. One of the producers took a look at the Boston terrier and said; “I think there’s going to be a problem with that equipment for a family show,” so they wanted the female. Breezy plays a male character. It was funny the first season they were very aware to not shoot the dog from behind or laying on her back. I read an interview that Scott Bakula did just the other day where he recalled part of that too and where the directors were saying we don’t want any cute dog stuff, it’s just a dog and Scott said; “What you want to put a bag over her head.” Scott’s a real joy to with. He loves animals; he’s very good, very professional.

Sharon: I had a beagle once when I was younger and she was a lot bigger than Breezy. Now you told me there are different sizes of beagles?

Scott: Right, Breezy is a thirteen inch Beagle. She’s actually stands-up twelve and three quarters at her whithers. Then there are fifteen inch beagles which I would call a standard size beagle and can be bigger than fifteen inches. Several months ago I looked at a couple of beagles to use as a double and one was a half an inch shorter and one was about an inch taller than Breezy. The one dog was identical in coloration and everything to her but was too tall.

Sharon: Do you have any other animals at home besides Breezy?

Scott: Just wild animals. There’s a bobcat that runs around, three squirrels and coyotes.

Sharon: So Breezy is an only child?

Scott: We have another beagle, Wendy. She’s being trained to come up and help Breezy out so she doesn’t have to the whole thing.

Sharon: I think Breezy is getting tired , she says she has had enough of this banquet (as she lays on Scott’s lap licking his hand).

Scott: She’s actually getting real comfortable now, she’s pretty relaxed.

Sharon” I want to thank you for joining us tonight it a real pleasure having Breezy and I know the cast of “State of Grace” loved having her here, they thought she was really cute.

Scott: She didn’t have a lot to say, this is the first time she’s done this and the first time I’ve done it.

Scott, Linda and Breezy were a delight to have at our Awards Banquet. This was the first time our favorite animal actor actually attended our event and Breezy was definitely a hit. Until my next column which will be on the February sweeps, let your voice be heard.