Eighteen months ago, Paddy was just another terrier mix living near Auckland, New Zealand.
His owner, Anne Johnson, had asked dog trainer Karen Sadler, who trains dogs for films and commercials, to train the 2-year-old dog in obedience. Sadler took an instant liking to the feisty dog, and recognized his star potential.
When a Hollywood production company came to New Zealand to shoot the children’s fantasy film “Bridge to Terabithia,” Sadler put Paddy forward for a plum role as PT, the canine sidekick of main character Leslie, played by AnnaSophia Robb. In the film PT helps Leslie hunt trolls in her fantasy world.
Unfortunately, Paddy could not attend the movie’s Hollywood premiere last month because of strict quarantine requirements. The rules would have prevented the star-in-training from returning home quickly – not only to curl up in his favorite spot at owner Johnson’s feet, but for the dozens of auditions that await on the road to Hollywood superstardom.
To learn more about Paddy and “Bridge to Terabithia,” visit http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/terabithia/