Top pet movie stars revealed
A survey of pet loving cinema-goers has found that Scooby-Doo is the nation's favourite canine movie star, most popular with men aged 35-54.
Lassie and Lady and the Tramp were close behind, along with Beethoven and all the puppies from 101 Dalmatians, which collectively came in at number 5.
Conducted by Direct Line, the survey also looked into the best-loved cat stars. Puss in Boots voiced by Antonio Banderas in Shrek was the favourite of the younger generation, but Garfield topped the list overall.
The survey also found than more than one-in-ten of us have even named a pet after a film character.
Adam Whiteley, head of Direct Line pet insurance, commented: "Most [pet owners] chose famous dogs and cats with the exception of Gizmo, the infamous cute Gremlin.
"Some pet owners were even more creative with one cat owner calling their pet ‘Leonardo Di Catrio’ after the actor Leonardo DiCaprio."
Image: Lassie. Credit: State Archive of Florida, pursuant to Section 257.35(6), Florida Statutes.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
