Adopt an Alaskan Malamute from Petfinder.com

MIYAH is available for adoption in Seattle.
http:www.wamal.com

Wrapping up Gold Rush fever week at Film Hound with one final fun flick, "North to Alaska" starring John Wayne, Stewart Granger, Capucine and Fabian. Like the photo above (circa 1897 from the Anchorage Musuem archives) showing ships setting sail from Seattle during the Gold Rush, Hollywood produced a rollicking fictionalized version of the events of that era along with a top-of-the-charts hit via the theme song "North to Alaska" sung by the fabulous fifties fad singer, Fabian. Wayne travels in reverse from Alaska back to Seattle to fetch Stewart's bride Capucine (best remembered for her role as Inspector Clouseau's crafty wife in The Pink Panther), then finds himself smitten on the journey back up north. Who will end up rubbing noses with who? Not exactly a cliffhanger but lots of action and fun with a con artist played by Ernie Kovacs.

Catch of the day?
Wild West Salmon on "Tougher in Alaska" on the History channel tonight at 10/9C.
Even ardent animal lovers will admit to enjoying salmon (and not because they make good pets!) the little critters are tasty. So if you've ever wondered how they get from shore to store, check out the show tonight.

Robust host Geo Beach leads viewers on another exciting adventure through the Alaskan frontier. He does the work, you have the fun. Enjoy!

Thanks to unique reader input (see comments in previous post), Film Hound has learned more about the real life inspiration for Buck the dog in "Call of the Wild." That special dog was owned by the Bond family (of Seattle) whose relative, Marshall Bond Jr. wrote about him in diary excerpts published in the book "Gold Hunter" by the University of New Mexico Press. Photos of the dog are archived at Yale University. Buck was a great literary and cinematic hero and helped to inspire interest in the contribution of sled dogs. The hardworking pack in the photo above is seen delivering mail in the Yukon Territory in 1907. Could be the inspiration for a new action/adventure film called "Sled Dogs Goin' Postal!"

No discussion of Alaska, Gold Rush and sled dogs would be complete without including "Call of the Wild," the Jack London novel about a St. Bernard/Shepherd mix resembling a wolf. The dog named Buck leaves his domesticated lifestyle and is forced to adapt to the hardships of a sled dog during the Klondike Gold Rush. Film fans probably best remember the 1935 movie adaptation starring Clark Gable and Loretta Young who experienced their own call of the wild while filming on location up north. The conditions may have been chilly but the co-stars managed to stay warm.

For those who enjoyed the premiere gold mining episode of the new series "Tougher in Alaska," be sure to check out the 1925 Charlie Chaplin classic "The Gold Rush." Considered by many to be Chaplin's finest film, it was also his own personal favorite (seen in the photo above having as much trouble with man's best friend as the harsh frontier.) If that doesn't satisfy your gold rush fever, don't miss "Road to Utopia" starring Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. The Alaskan scenery may not be authentic but the laughs are worth their weight in gold.

If you're having trouble teaching your dog how to play fetch maybe you should consider getting a goldfish. According to Dr. Dean Pomerlau, goldfish can not only be taught how to play fetch but also basketball, soccer and even do the limbo! A calico fantail fish named Albert Einstein has already mastered several sports and is currently being challenged by a compact competitor named Comet. Ironically, the only thing they can't seem to do is water ballet. Check it out at www.fish-school.com

Congratulations to Kristen T for being the Film Hound contest winner by successfully identifying the Chinese Crested breed in the photo (the suggestion of a Nair mishap also wins bonus points for creativity.) Your knowledge of naked dogs has paid off - CONGRATS!

Adopt a Chinese Crested from Petfinder.com

Move over Captain Picard, there's a new Cap'n onboard and his name is Geo Beach leading the snowy trek up north on a new series called "Tougher in Alaska" premiering tonight on the History channel 10/9 C. He may not be battling aliens but fighting the elements in the punishing Alaskan frontier is to boldly go where no man has gone before, at least when it comes to uncharted TV territory. Tune in tonight to enjoy the adventure. To the hearty men, women and wildlife that inhabit that final frontier may we say: Live long and prosper!

There's more to Betty Boop than meets the eye - in addition to being an animal lover she also used to be an animal! Betty Boop started out cartoon life as a dog. That may account for her oddly shaped head and puppy dog eyes. Her earrings evolved on the drawing board from floppy pup ears and morphed into jewelry later on. Talk about a fashion innovation! Only one Betty-Hound cartoon exists, then animators decided she was cuter as a gal. Her sidekick Pudgy took over the canine role, thus resolving her identity crisis. Seen above in the 1933 toon "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," Betty switches from tail wagging to hip shaking, getting encouraging support from some animal pals.