7 Secrets Behind The Iconic Dog From Something About Mary

When we think about There's Something About Mary, several scenes immediately come to mind, but none are as iconic as that involving Mary's dog, Puffy. This canine has become more than just a sidekick in the movie; he's a cultural phenomenon. Let's delve into 7 Secrets Behind the Iconic Dog From Something About Mary and uncover the magic behind Puffy.

1. The Casting Process for Puffy

Casting Puffy was not a walk in the park. The filmmakers needed a dog that could play both a cute, lovable pet and have the energy to perform some specific stunts. Here's how they did it:

• Breed: Puffy is a Border Terrier. This breed was selected for its small size, energetic demeanor, and friendly nature, all crucial traits for his roles in the film.

• Talent Search: The production team scoured dog shows, contacted breeders, and posted casting calls looking for the perfect dog.

• Test Performances: Dogs were tested for their ability to follow directions, their temperament, and most importantly, their look on camera.

Behind the Scenes Fact:

According to director Peter Farrelly, they went through over 30 dogs before selecting the one named "Mikey," who ultimately played Puffy.

2. Training for Fame

Training was crucial:

• Behavioral Training: Mikey was trained to perform specific behaviors like barking on command, fetching, and playing with hair.

• Stunt Training: The famous "hair gel" scene required Mikey to sniff and play with a wig. Trainers used positive reinforcement techniques to achieve this.

• Socialization: To ensure Mikey would be comfortable on set, he underwent extensive socialization, including being around large crowds and loud noises.

Pro Tip:

<p class="pro-note">🐶 Pro Tip: Border Terriers are known for their trainability, but patience is key. Consistency and positive reinforcement make all the difference in dog training.</p>

3. The Ingenuity Behind Iconic Scenes

The Hair Gel Scene:

• Behind the Scene: The hair gel was actually hair gel mixed with sticky materials to make it more appealing to dogs.

• Set Up: Multiple takes were necessary, and the crew had to keep the environment controlled to maintain consistency with the hair product.

The Zip Line Escape:

• Challenges: Filming Puffy escaping on a zip line wasn't easy. The dog was carried in a harness, while the zip line effect was created with CGI to give the illusion of Puffy actually zipping away.

Pro Tip:

<p class="pro-note">✨ Pro Tip: Never try to replicate film stunts without professional oversight. Safety for both pets and humans is paramount.</p>

4. Puffy's Impact on Popular Culture

• Meme Culture: Puffy's antics have become internet meme fodder. His expressions and actions have transcended the film, making him an icon of the internet era.

• Cameos: Following the movie, Puffy and Mikey became a minor celebrity, making appearances in talk shows, movie promotional materials, and even at dog shows.

5. What Happened to Mikey After the Film?

• Life After Fame: Mikey, the dog behind Puffy, retired from show business to live a comfortable life with the family of his trainer.

• Legacy: Though not involved in other movies, Mikey's legacy lives on through the film and his memorable performance.

6. Animal Welfare in Filmmaking

This film brought attention to animal welfare on sets:

• Set Standards: Due to public backlash and scrutiny over animal care, "There's Something About Mary" influenced stricter welfare regulations for animals in films.

• Animal Trainers: Professional trainers ensured Mikey's safety and comfort, setting a precedent for future productions.

Pro Tip:

<p class="pro-note">🐾 Pro Tip: When looking into movies with animals, check if they have certifications from organizations like the American Humane Association for ethical treatment of animals.</p>

7. The Role of Humor in Film

The humor involving Puffy is a masterclass in physical comedy:

• Timing and Execution: The success of Puffy's scenes relied on impeccable comedic timing and a dog that could perform on cue.

• Cultural Impact: These scenes have shown how an animal can become central to a film's humor, influencing similar roles in future comedies.

In Conclusion:

The story of Puffy from "There's Something About Mary" goes beyond just a comedic prop. It's a testament to the meticulous casting, training, and care that goes into making a movie character beloved and memorable.

Remember to explore our site for more fascinating movie trivia and tutorials on how films are made, from casting calls to on-set challenges.

<p class="pro-note">🌟 Pro Tip: Movies like "There's Something About Mary" remind us that sometimes, the most iconic scenes are those where everything from timing to training comes together in perfect harmony.</p>

FAQ Section:

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Was Puffy the dog in any other movies?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>No, Puffy, or the dog Mikey, retired from acting after "There's Something About Mary."</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How was Puffy's hair gel scene filmed?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The hair gel was specially formulated to be dog-friendly, using non-toxic, sticky substances mixed with hair gel to encourage Puffy to play with it on command.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is Puffy the dog CGI or real?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Puffy was a real dog named Mikey. CGI was used for specific scenes like the zip line escape to enhance the visual effect.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>