Welcomes Lassie to Texas
 
Canine icons Lassie and Rin Tin Tin will get together for a special event to be held Memorial Day Weekend in Crockett, Texas. The world"s two most famous dogs have only met in person twice before; the first meeting took place 65 years ago and the duo got together again in 2005.
Lassie, along with owner/trainer Carol Riggins will travel to Texas from California for the annual Rin Tin Tin Puppy Reunion and ARFkids Training Seminar scheduled to be held in Davy Crockett Memorial Park in Crockett, Texas on Saturday, May 23 beginning at 10 a.m.
The pair of celebrity dogs first met in private setting in California in 1945 when Lee Duncan and Rin Tin Tin #3 met with and Rudd Weatherwax and Lassie #3 to discuss which of the two stars was most intelligent. The men reportedly left the friendly meeting saying the dogs were of equal intelligence.
The second meeting of the canine icons took place four years ago when Lassie #9 traveled to Texas to visit Rin Tin Tin #8 and make an appearance during a training seminar for A Rinty For Kids Foundation, Incorporated (ARFkids). The canine celebrities attending the Memorial Day event each represent the 10th dog in their line to carry on their lineage.
Lassie's history began with Eric Knight's short story "Lassie Come Home" that premiered in the Saturday Evening Post in 1938. The movie followed in 1943 and Lassie debuted on television in 1954 to become a hero to an entire generation. The series won an Emmy for Best Children's Series in 1955 and 1956. A remake of the 1943 film "Lassie Come Home" was filmed in the United Kingdom and recently released in the United States on DVD.
Ms. Riggins who is under contract with Classic Media, owner of the Lassie Trademarks, has worked with Lassie line dogs for nearly 20 years and is credited with training Lassie #9 who appeared in the 1998 Animal Planet series said, "I am delighted to have the opportunity to bring Lassie to Texas for this event and look forward to seeing our friend Rinty and his family."
The 91-year legacy of Rin Tin Tin began when Lee Duncan found the 5-day-old pup in a bombed out German War Dog kennel in Lorraine, France during World War I. Rin Tin Tin went on to make 26 movies and was credited with saving Warner Brothers Pictures from bankruptcy in the 1920s.
Daphne Hereford, owner/breeder of Rin Tin Tin and associated trademarks, has been involved with breeding the famous bloodline since 1957. "We are so excited that Lassie will attend the annual Rin Tin Tin Puppy Reunion and ARFkids Training Seminar. I know clients, fans and the public will enjoy seeing these amazing dogs together," Ms. Hereford said.
In a special ceremony, Houston County Judge Lonnie Hunt and Crockett Mayor Wayne Mask will present Proclamations to the canine duo declaring May 23, 2009 "Lassie and Rin Tin Tin Day" in the city and county.
© copyright 2009 Miss Daphne Hereford and Rin Tin Tin incorporated. Vintage photographs and collectibles courtesy of Rin Tin Tin Museum.
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