Sorry, Dorothy: Toto Gets the Axe as Kansas’ Official State Dog

Time ^ | March 14, 2012 | Erica Ho

[Altariel]

Toto won’t be following the yellow brick road to become Kansas’ official state dog anytime soon.

We’re not sure what Dorothy would think, but a bill that would make the cairn terrier — the breed featured as Toto in The Wizard of Oz — top dog in the state’s ensemble was effectively killed. It must be a dog-eat-dog state out there.

The animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was unhappy with the proposed bill, raising concerns over the effect on Kansas puppy mills. If the cairn terrier was made state dog, it might cause the mills to “churn out litter after litter of the breed.”

The movement for an official state dog only started in late January. Representative Ed Trimmer, who originally introduced the bill, says he plans on introducing it again next year. The state already has an official state reptile, a state bird, a the state insect and a state amphibian.

Brenda Moore, who works with the South Central Kansas Kennel Club, told the Kansas City Star that “There are a lot of dog lovers out there who would like to see Kansas have a state dog.” We’re sure you can also add Dorothy’s name to the list.

[Altariel]

Spare a doggie ping for Toto?

[bgill]

PETA needs to chill out with some KFC.

[Revolting cat!]

Surely, Shirely, you cairn’t be series!

[dfwgator]

Could it also have something to do with the fact that Muzzies hate dogs?

[skinkinthegrass]

< center>a state reptile?

[skinkinthegrass]

a state reptile?

[gundog]

The Ornate Box Turtle. Funny what one remembers.

[perchprism]

Poor kitty.

[skinkinthegrass]

we have 'em in ky..

[N. Theknow]

[Rightly Biased]

Yes it is...

Western Meadowlark

Cottonwwood tree

Sunflower

I have no Idea how I remember that other than I married a KS girl.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Is this the only breed they think has any significance to KS? They have to go by a fictional story of 1 single dog?

Besides, I have always been a bit incredulous that Toto was a Cairn. S/He’s so dark. Almost looks like an Affenspinscher.

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[DivineMomentsOfTruth]

Thanks.. Now that song is stuck in my head :)

[UCANSEE2]

Besides, I have always been a bit incredulous that Toto was a Cairn. S/He’s so dark. Almost looks like an Affenspinscher.

After all, Toto was an ACTOR.

[dfwgator]

After all, Toto was an ACTOR.

I thought they were that band that did "Rosanna."

[brytlea]

According to Wikipedia yes, a brindle cairn.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_(dog)

And a dark brindle could be pretty dark. From the ones I’ve seen at shows, I don’t think she was a very good example of the breed (from a show perspective) but then again, that was a long time ago and breeds change some over time.

BTW I didn’t know this, but it said that her foot was broken during filming and another dog was used for part of the film while she healed.

[Altariel]

If this is to be believed, Toto was a Cairn. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toto_(Oz)

[brytlea]

I’m sorry, that link seems bad and I can’t seem to get it to go directly to the page, but if you will click on the “did you mean Terry (dog)” it will take you to the page. Not sure why it will not post correctly, even tho I’m cutting and pasting. Phooey.