Synopsis

Rexxx, a pampered canine movie star, disappears after a stunt goes wrong and is presumed dead. After surviving in the streets, he is rescued by Shane, the son of a fire chief, and adopted by a struggling firehouse. Renamed Dewey, the dog helps Shane and the firefighters rebuild their morale, uncover the truth behind a fatal fire, and save their station from closure.

Factoids & Trivia

• Four Irish terriers were alternated in the role of Rexxx and Dewey, with the dogs selected for different energy levels and specialties.

• American Humane monitored the animal action. The production used water-based smoke, safety pads, hidden trainers, and carefully controlled fire effects during the rescue sequences.

• Rexxx's fall into a truckload of tomatoes was created with visual effects and a specially modified truck bed. The dog was filmed popping up through a tunnel beneath hundreds of real roma tomatoes.

• The skateboard sequence was filmed against a blue screen. A trainer guided the skateboard with a wire, and no moving car was present with the dog during the stunt.

• The film was shot in Toronto, Ontario, including a real fire station at 455 Cherry Street. Principal photography took place from September through December 2005, well before the film's April 4, 2007, US release.

• The dogs' elaborate stunts included sliding across floors, operating a bathtub faucet, riding a skateboard, jumping into a life net, and completing parts of an agility course. Each action was broken into manageable shots with trainers positioned off camera.