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Bob Weatherwax, Showbiz Dog Trainer and Son of Lassie’s Original Owner, Dies at 83
Robert Weatherwax, a professional dog trainer for film and TV productions that was the son of Lassie's original trainer, has died. He was 83.
Robert Weatherwax, a professional dog trainer for film and TV productions who took on the trade of his father, Rudd, the original owner of Lassie, died Thursday. Growing up, Weatherwax and his sister, JoAnne, were tasked with assisting their father with his professional work, including teaching new routines to their pets. Asta, who appeared in Golden Age comedies such as “The Thin Man” and “The Awful Truth”; Terry, who portrayed Toto in “The Wizard of Oz”; and Spike, the lop-eared dog known to audiences as Old Yeller.
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