The legendary Saint Bernard dog that conquered hearts on the big screen, Beethoven, became an icon of family cinema in the 90s. But behind the cameras, the story of this canine was as emotional as the one we saw on the screen.
Nearly three decades ago, in 1992, a small Saint Bernard puppy escaped from a pound and somehow found his way into the Newton family home. At first, father George was hesitant about adding another furry member to the family. However, the affection and insistence of his children, Alice, Ryce, Ted, and the lovely Emily, soon persuaded him that this puppy had a special place in his life.
This adorable Saint Bernard was named Beethoven and quickly became much more than just a pet for the Newtons; He became a beloved and essential member of the family. His presence filled the home with joy and affection, and each of the family members found in him a loyal and loving companion.
The first installment of the saga took us through the antics and adventures of Beethoven as he adjusted to his new home and won the hearts of each member of the family. From confronting scammers to saving Emily from a pool incident, Beethoven proved to be much more than just a dog.
In the second film, the plot thickens with the arrival of Missy, a canine companion with whom Beethoven shares a secret love affair and who produces a litter of adorable puppies.
Beethoven’s fame extended beyond the screen, but his story is marked by behind-the-scenes tragedies. The Saint Bernard who gave life to Beethoven was actually called Chris. Although there are some reports suggesting that the furry friend died shortly after the release of the second film, according to a report from TMZ, the reality is even more heartbreaking. Chris was abandoned by his owner and met the sad fate of him in desolate conditions.
Specifically, on Saturday, June 19, 2011, a shelter volunteer came across a large dog abandoned on a forest road, showing the marks of the suffering it had suffered for endless hours. That dog was Beethoven, alone and lifeless in the middle of nowhere.
After an exhaustive investigation, those responsible discovered that the person responsible for Chris, our beloved Beethoven, had abandoned him on April 24 of the same year, hoping, according to her testimony, that someone would find him and take him into their home, inspired by the film that catapulted him to world fame.
