Television Pets; How Many Do You Remember?

Growing up, I was drawn to TV shows that showcased the incredible bonds between people and their pets. Grizzly Adams had me mesmerized as a mountain man found companionship in the wild with his loyal grizzly bear, Ben. Lassie and Flipper were always there to save the day, while Tiger was as much a part of The Brady Bunch family as the human characters.

Some of the most memorable TV moments weren’t just about pets as regular characters, but about the profound ways people and animals impacted each other’s lives.. Episodes like ‘Goodbye, Dolly,’ where Opie tenderly cared for the old delivery horse, made me feel a strong sense of kinship with him as an animal lover. Watching him nurse the wild baby birds only strengthened that feeling.

These TV pets didn’t just entertain us; they became cherished parts of our childhood memories. Revisiting them now brings back a flood of nostalgia and reminds us of those heartwarming moments.

Dive in and see how many of these iconic TV pets you remember—and discover some fun facts along the way!

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TV Dogs

Lassie – Lassie

• Fun Fact: The original Lassie was played by a male Rough Collie named Pal. Even after Pal retired, his descendants continued to play Lassie in various adaptations.

Eddie – Frasier

• Fun Fact: Played by a Jack Russell Terrier named Moose, Eddie was known for his comedic timing and iconic stare-offs with Frasier.

Comet – Full House

• Fun Fact: Comet was played by a dog named Buddy, who also starred as the basketball-playing dog in the Air Bud movies.

Buck – Married with Children

• Fun Fact: Buck, the sarcastic Briard dog, had his thoughts voiced by a human actor in some episodes.

Flash – The Dukes of Hazzard

• Fun Fact: Flash, a Basset Hound, was often seen riding alongside Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in his police car.

Dreyfus – Empty Nest

• Fun Fact: Dreyfus was played by a St. Bernard named Bear. The dog was loved both on and off-screen by the cast.

Murray – Mad About You

• Fun Fact: Murray, a Collie mix, was known for his hilarious antics, like chasing an invisible mouse in the apartment.

Fang (or Dog) – Columbo

• Fun Fact: Fang, also simply called “Dog,” was Columbo’s pet Basset Hound. The lazy, droopy-eyed dog perfectly matched the detective’s own unassuming and laid-back persona.

Stinky and Nunzio – Dharma & Greg

• Fun Fact: These two retrievers belonged to Dharma and provided comic relief, often appearing in scenes that highlighted Dharma’s free-spirited nature and love for animals.

Freeway – Hart to Hart

• Fun Fact: Freeway was the loyal dog of the wealthy detective couple, Jonathan and Jennifer Hart. He frequently found himself involved in the couple’s mystery-solving adventures, adding a dash of charm to the series.

Bob – Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

• Fun Fact: Bob the dog made appearances on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and was known for his calm and friendly demeanor, fitting perfectly into the show’s gentle, nurturing atmosphere.

Gus – Saving Grace

• Fun Fact: Gus was Grace’s lovable bulldog in the drama series Saving Grace. His quiet presence often provided comfort and stability in Grace’s otherwise chaotic and turbulent life.

Jimmy – South Park

• Fun Fact: Jimmy the dog made a few appearances in the animated series, contributing to the quirky and irreverent humor that South Park is known for.

Maximillian – The Bionic Woman

• Fun Fact: Maximillian, or “Max,” was a bionic German Shepherd with super strength and speed. He added an exciting sci-fi element to the show and often helped Jaime Sommers in her missions.

Schotzie – That ’70s Show

• Fun Fact: Schotzie was the Forman family’s pet Dachshund. The little dog often added humor to the household and appeared in scenes that reflected the fun and quirky dynamics of the family.

Tramp – My Three Sons

• Fun Fact: Tramp was the adorable sheepdog of the Douglas family. His shaggy appearance and playful personality made him a beloved member of the household.

Brandon – Punky Brewster

• Fun Fact: Brandon was Punky’s loyal Golden Retriever. He was an essential part of her adventures and offered comfort and protection to Punky as she navigated her new life.

Bullet – The Roy Rogers Show

• Fun Fact: Bullet was Roy Rogers’ German Shepherd. Known for his intelligence and courage, Bullet helped Roy and his sidekick, Trigger, solve crimes in the Wild West.

Happy – 7th Heaven

• Fun Fact: Happy was the Camden family’s adorable mixed-breed dog. She often appeared in heartfelt scenes, providing comfort to the family members during their trials and tribulations.

Santa’s Little Helper – The Simpsons

• Fun Fact: Santa’s Little Helper was the Simpson family’s lovable Greyhound. He was adopted after a failed racing career and became an integral, though often hilariously neglected, part of the family.

Brian – Family Guy

• Fun Fact: Brian is a talking Labrador Retriever who serves as one of the main characters on Family Guy. Known for his sophisticated demeanor, witty humor, and love of martinis, Brian often finds himself in comical and absurd situations alongside his best friend, Peter Griffin. His unique personality and human-like traits have made him a beloved character in the animated series.

Rowdy – Scrubs

• Fun Fact: Rowdy was a taxidermied dog that served as a bizarre mascot for J.D. and Turk. Despite being stuffed, Rowdy played a comically significant role in their friendship and countless pranks.

Chester – The Nanny

• Fun Fact: Chester was the real-life Pomeranian of Fran Drescher, who played the titular nanny. On the show, he belonged to Maxwell Sheffield and often stole scenes with his fluffy, spoiled charm.

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TV Cats

Salem Saberhagen – Sabrina the Teenage Witch

• Fun Fact: Salem was an animatronic puppet for most scenes but was also played by real cats. The character was once a warlock sentenced to live as a cat for 100 years.

Snowball II – The Simpsons

• Fun Fact: The Simpsons have had multiple cats named Snowball, and the number in Snowball’s name has increased with each new cat.

Kitty Kat – The Addams Family

• Fun Fact: Kitty Kat wasn’t a cat, exactly, but the Addams Family’s pet lion, often seen lounging around the mansion. His presence added to the family’s spooky yet endearing charm, fitting perfectly into their unconventional lifestyle.

Garfield – Garfield and Friends

• Fun Fact: Garfield, the lazy and lasagna-loving orange tabby, was the star of Garfield and Friends. Known for his sarcasm and love of naps, Garfield became a beloved character both in comic strips and on television.

Mr. Bigglesworth – Austin Powers (Movie and TV Specials)

• Fun Fact: While not a TV series regular, Mr. Bigglesworth is Dr. Evil’s hairless Sphynx cat from Austin Powers. The character made several appearances in TV specials and interviews, and his hairless look became iconic after losing his fur in a “cryogenic mishap.”

Spot – Star Trek: The Next Generation

• Fun Fact: Spot was Lieutenant Commander Data’s pet cat, known for causing the android much confusion as he tried to understand the complexities of feline behavior. Spot even survived several crises on the USS Enterprise, making her one of the most resilient cats in space.

Agent Jack Bauer – It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

• Fun Fact: In It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the gang adopts a cat hilariously named Agent Jack Bauer. The cat becomes a running joke, particularly for Charlie, who has a long-standing obsession with cats and often finds himself in bizarre situations involving feline friends.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning – Cheers

• Fun Fact: Although she never appears on-screen, Elizabeth Barrett Browning is the beloved cat of Diane Chambers in the emotional episode “Let Me Count the Ways.” When Diane learns from her mother that Elizabeth has died, it deeply affects her, showcasing the strong bond she shared with her pet. Elizabeth’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of love and loss.

Perry Mason’s Cats – Perry Mason

• Fun Fact: Throughout the iconic series Perry Mason, several cats make appearances, often in pivotal roles. One notable episode features a Siamese cat, whose presence is tied to a key plot point involving a murder mystery. Perry Mason’s interactions with these cats added an extra layer of charm to the series.

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Birds on TV

Fred – Baretta

• Fun Fact: Fred the Cockatoo was Baretta’s sidekick. The bird was actually played by a Cockatoo named Lala, who became very popular among fans.

Igor – The Munsters

• Fun Fact: Igor was Grandpa Munster’s pet bat. He lived in the family’s creepy, gothic mansion and added to the show’s spooky atmosphere.

Tweety Bird – Looney Tunes

• Fun Fact: Tweety is the iconic yellow canary known for his catchphrase “I tawt I taw a puddy tat!” He often finds himself in comedic situations, trying to outsmart the ever-hungry Sylvester the Cat.

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TV Horses

Mr. Ed – Mr. Ed

• Fun Fact: Mr. Ed’s lips were moved using a combination of a piece of string and peanut butter. The horse would move his lips when peanut butter was placed on them.

Silver – The Lone Ranger

• Fun Fact: Silver was the legendary white stallion of the Lone Ranger, known for his speed and loyalty. Famous for his iconic call, “Hi-yo, Silver, away!”, he played a crucial role in helping the Lone Ranger fight for justice in the Wild West. Silver’s unwavering bravery and quickness made him a beloved character, often portrayed as more than just a horse—he was a true companion and hero in his own right.

Trigger – The Roy Rogers Show

• Fun Fact: Trigger, often called “the smartest horse in the world,” was Roy Rogers’ beloved palomino. He was known for his tricks and was featured in many of Rogers’ films and TV shows, captivating audiences with his charm.

Penny’s Horse – The Big Bang Theory

• Fun Fact: In the episode “The Space Probe Disintegration” (Season 10, Episode 10), Penny mentions that her childhood horse, a mare named “Binky,” was a major part of her life, though the horse does not appear on-screen.

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Other Pets on TV

Flipper – Flipper

• Fun Fact: Flipper, the dolphin, was played by multiple dolphins, but the most famous was named Mitzi. The dolphins performed a variety of impressive tricks on the show.

Dino – The Flintstones

• Fun Fact: Dino was a dinosaur but behaved like a playful dog. He was known for enthusiastically greeting Fred when he came home.

Marcel – Friends

• Fun Fact: Marcel, Ross’s pet Capuchin monkey, was played by two monkeys named Katie and Monkey. Marcel’s antics often led to chaos among the friends.

Arnold – Green Acres

• Fun Fact: Arnold the Pig was a beloved member of the family and was known for his human-like intelligence and ability to understand English.

Elvis – Miami Vice

• Fun Fact: Elvis, the pet alligator, belonged to Sonny Crockett. He lived on Crockett’s houseboat and added a unique twist to the show’s Miami vibe.

Ben – Grizzly Adams

• Fun Fact: Ben was the lovable grizzly bear and companion to James “Grizzly” Adams in the classic series Grizzly Adams. The show, which aired in the 1970s, centered around Adams’ adventures in the wilderness, showcasing his unique bond with Ben. The bear not only served as a protector and friend but also played a significant role in many heartwarming and humorous moments throughout the series. Ben’s gentle nature and loyalty to Grizzly made him an iconic figure, capturing the hearts of viewers and symbolizing the beauty of companionship between humans and animals.

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Did We Miss Any?

These TV pets have left a lasting impression and brought countless memories to audiences. If you remember any that aren’t listed here, share your memories with us!