Lady and the Tramp Star from Phoenix Animal Shelter

An adorable rescue dog from a Phoenix animal shelter has snagged the starring role in Disney’s new live-action remake of “Lady and the Tramp.”

Monte, a scruffy, shaggy2-year old terrier mix, has been cast as Tramp in the new version of the 1955 animated classic, and not only is he enjoying the Hollywood limelight, he’s also found a forever home.

From Rags to Riches for the Lady and the Tramp Star

Monte was originally rescued by animal services in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and in 2018 was transferred to HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix. HALO is an acronym for Helping Animals Live On, and the organization partners with other shelters across the west to save as many animals as possible from being euthanized.

Monte caught the attention of Disney producers visiting the shelter looking for talent for what was then a ‘secret project.’ They chose Monte for the lead role of Tramp –a streetwise stray who meets and falls in love with the sophisticated pedigree cocker spaniel, Lady. Who could forget these two cute lovebirds that iconic spaghetti-eating scene!

Monte Finds a Forever Home

When production ended, Monte was adopted by one of the film’s animal trainers and is now enjoying his new California film star lifestyle. Shelter workers had no doubt that the shaggy, friendly canine they’d all grown to love would make it on the big screen and shared their delight at the success of their furry friend on social media. They hope their famous alumnus will encourage more people to ‘adopt and not shop.’

Monte and Rose –aka Lady and the Tramp –hit the red carpet

Monte will star alongside a cocker spaniel called Rose, who plays his love interest Lady. The two doggie stars hit the red carpet at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, to celebrate the movie’s November 2019 release, delighting fans and fellow Hollywood actors alike, including Hillary Duff who was quite enamored by the mischievous Tramp.

Justin Theroux voices Tramp and Tessa Thompson voices the lovely Lady, in this new remake of Lady and the Tramp.

The movie boasts an all rescue dog cast

Disney has noted that all the movie’s canine cast are rescue dogs, and actress Yvette Nicole Brown, who plays Aunt Sarah, fell in love with Harley, one of Lady’s doubles, during filming and has since adopted the pretty pooch.

The remake of the 1955 animated film classic Lady and the Tramp will not screen in theatres but instead is set to premiere November 12 on Disney’s new streaming Disney Plus.