"RAGS" is an 8-year old smooth-coated Brussels Griffon named Wesley. In 1996, his owner Ruth Powell met a breeder at the Westminster Dog Show. As much as she wanted a Brussels Griffon, Ruth didn't want to adopt a puppy. Shortly after the show, the breeder told her that he had a 5-year old stud that was available for adoption. "I took one look at Wesley," remembers Ruth "and it was love at first sight." Officially known as Griffon Bruxellois, the dog is truly a class 'Euro-dog' as a result of blending bloodlines from a variety of diverse European regions which explains Wesley's unusual and rarely seen breed. Originally, Ruth planned to breed Wesley with other Brussels Griffons that shared the same distinctive look but she never found another dog to mate him with. Contented to just have an affectionate pet dog, she would take Wesley on walks but, wherever they went, people would stop to comment on his looks. "I couldn't go anywhere without someone asking me what kind of dog Wesley is or just making remarks about how cute he is. When this started to happen, I began training him at home. Shortly afterwards, I sent his professional photos to agents in Manhattan." Almost immediately, Wesley found an agent with All Creatures Great & Small. "Spin City," which up until April 2000 was taped in New York City, had a casting call out for a dog and without an audition or screen test, Wesley was hired. "The first season Wesley was on the show I went to many rehearsals and tapings and met the entire cast," says Ruth. "They're all very nice people. Michael J. Fox was friendly although I could tell he's not a big animal lover the way Michael Boatman is. When you see Carter on the show with Wesley, it's both the character and actor loving the dog." As a television actor, Wesley is worth even more than other purebred dogs. Even before he became a star, Ruth valued him enough to purchase pet insurance policy with Veterinary Pet Insurance. "I believe that when you adopt a pet you are taking on the responsibility of keeping them healthy," says Ruth. "Shortly after I got Wesley, I took out a policy with VPI, same insurance company I had policies with for my other dogs. It wasn't even something I thought about; it was just something I knew a responsible pet owner does." With Michael J. Fox's departure from the series and Charlie Sheen now starring in the show, there will be changes this season. The action will still take place in Manhattan with Mayor Winston still getting himself into all kinds of trouble, but the actual filming will now be done in Los Angeles. Wesley is such an important part of the show that he will fly to Los Angeles in October and spend a few months with a trainer and then head back home when filming has been completed for the season. He has a unique role on Spin City as Carter's family dog "Rags". He is seen licking light sockets, trying to jump off a window sill, and eating pills in a futile effort to end it all. "Rags" has been heard to beg for help with his suicidal attempts in such well-known voices as David Letterman, Tim Allen and Drew Carey. Of course, Wesley is always safe and sound as his stunt work is performed by a fake double. Until filming begins again, Wesley is leading a good life in Manhattan. Ruth continues to take him on walks where people now recognize him as the "Spin City" dog. And when a fan requests a pawograph, Wesley is always happy to oblige. Questions and Answers: 1. How did the Brussels Griffon get its name? In Belgian, the word "griffon" means wire haired. Yet due to the variety of griffons, those with a wiry coat are called Brussels Griffons while the others are called Belgium Griffons. 2. What kind of personality do griffons have? The dog is known for its good-natured personality. Also considered an alert and reliable companion, griffons were very popular in Belgium between World Wars. Today, one of its ancestors, the Yorkshire Terrier, is the most popular dog in this country. 3. What breeds were used to produce a Brussels Griffon? The Dutch Smoushond, German Affenpinsher, French Barbet, and Yorkshire Terrier can all be found in today's Brussels Griffon.
Rags
Who Wants/ Millionaire?
Spin City - 1996 The Marry Caitlin Moore Show 4-15 is rated/received certificates of: Argentina:Atp
The duration of Spin-Off - game show - is 1800.0 seconds.
Diff'rent Strokes
Happy Days
Spin City
New York
Spin City - 1996 The Thanksgiving Show 4-9 is rated/received certificates of: Argentina:Atp
Who Wants/ Millionaire?
Spin City - 1996 The Marry Caitlin Moore Show 4-15 is rated/received certificates of: Argentina:Atp
The Sandy Duncan Show - 1972 From Rags to Riches to Rags 1-12 was released on: USA: 24 December 1972
Spin City
Mike Flaherty
He has starred in Rocky Horror picture show,Spin City and What I Like You
it was a spin off from "Bewitched"
Spin City
barry whiteThe show was Wrecks to Riches not Rags to Riches.