Owners' lawsuit says agency promised to make dogs stars

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Chron.com

LOS ANGELES — Goliath the Rottweiler spent most of his time lying around with his gingerbread man-shaped chew toy.

Even so, his "cool" and "mellowness" convinced owner Rachel Armstrong he belonged in music videos — and so she happily paid nearly $2,000 to Hollywood Paws to get him ready for stardom.

Now Armstrong, along with the owners of Wallace , a poodle-Labrador mix; Milo, a basenji; Poopsie, a Lhasa apso; and a dozen other pet owners have filed a lawsuit alleging Hollywood Paws collected thousands of dollars but failed to deliver auditions or Hollywood connections.

Hollywood Paws owner Larry Lionetti, a Bay Area resident, said he is dealing with "pet owners similar to a stage parent."

His school promises dog training, and it delivers, he said. And while animals from Hollywood Paws have won spots in several productions, including Beauty and the Geek, Air Buddies and commercials for Toyota and H&R Block, he makes no promises that every pet will become a star.

"Everybody knows down in your town that there are actors and actresses waiting on tables until a part comes along," he said. "Who in L.A. doesn't know this?"