82 years.
To think it has been 82 years since we’ve seen a one-time stereotypical bloodhound for a nearly forgotten cartoon short evolve into a cultural icon of his own right. It is hard to believe how such a cartoon character has continued to be a recognizable, popular non-anthropomorphic canine in numerous countries, yet he has achieved this goal with ease.
Perhaps it is how he is drawn and animated by Norm Ferguson – a lean, broad-chested, slightly wrinkled body shape, giant paws, a thin, wiry tail, small rump and that expressive, wonderful noggin, where all the magic of pantomime is embraced, from a heartbreaking baying to an infectious smile showing off those humanistic pearly-whites.
It is also likely his energetic, playful, innocuous, mischievous personality – affectionate, humble and pensive too – where his romantic pursuits or friendship barriers are tested, as well as his unusual solutions to complex problems brought onto himself or by other creatures, via the rare (at the time) ability to cogitate as a cartoon dog – one in such sequence which has been christened a milestone in animation, where the thought processes through pantomime made him a believable, realistic canine and had also set the bar for future character animation.
Several key notes are for sure however:
That during these past eight decades, he has willingly entertained us alongside Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and a slew of others, in countless cartoon shorts, newspaper comics, television specials, theatrical films and in all Disney theme parks around the globe.
Though he is not an anthropomorphic canine like Dippy Dawg but a regular dog (he does reveal an understanding for humanistic traits, however) and yet is satisfied in his present, happy-go-lucky state.
Also interesting to note is despite the amount of flak and abuse he receives for his being a pup from other classic Disney cartoon characters, and for comedic purposes at that, he appears to but take it in stride and rather focuses more onto his next exciting adventure in the game of life.
And that his adorable appeal is clearly an undying one; there are far more Pluto fans than I had ever considered before discovering the Internet, a reasonable amount direct from the young, though he is certainly appreciated in more ways than imagined by the young at heart.
It is safe to say that he is more than just a pet, but a sidekick, a best friend, a protector and even as a conscience. He resonates with people for the reasons that though being a little clumsy as well as his childlike persona is labeled for stupidity, there is that element in all of us that we can’t deny – we have the intelligence but usually our curiosity gets to the best of us, and even when extirpating out from one mess, our wondrous questioning will lead us to finding ourselves in newer situations. While he does have a temper relatively high on a scale of Donald Duck (can be controlled, fortunately) and can be arguable with Mickey and others, aren’t we ourselves moody and fussy sometimes? Don’t we not see stress every day? It is our nature to react negatively when we need to face something of great frustration. And yes, like it or not, we debate to ourselves, our id and ego, our Devil Pluto and Angel Pluto, whenever we are at a loss at a difficult time and must confront it directly. Again, it is a natural response we act this way, and it is how we cheer/sympathize for this fascinating, lanky puppy.
There is definitely more than a handful of people who would admit that yes, it would be a dream come true should Pluto be a living, breathing dog in this reality of ours – he is essentially the epitome of dog, a practically perfect pal to all, in every way.
So Happy Birthday Pluto.
Happy Birthday, you darling, daring pooch ever so faithful. This day is yours. Eat up all the cake and bones (bone cake?) you can stuff your muzzle with. You truly deserve it.
– ES