Film set to tell story of 'smartest dog'

AUSTIN, Texas - Napoleon Smith III, executive producer of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles summer 2014 blockbuster, has inked an exclusive agreement for the true story of the world famous celebrity dog, Skidboot.

Smith, along with his partners, will produce the life story of stray-to-star Skidboot, a Texas rodeo dog who many call "The Smartest Dog In The World." Taken in by rodeo cowboy David Hartwig, Skidboot had a heralded 10-plus year performance career, was named one of Texas' Most Famous Dogs and, via sensational viral internet videos, appeared on numerous talk shows, including Oprah! The canine reportedly received more fan mail than most of Oprah's celebrity guests.

The 'Skidboot' story will center on the redemptive life influence that Skidboot had on Hartwig, leading the ex-rodeo star to a second-career, many performance adventures and an enlightened life.

Smith and his team have begun prospecting talent for the film. A suitable canine to play the brilliant Skidboot, a Blue Heeler mix, posed a challenge for the group until Smith discovered what he calls his "secret weapon." "We have access to one of the most highly trained dogs on record with quite a fan base at our disposal for the film. Quite often, focus is put solely on the dog to carry a film, but the heart of the Skidboot story is not about the dog or his tricks," continued Smith.

"The story is about the relationships humans share with their pets and the therapeutic bonds that are formed from those connections. Viral videos are evidence that Skidboot's fans are still out there, as he was a dog who touched the world with a redemptive story that continues to affect people long after his passing."