Many of us have grown up with Walt Disney cartoons and films embedded in our memories. One of the original Disney characters is Pluto, Mickey Mouse's dog. Just as Pluto is a fond memory for most of us now, he is still as active as ever and is just as quickly wiggling his way into children's hearts today.

Pluto first appeared in a cartoon short titled "The Chain Gang" in 1930, though he was unnamed at the time. Later that year Pluto appeared in the cartoon short, "Picnic," but he was actually called by the name of Rover, not Pluto. However, in 1931, Mickey calls his dog Pluto, and it stuck in the cartoon "Moose Hunt." A Disney animator named Ben Sharpsteen stated they felt the name Rover was too common a dog name to use, so they decided on the name, "Pluto the Pup." He also stated he had no recollection as to why they chose "Pluto," but it seemed like a good choice at the time. Soon after that, Pluto became a permanent and popular member of the Walt Disney increasing character list.

Two months after Pluto's first named appearance, he showed up in the daily Mickey Mouse comic strip in newspapers in 1931. Pluto's debut into the comic book arena, however, was in 1942, and was titled Pluto Saves the Ship. This little book filled up 51 pages and was scripted by Carl Barks, Jack Hannah and Nick George, and the illustrator is unknown to this day. As far as firsts go, this was Pluto's first comic book, first solo adventure, and it was also Carl Barks' first published comic book.

Some of Pluto's most popular cartoons as a main character include "Mickey Mouse Works," "Disney's House of Mouse," and "Mickey Mouse Club." He has had several cameo appearances, including "Quack Pack" and "Who framed Roger Rabbit." He was also present in the 1990 movie "The Prince and the Pauper" and "Runaway Brain" in 1995. In the first 21 years of Pluto's existence, he appeared in a total of 55 theatrical cartoons.

Though Pluto never actually speaks in his cartoons, his means of communication certainly endears him to viewers. He talks with a wide variety of over-the top facial expressions, barks, whimpers, mumbles, and sign language. He usually walks on all four legs, yet he sometimes will stand on his two hind legs and walk or stand like a person (or like Mickey). Pluto is clearly able to show his likes, dislikes, wants and basic turn of events through his body language. He is one creative pup when it comes to communication!

Most children are familiar with Mickey's pet dog Pluto before they are aware of the recently demoted planet Pluto. This is because he is a solid, loveable Disney character that has been present in people's lives for over 75 years. Children love dogs, and they love cartoons; this is why Pluto is so special. What more could they ask for than their favorite kind of pet in a cartoon they love?

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