From “The Amazing Wizard of Paws,” Wag! has decided to feature the movie’s star, Little Bear. He’s a rare Japanese Kai Ken, and he’s so cute. He’s a famous dog now, but he was also rescued by a famous person in history that you’ll almost certainly recognize.

Little Bear received his name because “forever owner” Bryan Michael Stroller (Hollywood director, producer, and screenwriter) took him home as a pup and noticed that he looked exactly like a sweet bear cub. Bryan eventually found out that Little Bear had been fostered by a U.S. presidential family. Indeed, Nancy Reagan had rescued Little Bear from the streets of Los Angeles when the pup was only a few weeks old. He was sick with parvo and even starving. The Reagan family rushed the fur baby to the vet, and within a few days, the soon-to-be “Little Bear” was ready to play.

When Bryan made the connection, he contacted Nancy, and Bryan and Little Bear headed to the First Lady’s (and dog-lover’s) home in Bel Air. They spent several hours talking and playing with Mrs. Reagan. In fact, it was this experience that led Bryan to write the film “First Dog.” Nancy was always amazed that the rescue actually became a dog actor! That is pretty cool when you think about it. A sick, starving doggo grows strong and healthy enough to star in films. A true Cinderella kind of story!

Bryan says that Little Bear took to the screen and acting very quickly. Bear works for treats and is always eager to begin the day of direction and different takes. He’s a service dog, and Bryan and Bear screen the dog’s films when they travel to different schools and hospitals for visits.

So, you can see: there was magic in Little Bear’s story before he even starred as Ozzy in “The Amazing Wizard of Paws.” In the film, a young boy discovers that his dog is actually 600 years old and at one time belonged to a powerful wizard. Ozzy is actually a therapy dog in the movie, helping his young owner with an anxiety disorder. On the boy’s 12th birthday, he learns much about Ozzy’s past. The boy and his mother hold a magical future that the faithful pet reveals.

What a life! What a career! Little Bear is one of those classic and inspiring reminders that rags to riches (and loneliness to love) is possible!