In between clearing his throat and blowing a fist-sized nose into his handkerchief, the once dapper gentleman pokes thinly veiled insults at Miss Lilly's culinary skills. Miss Rummage Sale 1932. Todd's newest character displays a definite zest for life. In 1990, following a run in a Las Vegas production show at the Princess Casino in Freeport, Bahamas, he accepted an offer from the General Jackson Showboat in Nashville, Tennessee. The idea of adding a live talking dog to his act had been percolating in his imagination.
Dogs do funny things and act certain ways.
While in Nashville, Todd looked at different dogs to match the voice he had in his head for the character. The bold and brash attitude followed automatically. Todd worked with a veterinarian in Minneapolis and one in Branson on the appearance of Irving talking. The veterinarians gave my idea for the little trick instant approval. Todd set about to train his Boston terrier, primarily by spending time with him.