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Hypnodog is a canine stage hypnotist act, based in Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wales.[1] Professional hypnotist Hugh Lennon discovered Oscar, a 10 month old black Labrador Retriever puppy, on a farm in Yorkshire.[2] Lennon states that initially he bought Oscar as a pet and brought him to shows for companionship, but "one night I brought him on stage with me. He started staring at this girl and she fell into hypnosis, without me doing a thing".[3] Lennon maintains that a number of dogs and other carnivores have a natural ability to hypnotise prey.[4] In 1995, Oscar made headlines in the UK and all over the world, when he went missing while appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland.[citation needed] Oscar is also familiar to many students of English as a second language, as materials about Oscar and his act are featured in the Oxford University Press English language course.[5] In 2001, after 12 years performing, Oscar's eyesight failed and he was no longer able to hold the penetrating stare necessary for stage hypnosis.[6] Open auditions were held at the Weymouth Pavilion for a replacement dog; the eventual replacement chosen was Milo, a three year old German Shepherd-Rottweiler crossbreed.[4] However, Lennon currently works with Murphy, one of Oscar's sons.[7] Lennon and the Hypnodog have appeared on numerous television and radio shows, including This Morning and Kelly,[8][9] and at the Reading and Leeds Festivals.[10][11] Related topics Hypnotoad References ^ "Corporate Hypnotist Hugh Lennon & HypnoDog". OnStage Register. http://www.onstageregister.com/141/Corporate-Hypnotist-Hugh-Lennon-and-HypnoD.aspx. Retrieved on 2008-05-10. ^ Clifford, Tim (2004-01). "Hugh Lennon and Oscar the Hypno-Dog". ExpliCIT. http://www.citsu.ie/publications/backissues/volume5/january2004.pdf. Retrieved on 2008-05-10. ^ Pets, Part of the Family, ed (2000). Petspeak: Share Your Pet's Secret Language!. Pets, Part of the Family. ISBN 1579540775. ^ a b "The eyes have it as Milo the hypno-dog joins the show". Dorset Echo. 2001-08-07. http://archive.thisisdorset.net/2001/8/7/97819.html. Retrieved on 2008-05-10. ^ Duckworth, Michael; Gude, Kathy (1999). Countdown to First Certificate Workbook. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780194533522. http://fds.oup.com/www.oup.com/pdf/elt/catalogue/0-19-453354-9-a.pdf. Retrieved on 2008-05-10. ^ "Wanted: Dog with entrancing looks". Dorset Echo. 2001-07-31. http://archive.thisisdorset.net/2001/7/31/98142.html. Retrieved on 2008-05-10. ^ "Completely barking?". Bournemouth Daily Echo. 2005-08-15. http://archive.bournemouthecho.co.uk/2005/8/15/110428.html. Retrieved on 2008-05-10. ^ "Hugh Lennon and Hypnodog". Twisters Comedy Club. http://www.twisterscomedyclub.co.uk/tuesday_night.htm. Retrieved on 2008-05-10. ^ "Wacky World". UTV. http://www.thekellyshow.com/wacky.html. Retrieved on 2008-05-10. ^ "A festival of fun". BBC. 2004-08-20. http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/music/leeds_festival/festival_2004/lineup_comedy.shtml.
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