"The animal that we used for the chase was named Jed. He was part wolf, part dog. He was just an incredible animal, so well trained. He actually ran right under the helicopter, because he was so well trained."
Jed (1977–1995) was a wolfdog—specifically, a low-content Malamute hybrid—who was known for his acting roles in Disney and Universal films. Born in Bellingham and initially adopted by Gary Winkler, a relative of Henry Winkler, he was later trained for the big screen by Clint Rowe, with whom he spent the remainder of his life with in California.
Roles:
- The Thing (1982) as the husky
- The Journey of Natty Gann (1985) as Wolf
- White Fang (1991) as White Fang
- White Fang 2: Myth of the White Wolf (1994) as White Fang
Tropes found in Jed's work:
- Canine Companion: In The Journey of Natty Gann, he plays Wolf, a loyal companion to the titular character.
- A Dog Named "Dog": His character in The Journey of Natty Gann is called Wolf.
- Noble Wolf: His character in The Journey of Natty Gann is kind towards and protects Natty after she rescues him and feeds him.
- Role Reprise: He reprised the eponymous role in White Fang three years later (which, for a dog, is the equivalent of 28 human years).