Rescue Dog Became Krypto the Superdog on TV's Titans (Superhero) Show

As a dog dad, dog rescuer AND a huge superhero fan (especially loving Superman's dog, Krypto), this is a moving story of a rescue dog at death's door was saved by the producers of one of my favorite superhero television programs. This dog was given the chance to become Krypto.

Here's the story from Comicbook dot com

(Photo: Krypto and Superboy in the Titans TV series. Credit: DC Comics) 

Titans' Krypto Has a Heartbreaking Real-Life Origin Story 

Before Pepsi landed the role of Superboy's sidekick Krypto on DC's Titans, the dog was on the verge of being euthanized.

BY MATH ERAO, Comicbook.com March 1, 2021

Like many superheroes, the real-life dog behind Krypto on Titans has a heartbreaking origin story.

Animal trainer Melissa Millett spoke with Kansas' WKRG about finding Pepsi, the white dog that plays the role of Superboy's sidekick on DC's live-action Teen Titans TV series. Originally, the dog was discovered in Missouri as a puppy, clinging to life in the cold. He had heartworms and was up for being euthanized at the crowded shelter in Leavenworth, KS, that he ended up in.

"They took him to the shelter, and there’s just too many dogs, so he was at risk for euthanasia," said Millett, who trains animals for TV and movies. Luckily, Pepsi looked the part of the comic book canine. "The dog has to look like the comic book character, and Pepsi is the closest that we found to that original comic book character look," Millett continued.

As it turns out, it was something Kansas-specific that helped Pepsi stand out. "He was wearing a Kansas City Chiefs collar, and it looked like a superhero collar," Millett said. "So we took that as a sign, so we were just rooting for them in the Super Bowl. It’s amazing."

(Image: Krypto the Superdog, by Alex Ross)

Like in the comics, Krypto has superpowers similar to all Kryptonians on Earth. And Season 3 of the show will feature even more of the powerful pup.

"It’s an extremely popular show, and [Krypto] has all of Superboy’s powers. He can fly. He has human intelligence. He’s got laser eyes, just it’s really cool. I knew I wanted him to be a movie star, so all of his training is geared towards being a movie star," Millett concluded.

Season 3 of the show will feature even more characters from comic book lore. Starfire will have to contend with her sister, Blackfire. And with Dick Grayson now Nightwing and Jason Todd becoming Red Hood, Tim Drake's Robin will make his live-action debut.