Toto Finally Gets a Monument!

Did you know that Toto has a monument?  Well, as of June 18, 2011, he does!!  Yes, Dorothy’s Toto from the Wizard of Oz.  Read the fascinating history of how it came to be as reported in the Orange County Register.  It turns out Toto’s grave was plowed over in 1958 to make way for the Ventura Freeway.  JP Myers, a regular guy, heard about it and decided to do something.  He put up a new Facebook page, “Toto Canine Movie Star Memorial Marker.”  After a few “no’s” and with the help of Steve Goldstein, author of  “LA Gravesite Companion,” Myers approached the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.  Now, Toto has a monument.  

Owner Tyler Cassity said yes. Enthusiastically. Then he donated a $100,000 V.I.P. plot near the remains of Johnny Ramone, Rudolph Valentino and Jayne Mansfield. Then he commissioned a bronze sculpture of Toto to crown the monument….

Toto trivia: He really was a female Cairn Terrier named Terry. She broke her leg during filming, when a Winkie guard stepped on her. She got paid more than the Munchkins.

Read the captivating details here.  The fact that Toto has a monument is another living testament to the power of social networking.  Have you used Facebook to further a dog cause?