Friday, January 25, 2019

Dear Abby - Dog Songs - "How Much Is That Doggie In the Window?" (Patti Page, 1953)

Dear Friends,

Today we start a new series about dog songs!  All the songs featured are either about dogs or they have the word "dog" in the title.  I'm looking forward to learning about some songs I know -- and other songs I don't know -- as well.

We'll start with a song that received a number of comments here last week:  "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?"   This song was a hit in 1953 for Patti Page.  It was written by Bob Merrill, who also wrote "Mambo Italiano" and the lyrics for the Broadway show Funny Girl.

The singer was Patti Page.  She recorded pop songs in the late 1940's and 1950's.  Originally from Oklahoma, her songs often had a slight country twang.  She was very popular and there were even paper dolls in her likeness!

Here is the original song in a video that features a Cocker Spaniel puppy:



Later in life, Patti Page became interested in pet rescue and recorded the song with new lyrics -- "Do You See the Doggie in the Shelter?"   

This song was promoted by the Humane Society.



Are you familiar with "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?"   My Momma said she remembers it from kiddie records when she was a little girl.  (This was some years after it was a hit!)

I would love to hear from you in the comments.  Have a wonderful day!

Love,

Abby xoxoxo

8 comments:

Janet said...

I remember this song from my childhood. That’s neat that she recorded a version in support of shelter dogs

Kelsey said...

Hi Abby, such an interesting post! Thanks for sharing, I definitely learned something today!

Aliceson said...

Abby my mama said she remembers how much is that doggie in the window as a girl.
We watch Lassie that we record to it’s fun.

Love,
Aliceson and Haley❤️

Rebekah Joan said...

I've never heard of these songs before - probably because I'm so young. I love discovering new music. And everything dog-related!!!

Helen said...

I totally remember this song. I used to sing it all the time as a kid.

Beth said...

I have seen the video with the updated lyrics, but I didn't realize it was by the same singer. That is so great! I think if more people knew where that cute doggie in the window came from (a puppy mill) they would just go to the shelter and adopt one!

barbarakwrites said...

My Mother had this record when I was a young child. I loved playing it on her old record player. I sure wish I had kept it. When I cleaned out her house, it was nowhere to be found. Hearing the song today sure made me smile. Thank you, Abby. This was the perfect way to start your new series.

Abby said...

Thank you, friends! I loved reading your comments and especially your memories of this song.

Love,
Abby xoxoxo