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Cape Town - Bradley Cooper cast his own dog in his directorial debut A Star is Born because they have such a special bond.
In the new film Cooper's character Jackson Maine and his love interest Ally (Lady Gaga) share a dog.
His dog IRL Charlie, who is named after his late farther, was the perfect fit for the role.
Speaking to People magazine, Bradley said he wanted a dog to be part of their relationship.
“[Jackson and Ally] don’t have a child together but they have a dog together, and I wanted it to be part of their story. I love dogs.”
And now PETA will honour Cooper with it's inaugural compassion in a film award for casting his pet in the movie.
The animal rights organisation said that it gave the actor/director the award because he did not used one supplied by an agency, reports Variety.
In a statement PETA senior vice president Lisa Lange said that "his happy, adorable, and much-loved dog steals the spotlight — and viewers’ hearts — in this film because it’s clear that he loved being with his real-life 'dad'."
"PETA has witnessed so much abuse and neglect of dogs, both on and off set, that we’re hoping Cooper’s kind decision sets a precedent for all of Hollywood to follow," she added.
A Star Is Born opens in SA cinemas on Friday, 12 October.
(Photo supplied: Warner Bros)
