A dog riding American Eagle???

[TwistedSTEEL666]

Ok, in Screams and Dreams Part 1, I saw a guy back in 1981 bring his dog on American Eagle. I want to know if there is any info on this lying around today, or any old videos of it online.

But this really happened, right?
How many of you guys knew this before Screams and Dreams?

I'm curious to what everyone's thoughts are on this.

I think it's a bit crazy to bring your dog on a roller coaster.
It looked like a promo or a stunt of some kind. Maybe...

[Viper 88]

Well actually I did know about this prior to S&D. From what I can gather the dog's name was Zonker. That this happened in the 80's when AE was new. And that Zonker has since died and is buried next to AE. Thats according to sodahead.com. Also on the forums section of GREATAMERICAparks.com under the discusion forums section scroll down to find the title: Has your dog ridden the AMERICAN EAGLE and there is a picture there as for video I have not run across anything. on a side note American Eagle's initials being AE anyone think it was comissioned in secret by American Express?

[JimPanky]

[TwistedSTEEL666]

Well actually I did know about this prior to S&D. From what I can gather the dog's name was Zonker. That this happened in the 80's when AE was new. And that Zonker has since died and is buried next to AE. Thats according to sodahead.com. Also on the forums section of GREATAMERICAparks.com under the discusion forums section scroll down to find the title: Has your dog ridden the AMERICAN EAGLE and there is a picture there as for video I have not run across anything. on a side note American Eagle's initials being AE anyone think it was comissioned in secret by American Express?

I posted that info on Sodahead after I found the info on GreatAmericaParks.com.
But yes, I think it's pretty cool. A bit crazy too.

[Chitown]

Saw the picture awhile back. Definitely photoshopped.

[TwistedSTEEL666]

Saw the picture awhile back. Definitely photoshopped.

If so, then where is the original?

[Viper 88]

oops my bad but I definately knew about it. Maybe if time ever permits you can go to the Gurnee Library and ask for the great america file. I have heard they have a huge file containing clippings and articles and things like that you might be able to find more there.

[TwistedSTEEL666]

oops my bad but I definately knew about it. Maybe if time ever permits you can go to the Gurnee Library and ask for the great america file. I have heard they have a huge file containing clippings and articles and things like that you might be able to find more there.

Thanks for that info.

[Iron Wolf 90-11]

Is the name of the library the Warren-Newport Public Library? If not, what is it called and where is it located?

[Chitown]

That is what it is called and it's on Oplaine Rd. Pretty much just under 2 miles from the park. Yes, they do have archives of the park.

[Iron Wolf 90-11]

That is what it is called and it's on Oplaine Rd. Pretty much just under 2 miles from the park. Yes, they do have archives of the park.

Thinking about possibly making a trip up there this weekend then

[Chitown]

Eagle dog

Saw the picture awhile back. Definitely photoshopped.

If so, then where is the original?

This is the pic I saw. Credit to Steve Wilson.

[Galvan]

The story about the dog riding American Eagle is very true.

There was a feature on it during Screams and Dreams part 1. On American Eagle's media day.

[Chitown]

If so, that is pretty cool. I believe it, but I would feel this is some type of violation, and that dude would have had to completely hold him down since a dogs physical structure would keep it from being secured.

[txcrew]

The story about the dog riding American Eagle is very true.

There was a feature on it during Screams and Dreams part 1. On American Eagle's media day.

Here is the (bootleg) clip from AE's media day at 28:22 :

http://youtu.be/Ra-Dv8eU0Uw?t=28m22s

[TwistedSTEEL666]

If so, that is pretty cool. I believe it, but I would feel this is some type of violation, and that dude would have had to completely hold him down since a dogs physical structure would keep it from being secured.

I think it was a violation back then. However, I don't think there are any rules that say a dog couldn't ride a roller coaster. There are just rules that say pets can't come into the park or be left in he parking lot.

The clip I saw from Screams and Dreams showed the two people, one was the owner of the dog, sitting in the very first row. The dog was by himself in the second row secured apparently. Perhaps they had devised a way for the dog to have his own custom restraint for riding roller coasters?

[Necropolis]

Lmao such a funny picture......working at a place that deals with animals, I don't think a dog''s frame and body were meant to deal with gravitational forces in both a positive and negative manner. I know some people that would be offended at the sight of an animal on a roller coaster, but thats people. But I can see this image being photoshopped, seems easy enough to do, plus I can see how they made the picture, if it was actually photoshopped.

Its always interesting and cool to hear and see little snippets of park history and facts!

[Zonkersfriend]

It's definitely true. I drove the dog and his owner from New Haven, Connecticut to Gurnee for the press day of the opening of American Eagle. The dog was well known for riding roller coasters in the northeast. It was his choice to get on the coaster in Lake Compounce for his first ride, and I personally witnessed him riding many different coasters in many different parks. I don't have a detailed memory of the events of that day, and unfortunately Zonker's owner is no longer with us, but I do not recall any special harness. Zonker usually sat beside his owner, but there were lots of posed pictures, so he may have been sitting alone in some of those. I don't know for sure, but I doubt the reports that Zonker is buried next to the coaster.

[CoasterCale]

I know this is repetitive at this point but I just did a quick google search and all checks up. Unless this same article was used for the info given above.

http://www.nhregister.com/opinion/20140 ... dog-zonker