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    Hold onto your pups because things are about to get nuts. This weekend, "Seven Psychopaths" rolls into theaters, telling the story of a dog heist that goes terribly wrong when the scorned owner turns out to be a gangster. While this flick features a celebrity-packed cast, the biggest star may be a newcomer: Bonny the Shih Tzu. We got a chance to learn more about this animal actress, who is both a breeze to work with and very easy on the eyes. 

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    SHIH TZU INGENUE

    With all her screen time, Bonny seems to be a veteran paw star, but this is actually the Shih Tzu's first foray into film. "Seven Psychopaths" went to California-based Performing Animal Troupe to recruit the perfect pooch for their film. The movie was looking for a Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu mix that was comfortable with being handled and adorably oblivious to chaotic action. 

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    RUFF RESCUE

    Not finding the right match in the animals under her care, Performing Animal Troupe's owner, Cathy Pittman, took her usual next step and started searching shelters. The owner has a special place in her heart for canines that are pound-bound or already in shelters, and she often tries to adopt these animals out for movie roles. After some searching, she found Bonny on Craigslist, posted by an owner who wanted to get rid of the dog and was planning on sending the Shih Tzu to the pound if no offers came through.

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    WHAT'S IN A NAME?

    Seeing that the adorable dog was already named Bonny, the name given to the pup in the film, Pittman figured fate was at work and took the dog to keep as a pet regardless if the film wanted her or not. The 11-month-old turned out to be the ideal animal for the role. The cast and crew fell instantly for Bonny's sweet face and easy-going demeanor. "She had 'it'," Pittman shared. "The film casted her within minutes of meeting her!"

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    READY FOR ACTION

    After receiving overwhelming approval from the film team, Bonny's next hurdle was going through five weeks of training for her "Seven Psychopaths" role. With the help of animal trainer Claire Dore, Bonny mastered the basic "sit" and "stay" commands, learned how to "speak," offer her paw and respond to buzzers often used in cat training.

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    SAFETY FIRST

    Dore and Bonny were inseperable for those five weeks, in order to form a bond that would help keep the Shih Tzu calm on the chaotic set. Additonal precautions were taken to keep Bonny safe during filming, including using low-bang guns and cotton to protect her ears during the numerous action sequences. Despite he limited experience, Bonny acted like a pro, quickly earning a few famous friends. 

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    THIS DOGGIE'S NO DIVA

    "All of the actors were so great with her. The one that loved her the most was Christopher Walken, who kindly said, a few different times, that she was the greatest dog that he had ever worked with," said Dore about Bonny's new celeb entourage. The trainer explained that the acting rookie was popular mostly due to her good behavior. Bonny was always professional and did not interrupt shots by barking, panting or looking for her next cue. 

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    PUP PRESS TOUR

    Bonny has taken her professional behavior to the red carpet as well, enjoying the attention of the "Seven Psychopaths" media tour. As for her next move, Bonny doesn't have any films planned for the future, but Pittman and Dore are confident that will change. 

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    MULTI-FACETED RESUME

    Before Bonny takes her next steps to a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, she is giving back to her community. After seeing her patience and calmness on set, Pittman has decided to put Bonny through therapy dog training. 

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    THERAPY PET PARTNER

    Performing Animal Troupe has a program called ROMP, which is part of the company's foundation Old Friends Animal Shelter and Education Center. Through ROMP, the animals of the troupe are certified by professionals to provide comfort and therapy for those who are bed-bound and can use a furry ray of sunshine. 

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    POOCH INSPIRATION

    After certification, Bonny will be able to bring happiness to hundreds of people by giving them quality cuddle time and undivided attention. Always involved in animal rescue projects, Pittman wants to spread the idea behind ROMP to other communities. It is her hope that people will see that shelter animals can make great therapy pets and will adopt their own furry friend for the same cause. 

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    SLEEPY STARLET

    When Bonny isn't working the carpet or being a no-drama actress, you can find her napping. Dore admits that Bonny can get so enthusiastic about sleep that sometimes the pooch passes out in her arms. The Shih Tzu starlet also enjoys chasing toys and playing games with her doggie buddy Lola, whom she met on the set of "Seven Psychopaths."

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    A STAR IS BORN

    Luckily, all this extra attention hasn't gone to Bonny's heart-meltingly adorable head, but she is still digging the perks of movie star lifestyle. "I think she’s really been enjoying the traveling, meeting people, and having me all to herself in the hotel room!," shared Dore. "She has her own designer now, the extremely talented Linda Higgins."

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    WILL WORK FOR FOOD

    Where Bonny does show a little diva behavior is during treat time. Dore admitted the one of the hardest parts of training wasn't getting Bonny to do the tricks, but finding treats that would please the Bonny's picky palette. Performing Animal Troupe uses positive reinforcement to train their dogs, meaning animals are rewarded with treats for doing something right. After trying all the "good stuff," including liver, steak and chicken, Dore found the Bonny was the happiest when she received plain kibble or Costo jerky treats as a reward. 

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    Next: Meet Spangles The Cross-Eyed Cat

    THE NEXT UGGIE?

    With the whirlwind life of cuteness and charity that Bonny is suddenly leading, it is no surprise that she needs her naps. But everyone who knows this Shih Tzu says she has big things ahead. To keep updated on Bonny's busy life check her out on Facebook, and go see her debut performance in "Seven Psychopaths," in theaters this Friday.