Ghost Hounders

Ghost Hounders

September 1986 (estimated) TV Episode Pound Puppies

Studio
Hanna-Barbera Studios
Animation studio
Wang Film Productions Co., Ltd

Synopsis

The puppies go on all types of adventures and protect animals all over the city. Their home base is located in Wagga Wagga Pound.

Characters

Cooler, Scrounger, Barkerville, Louie, Howler, Bright Eyes, Cat Gut, Nabbit

Credits

Producing

Producer
William Hanna, Joseph Barbera

Voices

Voice
Pat Carroll (Katrina Stoneheart, Bright Eyes), Dan Gilvezan (Cooler), Robert Morse (Howler), B. J. Ward (Whopper), Frank Welker (Cat Gut, Nabbit)

Production notes

Pound Puppies were originally a line of adorable stuffed doggies who "desperately needed a home." Much like the concept behind the Cabbage Patch dolls, the toy makers used the adoption angle to sell Pound Puppies like mad. After a TV special aired in 1985, the Puppies became so popular that they were given their own weekly show the following season.

The show featured pups Cooler (the leader), Howler (the inventor), Bright Eyes (the youngster), Whopper (the comic relief), and Nose Marie (the beautiful but conceited Southern Belle). The five pooches operated a computer-controlled underground facility that matched up needy dogs with loving families.

The gang's headquarters was located on the lawn of the rich Millicent Trueblood (voiced by TV legend June Lockhart). Blessed with "puppy power," Millicent was able to talk to the dogs and keep abreast of their goings on. Unfortunately, Millicent died and the mansion was inherited by her evil grandniece Katrina Stoneheart.

Katrina's plans to tear down the pound were foiled when it was discovered that the pound and all the surrounding land actually belonged to the Katrina's soft-hearted ward, Holly, who coincidentally also possessed the "puppy power." Holly became the new human protector of the Pound Puppies, defending them against attacks from Katrina, her daughter Brattina, and their bad kitty Cat-Gut.

Pound Puppies may have begun simply as a way to sell toys, but the sharp writing of the series set it apart from its like-themed competition, The Care Bears or My Little Pony. Hip spoofs of pop culture and music videos gave the show enough substance to entertain kids of all ages. The cartoon also featured a segment called "Pet Care Corner" which gave advice for kids with pets.

Part of the success of the series must be attributed to the voice talents of legends like Ruth Buzzi and Robert Morse, as well as Nancy Cartwright, best known as the voice of Bart Simpson.

The second season was retitled "All-New Pound Puppies."