Marg and Henry posing on the deck.
Marg Helgenberger (“CSI,” “Mr. Brooks”) explains that her love affair with dogs started as a child growing up in Nebraska. “I had one dog growing up named Minnie when I was a little girl. She was a Chesapeake Bay retriever. My dad would take her hunting with him,” she fondly recalls.
Please tell us a little about your current dog.
“My dog’s name is Henry and he’s a rescue dog, so we are not certain of his breed. He definitely has some shepherd in him and possibly some Akita. He is my sweet, loyal best friend,” states Helgenberger.
Dogs are notorious for adopting their owner’s traits. Has Henry adopted any of yours?
“My dog knows to wait for me to do my morning routine before he gets to go out for his long walk.”
You were photographed for the book “Rescue Tails” which helps raise money for the Humane Society. How did that materialize?
“A friend of mine knew the photographer [Brian Nice], who had an idea of doing a book on rescue dogs. He asked if I would be a part of it, and I was happy to join. The dog in the photograph was my old dog Momo, who has since passed.”
In doing my research for this article, I was surprised to learn there are websites out there looking to get a photograph of you and your dog. Have the paparazzi ever startled your dog or caused an incident?
“There was a period of time where the paparazzi had a strong presence in my neighborhood, but nothing ever occurred that startled my dogs,” says Helgenberger.
On “CSI,” did you ever get to work with police dogs?
“No, I didn’t work with police dogs. The dogs that appeared on various “CSI” episodes were dogs that were used for that specific purpose,” says Helgenberger.
Where is your “CSI” character, Catherine Willows, today, and is there a dog with her?
“Catherine Willows is currently with the FBI and she most certainly has a rescue dog in her life.”
You have starred on stage, TV, and the movies. Would you ever share the spotlight with a dog?
“Despite the entertainment cliché of never working with children or dogs, I would happily work with dogs.”
You are a very busy working actress, what is the most difficult part of spending time away from Henry?
“The most difficult part is leaving the house and trying to convey to them that you will be back.”
What’s the best part of having a dog in your life?
“He is just my buddy and companion. My life is infinitely better with my dog in it!”
