"He's like the son I never had," gushes actor and former "NYPD Blue" star Esai Morales about his dog Frankie, a Weimaraner with good looks and personality to match his latin owner. Morales has just joined the cast of El Rey Network's "From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series," for its second season. As busy as he is, however, he always makes time for his four-legged "baby" who Morales says is responsible for making his house feel like a home.
HNGN caught up with the happy pair for this photo shoot. Be sure to check out the behind the scenes video.
HNGN: Tell us about your dog.
MORALES: Frankie is my baby. He is so beautiful, and I'm not just saying that because he's mine. He reminds me of like a purebred racing horse. I got him at an auction when he was between 9 and 11 weeks old, and I got him for my then-girlfriend, and he stayed with me. He is the sweetest dog in the world. I am a strict father, or at least I can be. These dogs are very wound up, and they are just so people-like. Frankie has no clue he is not a person. He really doesn't think he is a dog. He is almost offended if I make him sleep on the floor. He doesn't like that. He has taken over my cream couches, and that's OK because they are worth it. I love him so much because he is one of the most well-tempered dogs and gets so excited when new people come in. He just loves people so much.
Would you say Frankie rules your house?
I would say he rules the love flow in the house. They are unconditional lovers. He keeps me healthy; I walk and run him, so I need to stay in shape. He just makes a home a home and such a loving environment. I think the way you raise your dogs says a lot about the way you raise your children, because you need patience. I think these wonderful companions help us to evolve. Frankie I feel has definitely prepared me to be a good father.
Does Frankie have personality?
I think Frankie would have my personality. He's wound up, and very loving, and makes friends too much, and he's just not a bitter, angry dog. He's very forgiving and loving, but sometimes too forgiving
Do you find yourself having conversations with your dog?
I find myself unloading my emotions. Sometimes if I'm really depressed or something I'll tell them things I'd probably not want to tell any other human, I mean, they have never called the tabloids on me...that I know of! (Laughs).
Have you always been a dog person?
I have mostly been a dog person; I went through a cat phase for a while, and I had a cat named Gizma. My whole life I have had dogs. Frankie is the best yet.
If Frankie was on a TV show, what character would he play?
Frankie would be Barney Fife maybe.
What does your dog really mean to you?
It's a relationship, it's a responsibility. Frankie is like the son I never had. I shamefully have not always been the sweetest, and trying to condition him...ultimately for his own good, but having him has taught me the principles of parenting. I would have to say he has rehabilitated me on many levels. My only problem is that he doesn't talk (laughs). I always feel I need to spend more time with him, and give him more attention because I'm always running all over the place. I have learned to be more understanding with the way I guide him in using different tones in my voice. It is amazing how they can react to the different ways you can speak with them. Frankie just loves life and everyone. All he wants to do is go out and explore, smell everything and pee on everything.
Does he travel with you?
Not usually, because I'm always on a job. But he has come to the set with me a couple times and everyone loves him.
If you are having a bad day, what does he do to cheer you up?
He takes my mind off of it. And there is nothing I can say to him that would piss him off or anything, so he is always there for me and they just have an innate sense if you are feeling bad, so they just know exactly how to cheer me up or cozy up to me that I love.
