Almost 50 years after its release, the film had its world theatrical premiere on 10/10/2019 as part of Beyondfest at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.
The film was shepherded by actor-writer-producer Jim Backus, whose many personal acquaintances appear in the finished product, including the voices of Richard Burton and Dean Martin.
Higgins was able to convey a broad range of emotions through his facial expressions. His trainer, Frank Inn, told reporters that Higgins was the smartest dog he had ever worked with and noted that during his prime years in television, he learned one new trick or routine per week and retained these routines from year to year, making it possible for him to take on increasingly varied and complex roles. Higgins' tricks included yawning and sneezing on cue.