During the Hot Summer of 1993

Filming of The Shawshank Redemption had just begun at the old Ohio State Reformatory near Mansfield, Ohio, when actor Jodiviah Stepp befriended two stray dogs, who were living at the prison. With the help of director, Frank Darabont, Jodiviah eventually adopted Rita, one of those homeless dogs.

View the Trailer

Here is a short introduction to “Rita” and “Hayworth” and the story about their lives at the The Ohio State Reformatory.

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Photo Galleries

Actor Tim Robbins and Jodiviah Stepp taking direction during the filming of <i>The Shawshank Redemption.</i>
Actor Bill Sadler (Haywood) takes a break between takes during the filming of <i>The Shawshank Redemption.</i>
Actor Frank Medrano (Fat Ass) enjoying a refreshment between takes.
The group of New Fish Cons taking a break between takes.
The group of New Fish Cons await filming the bus scene in <i>The Shawshank Redemption.</i>
The group of New Fish Cons and actor Tim Robbins between takes.
Some of the New Fish Cons between takes.
Actor VJ Foster taking a break before shooting the interior bus scene.

Behind The Scenes of 
The Shawshank Redemption

Exclusive photos of Jodiviah, Tim Robbins, and the “New Fish Cons” during the filming of the movie.

Rita getting the chance to run free and wild in the woods.
Jodiviah Stepp and Rita sharing a moment.
Jodiviah Stepp taking Rita to meet fellow airmen at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio.
Jodiviah letting Rita see her new home and big backyard.
Jodivah playing the game "Who's Outside" with Rita. She loved this game.
Jodiviah and Rita sharing a moment.
Rita always enjoyed the outdoors.
There were times when Rita wasn't exactly happy with the camera.
Hayworth and Rita with a production assistant, shortly before she was given to Jodivah Stepp by director Frank Darabont.
Rita had a shirt she liked to wear and a pursuasive way of getting a treat.
Rita all cleaned up and rescued by director Frank Darabont.
Rita looking out the window watching for Jodiviah to return.
Rita enjoying some "lap" time.
This is how Rita would look right before bed time.
Rita after she was rescued by director Frank Darabont.
Rita was camera shy at times.
One of Rita's favorite treats was a rawhide stick.
The Stray Dogs That
Became Our Friends

Photos of Rita and Hayworth during the filming and their renewed life afterward.

Author Brad Mavis and actor Jodiviah Stepp present actor Bob Gunton (Warden Norton) a copy of <i>Rita the Shawshank Dog.</i>
Author Brad Mavis and actor Jodiviah Stepp present actor Bob Gunton (Warden Norton) a copy of <i>Rita the Shawshank Dog</i> at an evening event at the celebration.
Author Brad Mavis and Jodiviah Stepp showing actors Frank Medrano (Fat Ass) and Bob Gunton (Warden Norton) a copy of <i>Rita the Shawshank Dog.</i>
Jodiviah Stepp interviewed by WKYC.
Actors Frank Medrano and Bob Gunton sharing a moment during the celebration.
A group photo of actors in <i>The Shawshank Redemption,</i> Author Brad Mavis (New Fish Con), Frank Medrano (Fat Ass), Bob Gunton (Warden Norton), Jodiviah Stepp (New Fish Con) and Scott Mann (murdered lover of Andy Dufresne's wife).
A fan listens as Jodiviah Stepp tells how he befriended Rita and Hayworth in a discussion at Malabar Farm, Mansfield, Ohio.

The Shawshank Redemption
20th Anniversary Event

In 2014, along with some of the cast and fans, we celebrated twenty years since the release of the film.

In The Media

Media coverage of Rita the Shawshank Dog and the 20th anniversary celebration for the Shawshank Redemption film.

About The Book

Rita The Shawshank Dog book cover

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This is the story of an actor, who while filming The Shawshank Redemption, crossed paths with two homeless dogs and how their lives were changed forever. This true story is told not only in words but also in a collection of pen and ink illustrations by author and artist, Brad Mavis.

This book would make an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys The Shawshank Redemption and who loves animals.

Purchase at Barnes & Noble      Purchase at Amazon

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A portion of each book purchase will be used for The Rita Project, an organization that will continue to let Rita’s memory bring hope to homeless animals.

Brad Mavis and his dog

About the Author

After graduating from Columbus College of Art and Design, Brad Mavis pursued writing and directing independent films. Recently, he has turned his passion for storytelling into writing and illustrating books for adults and children.

His second passion is helping homeless animals, and he has worked closely with a local animal shelter for over a decade. He currently lives in Ohio with his dog, Molly.

Other books by this author are available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Questions? Comments? Let us know!

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Save a Pet?

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