Legend of world's largest dog lives on

By Matthew K. Roy
Staff Writer

March 13, 2008 06:29 am

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PEABODY — Hercules' fame has traversed an ocean.

The English mastiff from Peabody, the world's heaviest dog according to the Guinness Book of Records, died 18 months ago. But that didn't stop a London-based television show from passing through Peabody yesterday to speak with his owner.

"I think Hercules' legend is still alive, really," said Sheena Cameron, a producer of a show tentatively called "Hunt for It."

The filming began at Warrior Gym on Foster Street, where John Flynn, a power weight lifter, works out. Then it continued at his home in Lynn, where Flynn and his two sons, Cody, 13, and John Jr., 8, reminisced about Hercules and shared some pictures of the record holder.

Hercules weighed 282 pounds. It's a measure that in 2001 earned him attention in newspapers and on local and national television. He was featured on the "Today" show and CNN.

Now, beyond the grave, he's an international star.

The host of the show yesterday pretended he wasn't aware of Hercules' fate.

"They set it up like they didn't know," Flynn said.

Hercules will make a posthumous appearance on the show in pictures and some video footage.

The show will leave Peabody and visit the world's tallest dog in California (about 7 feet), a pet fair in Arizona, rabbits in Germany and more dogs in England.

Flynn moved to Lynn about four years ago. He said his stint yesterday in front of the cameras went well.

"I do all right with the camera thing," he said. "You get nervous, but I seem to do all right with it."

Hercules was 8 years old when he died. Flynn said he suffered from significant back pain.

Flynn said he's proud the spotlight still has room for Hercules.

"He's not around, and they're doing a documentary (on him); I think that's good," he said. "It's cool."

Hercules was not succeeded by another mastiff.

"I have a bulldog now," Flynn said. "He's driving me nuts."

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