Santa's Little Helper Duff Beer that has been spilled on the floor. In another board game published by USAopoly called "The Simpsons Monopoly", based on "Monopoly" and released in 2001, the dog is featured as one of the six pewter playing pieces. Santa's Little Helper has also appeared in issues of "Simpsons Comics", in the 2007 film "The Simpsons Movie", and in video games based on "The Simpsons" such as "Night of the Living Treehouse of Horror" and "The Simpsons Game". In addition, the dog has been made into action figures by McFarlane Toys, action figures by Playmates Toys in the World of
Santa's Little Helper The name "Santa's Little Helper" was chosen because, according to writer Al Jean in the same "TV Guide" article, "we needed a name that would inspire Homer to bet on him, an omen, a Christmas name since he was betting on Christmas Eve. But, at that point, nobody was thinking long-term. We weren't considering what might happen in ten years, when we've got to use this name." Although "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" was the first episode of the series to air on TV, it was the eighth episode produced by the staff. It was chosen to air first