Santa's Little Helper and Tiger (50th). According to a writer for McClatchy News Service, the rankings were "determined by popularity, name recognition and how long the show lasted." Among fans and critics, Santa's Little Helper has been mostly well received. He ranked seventh in a 2008 poll by "Dog Whisperer"s Cesar Millan that determined the "best-loved television dog of all time." Lassie ranked first in the poll. In addition, he was voted the tenth favorite "Simpsons" character by readers of "Simpsons Comics" in the United Kingdom in 2010. In a list of their top twelve favorite dogs from cartoons, comics, and animation, writers
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