Warning! Spoilers ahead for Blue Bloods season 14, episode 11. There was a meaning behind Anthony's dog in Blue Bloods season 14, episode 11. Anthony (Steve Schirripa) is one of Blue Bloods' best characters because of his loyalty to Erin. He has worked for her as an investigator throughout all 14 seasons of the cop and family drama, becoming a fan favorite because he is unafraid to stand up to Erin when he thinks she's being stubborn or self-righteous and always has her back.
The premiere episode of the second half of season 14 involved Erin facing the threat of disbarment and other legal sanctions after a jury member made up a story about Erin trying to influence her decision during a trial. In one scene, Anthony stopped by Erin's apartment with his dog, Willie Boy, to help support her. This short scene contributed to one of Blue Bloods' best episodes in multiple ways, as Willie Boy's appearance was a special cameo that had more meaning than it seemed.
Willie Boy's Real Life Connection To Blue Bloods Explained
He Is Already An Internet Star Thanks To Actor Steve Schrripa
Willie Boy is Schirripa's real-life dog, who often appears in the actor's Facebook Live videos. In these videos, it is common for Willie Boy to steal Schirripa's food or otherwise perform for the camera while Schirripa is talking. Thus, the dog has become somewhat of an internet celebrity who often appears with Schirripa in his social media content, and a portion of Schirripa's audience tunes in to see the dog's latest antics and what human food he is eating.
Willie Boy is a fairly young dog who celebrated his first birthday shortly after a feature article about him and Schirripa was published in 2020 (via Pet Lifestyle Magazine). He has joined Schirripa in podcast appearances and Facebook Live videos and travels back and forth between New York and Los Angeles with the actor. Thus, it was only a matter of time before he appeared in Blue Bloods, and the final season was the perfect time for him to have his first cameo appearance on the series.
What Willie Boy's Cameo In Blue Bloods Season 14 Means
It Was An Easter Egg As Well As A Sweet Scene
Storywise, Willie Boy joining the Blue Bloods season 14 cast demonstrated Anthony's caring for Erin. He initially intended Willie Boy to be a comfort to Erin, but his protective side came out when he saw Jack in her living room and he instead commented that she "already had an emotional support animal." Jack's presence cut Anthony and Willie Boy's visit short, and Willie Boy was not seen again, but this small cameo was nevertheless a special part of the episode.
Blue Bloods cancelation is disappointing, but the series is determined to honor its large audience in its final episodes. Willie Boy's cameo is one way it was able to do that. Willie Boy's appearance was an Easter egg for those fans who enjoy his presence in Schirripa's social media videos. It also incorporated the dog into a scene during one of its final episodes that helped strengthen Anthony and Erin's bond.
Source: Pet Lifestyle Magazine
