I tagged this as a brag, but that remains to be seen. This morning, Lilly and I will be interviewed about our relationship for a campaign, promoting the benefits of having a dog or cat in your life. It’s called The Power of Paws. I have no idea how it will go. She could be amazing, or she could completely freak out.
I interviewed a veterinarian at Colorado State University’s veterinary teaching hospital this week for a dog nutrition article I’m writing, and she said that her shy dog has always been great on camera, so that gave me hope.
But, because I’m … well … ME, I’ve spent a good chunk of time preparing for our media debut. For example —
I called a friend who has done a lot of TV and video with her dogs. She gave me some ideas on what to request, what to watch out for, what to train Lilly to expect. For example, Lilly is not accustomed to “working” with her head so close to mine. Yes, we do a lot of WATCH ME, but she’s on the ground, and I’m standing up. So, we’ve been practicing sitting next to each other, essentially at the same level.
In our early attempts, one of two things happened: She either had a kissing fit since my face was RIGHT THERE, or she playfully tried to bite my nose. It’s something Tom let’s her do to him, then he pretends to bite her nose back. They think it’s hilarious, but you and I both know how that might look on camera … I doubt flashing teeth in someone’s face plays up the benefits of dogs.
In addition to the interview part, they want to shoot some extra footage of us playing, doing tricks, etc. In the biz, it’s called B-roll. You see it all the time, where they use voiceover from the interview with images from other than the talking head shots. So, we’ve been practicing our tricks. Some involve fairly large props, so I may or may not bring those along. I haven’t decided yet. My goal is to avoid looking like Lilly’s Traveling Circus. The good news is that her skateboard fits in our training backpack.
Because of what I do for a living, I’m FAR more comfortable being the one asking questions. So, I’ve thought a lot about what kinds of answers I might give to illustrate our bond.
One of my border collie friends works at the place hosting the interviews, so I’ve asked her to be available as my backup. She knows crazy BCs, so I trust her to help out, if I need it. Afterwards, we’re going out to lunch so that I can unwind. Who me? Relax? Ha!
I’ve also:
- Cooked up a fresh batch of chicken training food
- Stuffed and frozen a tube Kong
- Stuffed Lilly’s new Canine Genius toy (It’s pink and matches her new fancy collar.)
- Washed all of Lilly’s toys and her mat so that they don’t look grubby on camera
- Clipped her toe nails
- Given her a bath and brushed her out
- Brushed her teeth
- Created a CD of background photos and videos they might want to use
I’ll fill you in on our adventure either over the weekend (if I feel up to it) or early next week. Send good vibes our way. The interview is set for 10:30 am (mountain time).
It’s entirely possible that I’ll do all this and we won’t make the final cut, but it’s my secret hope that of all pets they meet in their 7-city tour that Lilly SHINES like the brilliant girl I know she is.
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