Not all dogs get the breaks that Uggie the Hollywood celebrity dog got when he went from pound puppy to movie star in The Artist, which won the 2012 Academy Award for Best Picture. Following a year of talk show appearances, Uggie ended up paw-printing on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Starting 2013 on the right paw, he was recently seen on the Beverly Hills Pet Care Foundation float in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.
Let’s face it, we love Uggie. He’s hardworking and community spirited. He negotiates his own space between busy little dog and industry professional. And he’s recognized everywhere.
Can your pet get in on the celebrity lifestyle? Definitely. My dog Raja has some lifestyle tips for all dogs who want to dip a paw in the celebrity glow. And who knows, maybe it will lead to the person who gets your dog the big break you’ve been waiting for.
1. Take care of your image
Visiting a facial and hair consultant gets another pair of eyes on your natural movie-star good looks. Even when the stars go out for a latte, they are always careful to check the mirror first if they don’t want to end up on a newsstand tabloid cover. There’s no reason not to keep up your good looks — you never know who is waiting with a camera around the corner. Condition that coat and run a caw through your fur before going out to meet the press.
2. Lend your endorsement judiciously for advertising
Think about which products enhance your lifestyle choices. If you’re a tiara-wearing Bichon Frise or Yorkshire Terrier, you might want to be seen in Tiffany’s. If you’re a Coonhound or a Labrador, you may want to eye a Sierra Trading Post.
3. Be charitable
Nothing makes any dog feel more like a superstar than helping others. Get that celebrity glow by sharing with others, and you’ll have stars in your eyes all day long. Helping make somebody else’s day better sure makes your world seem like the best place on earth. You can do this every week by bringing a few cans of tasty food to the shelter.
4. Travel adventurously
And get your picture taken doing it! When stars go on vacation, they go to the back of the beyond, and then make sure somebody takes their picture doing it. You can spin this one, too. Go on a trip, find a scenic spot, pose pretty, and everybody else will wish they were there, too.
5. Take care of your health
Have you ever seen a TV interview and a celebrity says something piteous like, “Well, I’ve been feeling a little poorly lately.” No! The celebrity glow is a proud, healthy glow. Be your best possible self by taking care of your health. Don’t miss a checkup. Be a partner in your good health management and your star will shine, shine, shine!
6. Have white teeth
Take a tip from the human movie star George Clooney and keep your pearly whites white. Good dental care is the hallmark of the celebrity smile. So chew those dental bones, visit your doggie dentist, and keep smiling in 2013!
