Becoming A Celebrity Canine Agent

Dog’s Stage Debut Makes Him a Canine Celebrity

Our daughter’s dog Flame just made his stage debut in the fall musical at her college. At her request I brought him to the auditions, where he impressed the director and won the part. Since Flame lives at home while his mama resides in the dorm, it fell to me to handle the logistics of his participation. So I became a celebrity canine agent.

First I coordinated Flame’s rehearsal schedule. He only needed to attend a few, as his part was largely cameo appearances with no lines to memorize. Once Flame learned which cast member had the doggy treats, he hit his mark every time. I was thrilled – it’s an agent’s dream to represent an amiable client who can deliver a command performance, even if the command is an unspoken “sit”.

Now we were in a position to negotiate his contract.

Headshots and Pawtographs

Flame was willing to work for dog biscuits and praise, but I held out for prime placement of his headshot on the display wall outside the auditorium. We also requested top billing for his bio in the program, but that went to the lead character’s dog. She was a bit of a diva (the dog, not the lead), but Flame graciously allowed her the spotlight. Judging by the number of people lined up for pawtographs after the show, Flame’s adoring fans still considered him top dog.

Management also met our stipulation for a private dressing room. As the celebrity canine agent, I personally lugged Flame’s dog crate to an alcove under the stairs. Set up with water, blankets and his tug toy, Flame awaited his cues in comfort. He was also generous with his private space. Cast members knew his door was always open – er, not literally, since he was in a crate – and often visited between scenes.

Loving the Limelight

Although I was apprehensive at his debut performance, Flame took to the limelight with tail-wagging enthusiasm. He charmed cast members and audiences alike. “He’s an easy dog to work with,” his on-stage mama confided. “He enjoys being on stage, carefully takes his treats, and keeps inappropriate sniffing to a minimum.”

With that endorsement, Flame’s career could be huge. What more could a celebrity canine agent ask for?