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Hi Beth Joy & Bella:
It was so great seeing you today ....you two stars!!!!
Enjoy the photos (you can view in a slideshow). Feel free to download any photos too :-) Andy
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Stella Blanca Panzarino
Hi Beth and Bella...its Stella & Chico...found you on Facebook! Stay warm on this chilly nite. Woof ! |
- At 9:08pm on October 19th, 2008,
 Fiona & Neva said…
- hi there & welcome, Bella Starlet! We hope you enjoy getting to know all the pawsome pups on DPFamily.
xoxo,
Fiona & Neva
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 7:10pm on October 19th, 2008,
 Maddie & Bailey said…
- Welcome to DP Bella Starlet!!! :-)
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 6:38pm on October 19th, 2008,
 DAISY GRACE said…
- Welcome to the group. it is always fun to welcome new friends to our group.
we love to have spectular (os maybe
I should say spook-tac-u-lar) times here on dp
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 6:35pm on October 19th, 2008,
 Tasha said…
- Welcome, Bella Starlet!! It was so nice to meet you in Times Square today! That was a fun event! I hope you will enjoy
DPFamily as much as we all do!
Mommy & I LOVED your show & we were so upset when the judges said you shouldn't
wear clothes! You did a great job & should be very proud!!
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 6:35pm on October 19th, 2008,
 Marshall said…
- Welcome Bella Starlet.....It is great to see you here! I know you will make lots of friends. Have fun! xoxo
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 6:35pm on October 19th, 2008,
 Max said…
- Welcome to our family, Bella Starlet! It's pawsome to have you join us as we all admired your beauty and intelligence
on the show
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 6:32pm on October 19th, 2008,
 Millie said…
- Oh my sweetest Bella Starlet, I feel that I already know you sooooooo very well, and you don't know me at all, YET! Mummy
and I watched you FAITHFULLY every single week on your fabulous TV program and rooted for you too...but alas, it was not to
be. We were so very very upset with those judges whenever they made comments about not liking doggies in clothes because I
am a FASHIONISTA and my mummy dresses me up every single day and puts a matching bow in my hair too. I wanted to claw my way
through that TV and bit that mean Victoria on her leather clad leg...I truly did! But I am so glad you have found your way
to our precious little site. We had a little get-together this past August for the parents and us pups in NYC and about 18
pups showed up with moms and dads in tow....we are doing it again in May, this time in Charleston, South Carolina...my part
of the country and we'd love for you to come. There is a group tap at the top of the main page for you to sign up if you'd
like to come....it's the first weekend in May. We'd love to meet you. We will be barking at each other lots more in the future
and we can pass along fashion advice...kiss kiss and welcome again...your new pal Millie
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 6:26pm on October 19th, 2008, Millie said…
- Bella Starlet....As the head of the welcoming committee...please let me welcome you to yet another site...but here...we
offer the PERSONAL touch with a genuine heartfelt Southern Welcome! I cannot however tell you how in the heck to maneuver
your way around this site as I am computer challenged....Cuba has merely placed me in this position as a beautiful face to
ease the transition yet again to another site. So welcome my dearest friend to DPfamily...oh, and Cuba said that since this
is an Adult's Only site to tell everyone that I am doing this in the nude. REALLY! This is the ultimate humiliation!!!! What
I won't do for a friend!!!!
And please make sure that you check out my new cooking site titled "MILLIE'S MENU"...you
will find it under the GROUPS TAB at the top of your page....When you see my cute little "naked picture" click on it and sign
up to join my cooking site. Each week I will try and post a new homemade recipe that I have prepared with my mummy. They will
all be easy enough for ANYONE to fix at home...and soooooo delicious. This week I have chosen a recipe called "Bubbles' Beef
Stroganoff Sauce" and it is just DIVINE! So welcome again to the site and let me know if you need anything. I won't be able
to help you...but I can find someone who can! ta ta
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 5:50pm on October 19th, 2008,
 Cuba said…
- Every Thursday when the show was on we use to have a chat session going to discuss the show. The night the judges said
you shouldn't be wearing clothes, this site almost exploded in anger at the judges. BOL
As you will see as you meet some
new pals on here they wear clothes every day.......
Comment Back View Thread Send Message Delete Comment
- At 5:47pm on October 19th, 2008, Cuba said…
- Yes, we too left before it was announced.
Obama won congeniality award and his Mom is a friend of ours, so we were
happy for her.
Comment Back View Thread Send Message Delete Comment
i met oprah today, and i told her she has nothing on my famous dog loving friend in ny
- At 11:58am on October 20th, 2008,
 Bubbles said…
- Hi, Bella Starlet, you pretty girl! How exciting to have a TV star in our family! I hope that you have a grrreat time
getting to know all of the fabulous pals here! My big bro, Tusche, is a rescue dog...they are the best and luckiest dogs in
the world!! Welcome!
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 11:37am on October 20th, 2008,
 Harlequin, called Harley said…
- Welcome Bella! You will find lots of buddies here, fur sure! I am a rescue dog, too! I am a shy boy... so I will never
be the famous *STAR* that you and some of my other pals are! BUT, I love all my pals here and love sharing about our adventures!!!
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 10:28am on October 20th, 2008,
 Bailey said…
- Welcome to DP Family Bella Starlet,hope you have lots of fun and make lots of great new friends.Bailes xx
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 10:08pm on October 19th, 2008,
 Zach said…
Girly Comments & Graphics
Hi Bella Starlett! Welcome to DPfamily!!
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 9:08pm on October 19th, 2008, Fiona & Neva said…
- hi there & welcome, Bella Starlet! We hope you enjoy getting to know all the pawsome pups on DPFamily.
xoxo,
Fiona & Neva
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 7:10pm on October 19th, 2008, Maddie & Bailey said…
- Welcome to DP Bella Starlet!!! :-)
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 6:38pm on October 19th, 2008, DAISY GRACE said…
- Welcome to the group. it is always fun to welcome new friends to our group.
we love to have spectular (os maybe
I should say spook-tac-u-lar) times here on dp
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 6:35pm on October 19th, 2008, Tasha said…
- Welcome, Bella Starlet!! It was so nice to meet you in Times Square today! That was a fun event! I hope you will enjoy
DPFamily as much as we all do!
Mommy & I LOVED your show & we were so upset when the judges said you shouldn't
wear clothes! You did a great job & should be very proud!!
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 6:35pm on October 19th, 2008, Marshall said…
- Welcome Bella Starlet.....It is great to see you here! I know you will make lots of friends. Have fun! xoxo
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
- At 6:35pm on October 19th, 2008, Max said…
- Welcome to our family, Bella Starlet! It's pawsome to have you join us as we all admired your beauty and intelligence
on the show
Comment Back View Thread Add as Friend Delete Comment
http://dpfamily.ning.com/profile/BellaStarlet
http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/newsletter/08-12/fundraising.htm
|
New York Tails publisher Diane West presented Steve Gruber. Director of Communications for
the Mayor's Alliance, with a check at the annual Village Halloween Parade. | |
New York Tails
Magazine publisher Diane West, whose New York Tails magazine has been a long-time supporter of the Mayor's Alliance, donated a portion of the magazine's 2008 subscription
proceeds to the Alliance. Diane presented a ceremonial check to the Alliance at this year's Village Halloween Parade just
moments before the celebrated animal float bearing costumed celebrants, including the Maddie's Fund mascot, set out on the
parade route.
WOuld you please send this message to my friend Beth Joy
Beth Joy I wanted to wish you Merry Christmas. I hope that the year 2009 brings you more than you could ask for.
Thank you for the friendship that you shared with me I appreciated that.
I hope to come to Your town this year
thank you
bill mcfarlin
aka bill and star
http://www.dogwork.com/dogsnow/
 | Susan Godwin
Hi Beth Joy - My puppy, Tasha & I met you & Bella Starlet, with Cuba at the Times Square event. Hope to
see you at other NYC pawtys!! Susan.
Hi, great to see you at in City Hall yesterday.
Warm Regards,
William Cassius Divney.
Council Members vote on humane education, Reso. 497
Posted on December 16, 2008 10:50 PM - Leave a Comment!
Dozens of supporters of Resolution 497 (aka the HEART/Humane Education resolution),
sponsored by Council Member Tony Avella (D-Queens) gathered on the steps of City Hall this afternoon to urge its passage in
the Education Committee. Those attending included DJ Princess Superstar and Beth Joy Knutsen, star of the CBS TV show Greatest
American Dog. Thank you so much to everyone who braved the cold in support of this important issue!
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, Speaker Christine Quinn opposed Reso.
497, which called for educators to be notified of a law which requires elementary schools to teach students about the humane
treatment of animals, and the Education Committee decided to table it in a vote of 13-3. In fact, because of arm-twisting
by the Speaker's office, 12 of the 13 members who voted to table (effectively to defeat) Resolution 497 were actually co-sponsors.
The breakdown is as follows:
VOTED FOR RESOLUTION 497 (against the motion to table):
Council Member Maria del Carmen Arroyo (D-Bronx)
Council Member Peter Vallone, Jr. (D-Queens)
Council Member Vincent Ignizio (R-Staten Island)
Call and write to them to say thank you for supporting humane ed.!
VOTED AGAINST RESOLUTION 497 (in support of tabling):
Council Member Robert Jackson (D-Manhattan)
Council Member Bill de Blasio (D-Brooklyn)
Council Member Dan Garodnick (D-Manhattan)
Council Member Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn)
Council Member Lew Fidler (D-Brooklyn)
Council Member Helen Foster (D-Bronx)
Council Member Oliver Koppell (D-Bronx)
Council Member Jessica Lappin (D-Manhattan)
Council Member John Liu (D-Queens)
Council Member Domenic Recchia (D-Brooklyn)
Council Member Jimmy Vacca (D-Bronx)
Council Member Al Vann (D-Bronx) (was not a co-sponsor of 497)
Council Member David Yassky (D-Brooklyn)
Call and write to them -- especially if you are a constituent -- to politely express your disappointment
over their vote to table (effectively kill) Resolution 497.
(Note: Council Member Melinda Katz (D-Queens), a co-sponsor of Resolution 497, was absent from today's vote.)
On the bright side, the committee passed Resolution 1541, a resolution sponsored
by Council Member Robert Jackson. Thanks in large part to our efforts with Reso. 497, Reso. 1541 calls for a citywide assessment
of compliance with a variety of education mandates, including humane education, among other important requirements. Unfortunately,
this resolution lacks a mechanism to notify schools of existing law, which we've found is the main obstacle to getting humane
education into schools. Every member of the Education Committee voted for 1541, except Simcha Felder who voted against it,
and Melinda Katz who was absent.
Tomorrow, we will continue our campaign and we still need your help. We remain
100% committed to bringing humane education into every school in New York City and today's vote proves it won't be easy and
we'll need everyone's participation.
Donna Marie (North Jersey, NJ) wrote at 5:25pm yesterday
Good going Bella cutie, I was rooting for you during the show...... you remind me of my little girl!
Xo,
D-
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Okay, play "Six Degrees of Separation" with me. 1.) Beth Joy Knutsen and her "Bella Starlet Dog" will be making
their prime-time debut on CBS tomorrow (July 10th) at 8pm EST (that's Channel 2 for you guys in the New York-metro region).
2.) Beth Joy Knutsen and Bella "write" a column for New York Tails magazine called "Tails About Town" and have done so for several years now. Oh, wait, that's only two degrees of separation.
Maybe even one. Hah hah! I got to be honest with you. When I first met Beth, Bella and her husband Steve, I thought
maybe Beth was just a little too much into her dog. (Yes, I know, I can hear the 'howls' from you dog people already--"ain't
no such thing as being too into your dog!") Actually the first time I met them Bella wasn't with them; they were with their
very, very cool cat, Beastie. (There are six animals in total in the Knutsen household, not counting two humans.) They were
all wearing Giants jerseys. (It was for a photo contest we were running at the time.) We kept in touch, and then Beth
and "Bella" started writing a column for New York Tails called "Tails About Town." Pictures, parties -- real social butterfly-type stuff. Fine with me; I'd rather be writing.
Still thought she was a bit nuts, though. Well, shows what I know. Now they're both on prime time TV with
their lives just about poised to change forever. And in case you haven't noticed, CBS is pushing this show hard. And Beth in particular. She's been in the New York Times, New York Magazine, People...more every day. There
I am, waiting in line at the pharmacy with my bag of potato chips and Twix bar, leafing through People
magazine while the lady in front of me decides she grabbed the wrong conditioner and "will be right back!" in mid-checkout
and there's Beth on page 48. We're all really, really proud of both of them. Good luck, Beth Joy and Bella!
(and, no, I have absolutely, positively NO idea how it turned out, who won, or anything.) Here's their biography from
the CBS "Greatest American Dog" website:
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/greatest_american_dog/bio/beth_joy_and_bella_starlet/bio.php Labels: Bella Starlet, Beth Joy, Greatest American Dog, New York Tails Magazine
Friday, July 25, 2008
Oh, Beth. You are driving me crazy. As I think I previously mentioned, Beth Joy Knutsen is one of the staff members
at my magazine, New York Tails, and is currently a contestant on Greatest American Dog on CBS every Thursday night from 8pm to 9pm. She is most famous (or infamous) for "arguing" with the judges (Wendy
Diamond in particular) when they were reprimanding her for dressing Bella Starlet (Beth's dog) too much so as to not be able
to see Bella's God-given coat and Beth's grooming. Beth then (last night) had an argument with one of the other contestants
(Laurie and Andrew, I believe, the black woman and the beautiful, well-behaved Maltese) about said dress-up. I can
honestly tell you, knowing Beth personally, that this is pretty much her personality. She is extremely
sensitive, very expressive, and if she has something to say or feels she is being attacked in some way she will get
very defensive. She has done that to me a number of times when we've disagreed about something (which is often!), almost always
about the magazine, but as for me I chalk it up to the way she is, make an executive decision, and move on. It should also
be noted Beth can be equally 'protective' and vocal against people whom she feels are dissing those she cares about. And
don't even get me started on how far Beth will go to defend Bella's honor. From anything. She also has five other animals
in the house--a mix of dogs and cats--whom she is also very protective of as well. Nary a scratch or a hangnail will go unattended,
to the immense delight of her veterinarians. Why is she driving Bill crazy? (my much signifigant other?) Because I
make him watch the show with me. I think it actually puts him in physical pain. To be quite honest, neither he nor I are particularly
big fans of "scripted reality" shows (which to a large part these really are, let's face it) although I do enjoy "The Big
Idea with Donny Deuche" and other shows that show people's inventions and ideas (in other words, you will not catch me watching
"Idol" or "Bachelor". Ever.) But obviously I have to watch GAD because Beth is on there. Anyway, it's been kind
of fun to watch Beth and Bella on television, I have to admit. (Someone I know is on national television and I have their home number and I'm one of the few people who's calls
they immediately return!) So for the countless readers of New York Tails who ask me if I know whether Beth went the distance--no, I don't. Not a clue. Not a hint of a hint. CBS apparently
employs Satan's own lawyers to make sure every contestant and every single set member sign a blood oath that they will never,
never, ever, ever tell anyone anything about the show until the final episode airs. And even then...they're watching you.
But, what I can tell you in terms of Beth, having known her "off camera" for some time, is that, yes, pretty much
what you're seeing on television is WYSIWYG ("what you see is what you get, for all of you non-computer people out there).
Perhaps it's turned up a slight (ever so slight) notch, but, nope, that's our Beth! Can't accuse her of pulling punches or
holding back. I was, however, sorry to see another New York pair, Dr. David Best and Elvis, get voted off. I think they got
a bum deal in a number of ways and Elvis was showing some improvement. Well, good for you, Beth. You know very well
we don't always agree with each other and we've had our own scuffles (and I'm sure we'll have many more) but good for you
for Living Life Out Loud.
 Monica McLaughlin said...
-
I, too, know Beth & Bella, and although I am not a fan of reality TV have enjoyed watching thins show. It is fun to
see someone you know on TV. It was totally weird for Wendy Diamond to state that dogs are not Barbie Dolls--meanwhile Lucky
attends all sorts of NY events dressed up! http://newyorktails.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html
hi I love your dog Bella. She is so cute.
Balto32 has made a comment on BELLA'S DR. PEPPER SUPERBOWL COMMERCIAL:
Oh wow so awesome!!
Bella is the greatest!!
^^
she told me she knows you-- "Everybody knows Beth..."
7:16pmArie
I think I have watched all of GAD, Out of order and sometimes I would just
cut to your parts, you two were great, you had my vote
I lost interest when you left
7:16pmBeth
thanks, you rock!! many boycotted the show after we got the boot :)
Hey Beth Joy! Hope you're having a good evening! I just wanted to let you know, Bob and I watched
your "Happy Together" video tonight - it was so cute! Did you win your nomination at the DogCatmemies?! I hope so - you guys
were pawdorable in it!
8:32pmBeth
cool :) we were nominated but did not win
thanks !!
What a shame! Next year!!! :0) Take care and Happy New Year!
8:33pmBeth
you too xoxo
ScarClaw RE: BELLA STARLET DOG IS ON THE NEW CBS SHOW GREATEST AMERICAN DOG!!
Aug 14 2008,
9:42 PM EDT
r u like really the person on the show? That is sooooooooooo cool! I loved that painting that bella made
on the last episode! I LOVE greatest american dog!
1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do
you find this valuable?
3:44pmBeth
so did u ever watch all of GAD?
Bella has her own jewelry line coming out :)
unfortunately, no. Congrats on the jewelry stuff
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"To all of my PAWsome friends!
Love, Chloe" |
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XOXO From me and Daisie
Hey Beth, hope you had a wondeful Thanksgiving Day! It's raining and cold here in TN..YUK! How's Bella , hope she's doing
good and the rest of your family. I see you online and just wanted to make sure to say hi, you're soooo super sweet Beth,
i think you're wonderful and i think the world of you. I always say, i wish they'd have the greatest american dog show again,
i'd love to see you do it again, you're awesome!
Beth Joy Knutsen, Bella Starlette Dog, (Greatest American Dog) Lucy Medeiros at the H H Backer show in Chicago 2008.
Christina & Joseph would like to be added to your MySpace friends list.
-----------------
Full name: Christina
Clark
Note from Christina & Joseph: i loved the Greatest American Dog tv show!
|
join our fan page on facebook...
| Affiliation : |
Stars of CBS's Greatest American Dog |
| Adresse : |
New York, NY |
u2! can't wait to hear and see al about it...Christa
you are beautiful...Z
god going girl keepin it HOT...Ivy
hey
10:25amBeth
hi
will you have them at the party?
also, are they 14K gold
10:25amBeth
yes, the owner of puppy paws is driving in and they will all be for sale there :)
14K?
10:26amBeth
yes 14 gold and you can custom in platinum
cool
10:26amBeth
so exciting!!
I hear ya
it is very pretty and I have not seen anything like it before
10:27amBeth
that is great news!! it came to me in a dream :)
awesome...i am sure you will sell many
lol
gotta run
unfortunatley I gotta do some work now
10:28amBeth
thank you see you sunday
hahaha
cu th4en
10:28amBeth
:)
Awesome! Pawtastic! I love it!
Good Morning Beth Joy and Bella,
THANK YOU so very much for checking out the show! That means alot your taking the
time and being supportive and i appreciate your loving words, it means so much coming from YOU! T.V. stuff is FUN, i love
it! Oh, YES, It's so easy to be YOUR Fan, you're a FUN person and just so incredible! I think the big wide world of you and
Bella, Love, Donna and Daisie :)
Molly wrote at 11:51 AM on August 2, 2008
Hi Bella I watch every week!
Hey Beth Joy, and Bella Yesterday was my big day, i was on KNOW THE CAUSE T.V.Show. It was a very good turn out, alot
of people watched it and ordered. IF you'd like to see it, you may go to www.knowthecause.com and click on WATCH TODAY'S SHOW, Then click on WEDNESDAY, it'll be there today and tomorrow, then it's gone. I was so excited
to get loving e mails, it brought tears to my eyes HAPPY Tears that people were so nice to me with nice things to say. I hope
things are going great for your new year of 2009, i wish many wonderful things for you this year. I WILL ALWAYS BE YOU AND
BELLA'S FAN! THIS Profile pic was taken ON Christmas Day, ON Myspace i posted 4 new pics, of me and Daisie, LOVE AND WUV You
and Bella, Donna and Daisie! OH, If you look on my friend list, MARK SISSON is the one who i was on Doug Kaufmanns's show
with.
cute!! I'll take a look!
keep in touch!
ps. I saw you guys on t.v.!! blew my mind! you guys were awesome!
I am so sorry we will not be able to make the party. My daughter is so disappointed. Thank you for including
us. We hope some day to meet Bella. We hope she has a wonderful day!
Katie & Megan Cano
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Tales of Pampered Pets and Humans on a Leash
Published: December 27, 2008
In a city where things are often taken to extremes, an eclectic mix of New Yorkers gathered recently for the annual editorial
meeting of New York Tails, one of several publications dedicated to city dwellers who often enjoy a special and pampered status
— pets.
“I got my ear to the ground,” said Diane West, the magazine’s founder and publisher, who is also a freelance
medical writer. She described how “a small ragtag bunch of pet-loving New Yorkers had a dream, reached out to the best
pet writers in their respective fields, and put together an all-volunteer local magazine.”
Ms. West, who says she shares her home with two cats and “a very impish chinchilla,” started the magazine after
walking around the city one day in 2001, observing people with their pets.
“On the Upper East Side, where I live, there were the ladies who lunch with their little lap dogs,” she said.
“In other parts of town, there were people with hounds and pit bulls. I came across someone with a bird on his shoulder
named Watson. There was someone with a snake. In Central Park, people were walking their turtles and feeding pigeons. Animal
people come from all different walks of life.”
After doing research, Ms. West saw a need for a publication that covered a broad spectrum of the urban pet kingdom and
their owners. “This is about pets, regardless of income,” said Ms. West, who also has a radio show about pets.
New York Tails is available free at pet shops and veterinarians’ offices.
“Just because they are animals living in a jungle of concrete and steel does not mean they cannot have a good quality
of life,” said Bob Marino, who is on the magazine’s editorial board and is president of the New York Council of
Dog Owner Groups, whose Web site is NYCdog.org (“nice dog”).
Another contributor to the magazine is Carole Wilbourn, a cat therapist known as the Kitty Freud, who writes the Cat Chat
column. There is even a gossip page, Tails About Town, which is put together by Beth
Joy Knutsen and her dog, Bella Starlet, whom she calls a diva and who accompanies her on red carpet events. An image of the
pooch is tattooed on Ms. Knutsen’s ankle.
“This year more than ever, I want to sink our teeth into controversial issues,” Ms. West told her staff during
their meeting at an apartment on the Upper East Side. They discussed pets and housing, feral cats living near Kennedy International Airport and pet obituaries. The last issue included an obituary of Sinatra, a spirited chocolate standard poodle who was struck by
a car in Central Park, and another for Loki, a short-tailed opossum, which stated, “We met in August of 2004 at Marc
Morrone’s pet store in Long Island, and it was love at first sight.”
“Halloween and Christmas are pet-party palooza in New York,” Ms. West said. “We’re invited to cover so many wonderful
events thrown by all our friends in the New York City pet world. Now any one of us can be scratching ears at the local dog
run by day or passing the carrots to Martha Stewart at a Rainbow Room fund-raiser at night.”
The issue of what dog will occupy the White House once the Obama family takes up residence has been a hot topic among the
magazine’s contributors. Ms. West’s staff, like many other pet owners and animal rescue groups, would like to
see a dog from an animal shelter live in the White House. Whatever canine makes it to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, it will be
the big story in the next issue of New York Tails.
This month, Ms. West attended a party called Bark, the Herald Angels Sing the other day in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Chews
were in a basket with a sign that said, “Cookies for dogs not for humans.” Photos of pets were taken with Santa
and local politicians, for whom the event has become “a political stomping ground,” Ms. West said.
“I’ll get right next to Santa,” said State Senator Eric Adams, a Brooklyn Democrat.
The Brooklyn borough president, Marty Markowitz, not known for shying away from a camera, had been invited but was not able to make it.
“Marty has a parrot named BP, pronounced ‘beep,’ as in borough president. Get it?” Ms. West said.
Television Review
Those Rambunctious Humans: What’s a Dog to Do?
Monty Brinton/CBS
A challenge with a prom theme on “Greatest American Dog” involves, from left, David, Beth Joy, Brandy and Travis (whom others consider the show’s golden boy), and, of course, their pets.
Published: July 30, 2008
I really, really, really love dogs. I give my 3-year-old Westie birthday parties, buy her plane tickets and take her on
play dates. I stop owners on the street to fawn over their Bichons and Wheatens and Labs. If I find myself in front of a television
on Super Bowl Sunday, I watch Animal Planet’s “Puppy Bowl,” which is essentially a passel of young dogs
wandering aimlessly around a playpen designed to look like a football field. It goes on for hours.
So imagine my elation when I learned that CBS was doing a series called “Greatest American Dog.” I tried to
forget that it was a reality show, one of the most hideous, soul-destroying genres ever hatched.
As the fourth episode is broadcast on Wednesday (the show has been moved from Thursday nights to Wednesdays), I am resigned
to the producers’ intent to make the series “Most Annoying American Dog Owner” instead. Clearly somebody
was inspired more by Christopher Guest’s comic film “Best in Show,” a study in human inanity, than by a love of animals. But the series offers
occasional moments of joy, like the first time Elvis, the scrappy Parson Russell terrier from New York, and Andrew, the silky-haired,
10-pound Maltese from Virginia, play together on the lawn, running their little legs off.
“Greatest American Dog” assembles a typical roster of contestants, moves them all into a big California house
and pits them against one another. Why America chooses to watch television that consistently brings out the worst in people
is beyond me, but that seems to be part of the “reality” appeal.
Brandy, a California fashion designer, is positioned as the Omarosa (the villainous contestant on “The Apprentice”)
of the group. “I won’t tolerate anybody touching my dog,” she announced in the first episode. She also will
not let Beacon, her miniature schnauzer, run around with no clothes on. So now that we hate Brandy, it is satisfying when
Beacon is the first to be eliminated in doggie musical chairs. And that’s terrible: I don’t want to feel gleeful
about a little dog’s failure.
So far, the three judges — hyphenated dog trainers-authors-editors-advocates — appear to be evaluating (and
punishing) the humans instead of their pets. The first pair to be eliminated, or “expelled from Canine Academy,”
were Michael, an aspiring comic from San Diego, and his Boston terrier, Ezzie. Michael’s crime was taking away attention
from Ezzie by doing too well as the host in his team’s Disco Dog skit.
There have been dramas, like the rush to the veterinary clinic of the injured Star, a Brittany spaniel, carried by a genuinely
panicked Bill, a self-employed Texan who is positioned as the wide-eyed yokel (“I’ve never been in a place like
this”) but manages to come across as a complex, warm human being anyway.
Challenges have included a visit to the imaginary Bone Appétit restaurant, where the dogs are judged on their ability to
obey the “leave it” command; a team effort to untangle leashes (boring); a game in which owners predict whether
their dogs will pick up or ignore certain objects (now it’s “The Newlywed Game”?); and a spirited relay
race, in which the dogs catch Frisbees, jump through hoops, run through chutes, find their way through mazes and pull conveyances
in which another dog is riding (so cute!). Note to producers: More of this, please. If you’re hoping to win doting dog
lovers as viewers, take the cameras off the owners and point them toward the pets.
In Wednesday’s episode the big challenge is a photo shoot. Each dog must illustrate a particular quality or emotion.
Ron, a California construction manager, figures he has it made when he and his English bulldog, Tillman, draw “lazy.”
The best moments in “Greatest American Dog” so far are those in which true dogginess or humanity shines through.
Two men sit around and complain that Travis, a handsome Los Angeles bartender, is the competition’s golden boy, along
with his boxer, Presley, but they do it in a teasing, good-natured way.
And when contestants lose, it’s clear that the owners are crushed, mostly for the sake of their dogs, feeling that
the human has let the animal down. Now that’s touching.
GREATEST AMERICAN DOG
CBS, Wednesday nights at 8, Eastern and Pacific times; 7, Central time.
R. J. Cutler, Stu Schreiberg and Stephen Kroopnick, executive producers; Drew Brown, supervising producer; David Dryden
and Michael Bernstein, senior producers; Mary Lisio, producer; Joe Coleman, senior games producer; Jim Harrington, director
of photography; Kirstin McMillan, head trainer and dog consultant.
Produced by Magic Molehill Productions Inc. in association with Actual Reality Pictures and Triage Entertainment Inc.
WITH: Jarod Miller (host), Wendy Diamond (judge), Allan Reznik (judge) and Victoria Stilwell (judge).
Sunday, December 28, 2008
By KATHRYN SHATTUCK
Published: July 10, 2008
8 P.M. (CBS) GREATEST AMERICAN DOG Mutts and show dogs start on equal footing in this new series in which 12 teams of dogs
and owners compete for $250,000. The contestants (above with the host, Jarod Miller, right) include David, a doctor, and his
charge, Elvis, a 2-year-old Parson Russell terrier; J. D., a dog entertainer, and his companion, Galaxy, a 9-year-old English
pointer-border collie mix; Travis, a bartender, and his young boxer, Presley; and
Beth Joy, who claims to be the acting manager of her primary client, Bella Starlet, a 10-year-old (take a breath) Chihuahua-Labrador
retriever-Shih Tzu-Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever-Pomeranian mix. (Exhale.) Wendy Diamond, Allan Reznick and Victoria
Stilwell are the judges.
Television
Who Let the Dogs On? You’d Be Surprised
By LISA BERNHARD
Published: July 6, 2008
IN the Oscar-nominated 1993 documentary “The War Room” the producer R. J. Cutler helped chronicle the political
maneuverings of George Stephanopoulos and James Carville, the savvy architects of Bill Clinton’s presidential run against President George H. W. Bush. Fifteen years later Mr. Cutler finds his lens focused on another ferocious competition:
Skip to next paragraph
Photographs by Cliff Lipson/CBS
Two of the teams competing on “Greatest American Dog”: J. D. Platt and the English pointer-border
collie mix Galaxy, top; Elan Hagens and the giant schnauzer Kenji, above.
Can the skateboarding English bulldog Tillman outperform the giant schnauzer Kenji and avoid expulsion from the Canine
Academy?
That Mr. Cutler has gone from the White House to the Dog House with his coming CBS reality show, “Greatest American
Dog,” should not signal the decline of his career.
A blend of “American Idol,” “Big Brother” and “Survivor,” the series, which has its
premiere on Thursday, pits 12 dogs and their owners against one another for a $250,000 reward. As it turns out, competing
presidential candidates and competing dogs (or their caretakers) aren’t so different.
“What they have in common is the shared sense that the prize should be theirs,” Mr. Cutler said.
Within the mansion and grounds outside Los Angeles that have been turned into the Canine Academy for the show, pet-and-human
pairs showcase qualities like loyalty, intelligence and teamwork before a jury of three dog experts and the host, a zoologist
named Jarod Miller. Most tasks are less about brawn than bond. In a personality challenge, for instance, each owner picks
a word out of a hat and then takes a picture of the dog evoking the mood or thought that word represents through props and
expression.
As with children, working with animals can be dicey. In a move that could help avoid a repeat of the controversy last year
surrounding “Kid Nation,” the CBS reality series that drew questions about child neglect (though no charges or
lawsuits were filed), trainers, veterinarians and representatives of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals and the American Humane Association were all on the set to ensure safety. And behind the scenes a second set of so-called
Dream Dogs, closely matching the canine contestants in size, tested each stunt.
In any case, there is plenty of pet pampering. “Survivor”-esque reward challenges mean that winning pairs get
the elaborate Dog Bone Suite, along with the power to banish another team to the backyard Dog House. Naturally, it’s
often the humans who aren’t so well behaved.
“We’ve got our own Omarosa,” said Wendy Diamond, a judge and the founder of Animal Fair magazine, referring
to one of the more controversial contestants on “The Apprentice.” “If you look at this show from a dog’s
perspective, can you imagine having to live with some of these owners? That’s what I was thinking: Oh, that poor dog!”
In at least one case stage mother is a more fitting term than dog owner. Beth Joy
Knutsen, a New Yorker, employs four talent agents for her little mixed-breed Bella Starlet, a veteran dog actress.
“It’s really amazing to be recognized for her achievements,”
said Ms. Knutsen, who has a detailed tattoo of Bella on her leg. “We’ve done so much, and this is the next step
in our journey of life together.”
On the show one of Ms. Knutsen’s rivals is David Best, a New York doctor. His life of fancy restaurants and Broadway
theater was “all about me,” he said, until he acquired Elvis, a Parson Russell terrier, and “fell head over
heels for this little dog.”
Calculating that Nov. 9 was Elvis’s 13th birthday (in dog years), Dr. Best held a “bark mitzvah” last
year at Sammy’s Roumanian steak house on the Lower East Side. About a hundred people attended, including the sex expert
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a friend of Dr. Best’s. Video of the event on the Web led to an invitation to take part in “Greatest American
Dog.”
Another 400 to 500 dogs and owners auditioned for the show, with producers searching throughout the country for a cross
section of breeds and skills. The applicants ranged from house pets to show-dog veterans, though Westminster champions were
not considered.
Mr. Cutler, who is an executive producer, said he had been asked to develop a reality show about dogs by Ghen Maynard,
executive vice president for alternative programming at CBS, after Stu Schreiberg, another of the show’s executive producers,
brought the idea to Mr. Maynard.
“My first reaction was, I can’t believe there isn’t a competition show based around dogs on network television,”
said Mr. Cutler, whose reality credits include “Flip That House” on TLC. “Although, having spent many months
on it, I can tell you there are a lot of challenges in designing and filming it.” He cited the difficulty in creating
competitions that dogs of different sizes, breeds and ages could all handle, adding, “I can see how some might have
been discouraged.”
But Ms. Diamond, a veteran of four failed dog-theme reality pilots and two short-lived cable series, has her own theory
about the paucity of pet-friendly reality series. “There are dog people, and there are not-dog people,” she said,
“and network executives tend to not have that unconditional love.”
Mr. Maynard has a different take. “As much as the animals are characters, reality shows are about people,”
he said. “So if the people aren’t compelling, and if we don’t find the relationships they have compelling,
then all the dog tricks in the world aren’t necessarily going to make an interesting show.”
And in the end the success of “Greatest American Dog” may hinge on how well it taps into a basic human craving.
“I’ve caught myself running down the hallway in my apartment building to get to the door to see Elvis,”
Dr. Best said. “And if you’ve ever been in love, you do that with people, don’t you? There’s one difference:
When the door swings open, that person who loves you could one day say, ‘Get lost.’ ”
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what a fantastic article! save me a paw-signed copy :)
New York Tails Magazine (and friends) -- Big 2008 News Makers!
Google News Alert for: beth joy and bella starlet
Bella Starlet is Tallulah's IDOL!!! :-)
so did u watch all of GAD?
what did u think?
yep, watched it all
I loved it
10:52pmBeth
cool!!
we saw every episode - the first one we saw a day late because I was in labor - all else we saw the day it aired
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"Happy Holidays! I am looking forward to meeting you!
Kaos!" |
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Hey Beth Joy and Bella,
Merry Christmas to you all, i wish a joyful, Fun Christmas and hope you have a Wonderful New
Year in 2009, may bigger and better things come your way.
Love, Donna and Daisie
Beth Joy - that was really cute! Bella sure has some smooth moves!
Thanks for the prayers! We appreciate them! You all have a great Christmas! Give Bella a hug from us! Have a good nite!
Awesome article.....wow, the NY Times!!! Now that's a biggie!! lol ;)
you would make a great wonder woman for the movie
Celebrate your 33...K
"I should start a blog for you both! 'lil stories like the pilot recognizing you both can be entertaining and funny!" Courtney
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Links to these dog(s) can be seen here:
Jet
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Dear Beth Knutsen,
A doggie wants to be friends with BELLA STARLET DOG!
The guardian of Jet - who likes your page for BELLA STARLET DOG but does not know who you are - has sent you a Pup
Pal Request with this personal message:
"OMD! It's you, Beth Joy and Bella Starlet from Greatest American Dog!!!!!!!!! You were great out there! Would you like
to be pup pals? I got Jet in the middle of the GAD (Greatest American Dog) series, and we BOTH loved you! Please be pup pals!"
| "Beth...The Queen of
Elizabeth St...that's right you are. xo, Vinny"
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