In the 'spot' light: Pets make it big on WCIU

My son scanned the "dog-dition" waiting room and declared, "We're doomed."A large boxer sat attentively at his owner's feet. A shi-tzu stretched out nearby. And a playful lab mix lovingly licked the man he came with.Our dog had other plans.Riley, a 5#189;-year-old wheaten terrier, tugged at his leash. He worked himself into a frenzy trying to greet a passing beagle.Within minutes, he was panting feverishly."Should we just back out now?" my son Ethan asked.A couple months ago, Ethan, 13, e-mailed WCIU-TV, Channel 26 hoping to get Riley in one of the Chicago station's trademark dog promos.A dog -- identified by name and home town -- gazes into the camera and crosses a backdrop as a voiceover announces the pooch's preference for "Frasier" or "People's Court."Ethan figured Riley deserved a shot at the big time.Within seconds of arriving at the U's Halsted Street studio, however, Ethan was having second thoughts. And I was busy worrying about Riley making a run for it, bringing expensive equipment crashing to the floor."After this, we should really train him," Ethan said. "It's not funny."A messy jobWilliam Craig insists Riley isn't the worst-behaved dog he's worked with. Perhaps he's just being kind.Craig produces, directs and edits WCIU's dog spots. He's even up for a regional Emmy for the promos.His job presents unique challenges. Few other producers, after all, have to work with stars who require Milk-Bone bribes and a ready supply of wipes.Craig's only been bitten once, but the floor of his studio has seen more than its share of messy accidents."We don't mind nearly as much as the owners think we do," Craig said. "The owners get really embarrassed."One dog, a Chihuahua, was so nervous he shook nonstop -- and wet the floor every two minutes. In the end, though, Craig made the dog comfortable and got his footage.The spots started in 2002. Since then, about 400 local dogs have participated.Most appear au naturel; others come dressed for the occasion.On the day of our "dog-dition," a poodle strolled in wearing a dress and pink nail polish."One dog had perfume on," Craig said.Once the promos are done, the dogs air hundreds of times over two months, always between shows. Then, Craig sends out another canine casting call and creates new spots."It's localization," he said. "We want to connect with the community in any way we can."Over the years, he's filmed a number of dogs who've been rescued from shelters. Many were abused before finding the right home. The promos are the new owners' way of showing what a little love can do, Craig said.Furry fansEileen O'Donnell of Elmhurst contacted WCIU for a different reason. Trixie, her Samoyed-terrier mix, is now 9 -- up there in dog years."When she's gone, it will be a really nice way to remember her," O'Donnell said.Besides, Trixie's a fan."She loves 'The People's Court,' " O'Donnell said. Kevin Gutow's dog, Bentley, prefers game shows."My dog watches 'Family Feud' every morning," said Gutow, of Des Plaines. "He just sits on the couch with my girlfriend before she goes to work."While waiting for their big chance at the studio, Gutow gave his pal a pep talk."This one time," Gutow pleaded, "can you just sit and be a good boy?"Bentley complied. Now, Gutow has his DVR set on WCIU so he can capture Bentley's brush with fame.A star is bornOur Riley has had his own brushes with fame, just not the good kind.You know it's bad when a friend happens to mention her "favorite" Riley story, and then goes on to recount the time he ate a box of tea bags -- string, staples and all.So Ethan's panic the day of the taping was well-founded.Yet, Riley shocked us all.Craig wisely advised keeping Riley on the leash at first while I scooted him around for the right angle.Ethan covered the exit, just in case.Then, the big moment: Craig held Riley while I called him.He came. Twice.We figure that's a record.Riley may be "the cutest dog ever," according to Ethan. But he's not the most obedient.Still, he did well enough to be featured -- not that it's all that hard.During the most recent round of tapings, 48 dogs showed up; all but one -- an enormous bull mastiff scared off by the white backdrop -- made the cut.The spots started airing last week. The producers decided Riley likes "Judge Mathis."He's fine with that, and totally unaffected by his fame.But don't bother me during station breaks for the next two months. I'll be busy watching for Riley.Get your dog on WCIUTo be contacted for an upcoming "dog-dition," send a note to dogs@wciu.com. Be sure to include your dog's name and breed and your contact information.