VICTORIA STILWELL'S SADIE

Sadie is a gorgeous (and most certainly well-behaved) chocolate lab whose person is Victoria Stilwell. Victoria is one of the world's most recognized and respected dog trainers, best known for her role as the host of Animal Planet's hit TV series "It's Me or the Dog," and as a judge on "CBS's Greatest American Dog."

First of all, I need to stress that I am perfect and have no personal need for Victoria's special brand of expertise. Now that we've gotten that straight, I would like to share with you the conversation Sadie and I had, and then I'll tell you more about Victoria.

Talisman: I believe that, in the cosmic design, we animals are here to help people find their way. Presume I am correct (of course) and tell me what human you were born to help and what lesson you are here to help that person learn?

Sadie: It’s taken me awhile, but I’ve finally settled down with my true family. The youngest in the family was very scared of even happy dogs like me before I arrived, but I helped her get over that really quickly. So it seems pretty clear that my main purpose here is to continue to develop alongside her as she figures out all the crazy stuff those humans have to deal with.

Talisman: Do you believe in a Divine Being?

Sadie: I don’t know – never really thought about it. I guess there’s gotta be some kind of higher power, because the joy I feel when I’m out on a walk or when someone comes back home is not something I think any dog could really take credit for creating on their own.

Talisman: Are you afraid of death?

Sadie: You just gotta roll with it. I try not to get too bogged down in stuff that depresses me, so I choose to ignore that which I cannot change and celebrate whatever is I’ve got when I’ve got it.

Talisman: What do you want your legacy to be?

Sadie: To carve out a special place in the hearts of all those I lived with so that they can carry our joy with them wherever they go.

Talisman: What gives you the greatest joy?

Sadie: Walks, food games, tummy rubs, and getting wet. Oh, and during the springtime, licking my feet.

In her role as the host of Animal Planet's hit TV series "It's Me or the Dog," Victoria Stilwell is able to share her insight and passion for positive, reward-based dog training. By reaching audiences in over 30 countries, Stilwell helps counsel families on their pet problems. Her two best-selling books, IT'S ME OR THE DOG: How to Have the Perfect Pet and FAT DOG SLIM: How to Have a Healthy, Happy Pet, have been widely praised, and they detail her core reward-based training philosophies: "think dog" and develop "clear, consistent communication between owner and dog." Stilwell is passionate about using positive reinforcement training methods that enhance a dog's ability to learn while increasing confidence, resulting in a healthy, well-adjusted pet. She is firmly against the use of forceful, dominance-based training techniques which often result in 'quick fixes' but ultimately cause more long-term harm than good.

Victoria has a particular fondness for rescue animals in need of behavior rehabilitation, and has devoted much of her time and energy to a number of animal rescue organizations in New York and Atlanta, serving as a behavior advisor and giving regular seminars on the subject of dog rescue, training and rehabilitation. She is committed to helping the cause of animal rescue and is heavily involved with rescue groups around the world including Paws Atlanta, Stray from the Heart (NYC), Hong Kong Dog Rescue and Greyhound Rescue of West England. She supports the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project, Jana Kohl and the Waterside Action Group to increase awareness of the horrific practice of puppy mills globally. She has worked as a volunteer adoption counselor for the ASPCA, and she has been featured in numerous magazines and journals including The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, The Daily Mail, MSNBC.com, USA Today, Psychology Today and The Sun. Stilwell is a regular columnist for Dog World, American Dog and Dogs Today magazines. Victoria is certified by the Animal Behavior and Training Associates and is a proud member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).

Victoria currently resides in Atlanta with her husband, daughter and Sadie. Her website is: http://victoriastilwell.com/

My own curriculum vitae includes an honorary degree in obedience (I was too perfect to really need the training) being a beauty queen, working as a celebrity interviewer, and playing a fabulous character in the witty new novel, RED HOT PROPERTY, by Devin O'Branagan. RED HOT PROPERTY is the tale of two rookie real estate agents learning to swim with the sharks at the town's most cutthroat agency. Critics have called it "hilarious, sassy, captivating, and filled with vivid unforgettable characters." I am one of those memorable characters; I'm the office mascot and real estate assistant. And since I have an ego to match my stellar talent, I expect you to read the book. You can learn more about it by visiting: http://www.redhotnovel.com/

I'm also a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless, abused and abandoned animals. To learn more about Best Friends, follow your nose to http://www.bestfriends.org/

Come back soon to read more of my perfect celebrity interviews!

MARINA ANDERSON'S LULU

Okay, so my father wasn't famous like Lulu's, but I'm a famous dog with a blog, so that makes me feel less intimidated by the fact today's interview is with Lassie's daughter. Yes, that Lassie. Lulu has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, but since I'm psychic, this interview was easy. Lassie's person is actress Marina Anderson, who loved Lulu so much she has an entire website devoted to her: http://www.luluthecollie.com/

Talisman: I believe that, in the cosmic design, we animals are here to help people find their way. Presume I am correct (of course) and tell me what human you were born to help, and what lesson you are here to help that person learn.

Lulu: Oh, without a doubt I was here to help my owner, Marina. It is a karmic connection that goes way back. I was also here to help others. It was magical how people lit up when I trotted into a room. I loved making people smile. Especially in nursing homes. Marina always told me that I helped heal people. That was my mission, I’m sure. She told me I healed her pain and taught her total unconditional love and to gain her “self” back. She always put me first. I was her girl, she'd say. Wow! I did all that?

Talisman: Do you believe in a Divine Being?

Lulu: There’s no doubt in my mind. It guides us to the right people, circumstances to learn from and give to and why we are here.

Talisman: Were you afraid of death?

Lulu: I was more afraid of leaving Marina behind – how she’d be. She really needed me. And I needed her too. I stayed longer to make sure she would be ok. Was hard for her to let go.

Talisman: What do you want your legacy to be?

Lulu: As sister to Lassie IX, daughter to Lassie VIII, those are big paws to live up to. But I did have fun appearing in all those TV shows and films and the red carpet premiers and parties were great. I loved to have my picture taken! And bring public attention to micro chipping and helping animal rescue organizations with their fundraisers was a blast! Like helping out with Talisman's cause - Best Friends Animal Society. But what really matters to me is to be remembered as the Collie who championed reuniting owners with their beloved pets - getting them back together again after they’ve been separated or lost by getting them micro chipped. I want to be remembered as the one who brought love back together…back home.

Talisman: What gives you the greatest joy?

Lulu: STILL being able to be with my owner, Marina. I know it bothers her she can’t see me, but I know she can feel me around her. And of course doing my work on this side - still helping people find their pets. Love does make the world go round!

Born on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1998 in the Santa Clarita Valley, California, to father, LASSIE VIII, mother STAR, and Godfather Bob Weatherwax (owner and trainer of Lassie), LULU, a full-sized Collie, was adopted at eight weeks old by actress, Marina Anderson, who also trained Lulu.

Marina Anderson is a noted actress, voice-over artist, writer, producer, designer makeup artist, teacher acting coach and personal manager. Marina's website is: http://www.marinaanderson.net/

My own credits include being a beauty queen, working as a celebrity interviewer, and playing a fabulous character in the witty new novel, RED HOT PROPERTY, by Devin O'Branagan. RED HOT PROPERTY is the tale of two rookie real estate agents learning to swim with the sharks at the town's most cutthroat agency. Critics have called it "hilarious, sassy, captivating, and filled with vivid unforgettable characters." I am one of those memorable characters; I'm the office mascot and real estate assistant. And since I have an ego to match my stellar talent, I expect you to read the book. You can learn more about it by visiting: www.RedHotNovel.com

I'm also a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless, abused and abandoned animals. http://www.bestfriends.org/

Come back soon to read more of my brilliantly famous celebrity interviews!

BOCKER WINS RED HOT RAFFLE!

Bocker the Labradoodle won the 2009 Best Friends Red Hot Raffle and will be featured in Devin O'Branagan's upcoming novel, RED HOT VAMPYRE. Bocker entered the raffle after being interviewed by me last year for my Famous Dog Blog. And now, as we star together in a comic vampire tale, we're going to get to know each other a whole lot better!

So, I thought it might be fun to repost the interview that started it all:

Recently I, Miss Talisman DeMitri, have been receiving requests for my autograph. This, of course, has thrilled me to no end because it is validation that I am, indeed, very famous. However, unlike today's celebrity interviewee, I have never been in a Steven Spielberg movie. Actually, I do expect this to change as I know for a fact that Mr. Spielberg loves Australian Shepherds and has some of his own. That said, how could any Aussie lover resist me?

Bocker the Labradoodle worked as an extra in Steven Spielberg's "War of the Worlds." Bocker has also appeared on television's "The View" and Animal Planet's "Dogs 101." In February he modeled at a Skybark Pre-Westminster Red Carpet fashion show in NYC and stole the show as he strutted down the runway in his Moulin Rouge outfit and sunglasses. Bocker has worked as a model for print ads that have been in countless magazines, including Vanity Fair, In Style, People, Oprah, Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, GQ, Men's Health, ESPN Magazine and Sports Illustrated. He is also a member of The Celebripups.

Bocker lives in New York with mom, Marie Shelto, who is “team Bocker” and takes care of all Bocker’s endeavors, and daddy, Steve Shelto, who is a professional singer.

Bocker and I had a wonderful chat.

Talisman: I believe that, in the cosmic design, we animals are here to help people find their way. Presume I am correct (of course) and tell me what human you were born to help, and what lesson you are here to help that person learn.

Bocker: From my early days, mom always said there was something very special about me, something deep in my eyes and that it seemed I was here for a purpose. I guess the first person I was born to help is my mom. She always says I am her therapy dog first. I know without me, she wouldn’t walk as much and that I can always make her feel better by just giving her one of my “head-tilts” that show I am really listening and understanding everything she is talking to me about. Now that I am a therapy dog and also work with children as a Tail Wagging Tutor, the trail of smiles I leave behind everywhere I go is reason enough to know that I was born to help. The biggest lesson is that there is always something to smile about, no matter how bad things seem.

Talisman: Do you believe in a Divine Being?

Bocker: My divine being is my mommy…she makes me happy and gives me everything I need in life. All the wonderful things to smell in the air, all the little animals I see running around taking care of business, and the birds always singing, make me think there must be a higher power for all this to work the way it does.

Talisman: Are you afraid of death?

Bocker: I’ve had a lot of friends pass on to the Rainbow Bridge and if it is the place we all imagine, then what’s wrong with spending all your time with those you love and never having any pain? Plus the thought that your loved ones that you leave behind will meet you there some day is a good thing too.

Talisman: What do you want your legacy to be?

Bocker: That I will remain a part in the memory of all those I have come in contact with and know that I made a difference in their lives.

Talisman: What gives you the greatest joy?

Bocker: My whole life! My modeling career, knowing I have touched the lives of so many, and just being the luckiest doodle in the world. Also taking time to be a dog, loving my family, jumping in mud and swimming in the lake with my paw park friends.

Bocker’s logo of “Bocker to The Rescue” is becoming his symbol of all the help he provides to so many. He is involved with several organizations that benefit both his human and animal friends, such as the American Cancer Society (DogsWalk Against Cancer), Animal Protective Foundation, North Shore Animal League, Animal Haven, and The Autism Connection. Bocker was proud to be Chair of the Around The World For 80 Strays Gala benefiting the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society. His Million Doodle March was a huge success and helped raise thousands of dollars for various rescue organizations throughout the country and helped promote autism awareness. His website, Bocker's Doodleland, is at http://www.bocker.tv/

And now, an open letter to Mr. Steven Spielberg:

Please take note of my own impressive credits: I play a fabulous character in the witty new novel, RED HOT PROPERTY, by Devin O'Branagan. RED HOT PROPERTY is the tale of two rookie real estate agents learning to swim with the sharks at the town's most cutthroat agency. Critics have called it "hilarious, sassy, captivating, and filled with vivid unforgettable characters." I am one of those memorable characters; I'm the office mascot and real estate assistant. And since I have an ego to match my stellar talent, I expect you to read the book. You can learn more about it by visiting: http://www.redhotnovel.com/

Oh, Mr. Spielberg, did I mention RED HOT PROPERTY would make a great movie? You could immortalize me. Consider the possibilities!

I'm also a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless, abused and abandoned animals. To learn more about Best Friends please visit their website at http://www.bestfriends.org/

And come back soon to read more of my hot celebrity interviews!

JOHN BASEDOW'S MIDNIGHT

My sister is a working dog on a ranch and all that herding keeps her fit and trim. I love to dance and so I am healthy and gorgeous, too. However, I imagine that John Basedow's Midnight has us both beat, paws down. I suppose if we had a personal trainer, we would be perfect, too.

Midnight's person, internationally famous fitness expert John Basedow, is the creator of the best-selling Fitness Made Simple video series, which has helped to improve the bodies and lives of thousands of men and women. He's also a model, television star, and so much more.

Like me, Midnight is very special, as our conversation clearly demonstrates:

Talisman: I believe that, in the cosmic design, we animals are here to help people find their way. Presume I am correct (of course) and tell me what human you were born to help, and what lesson you are here to help that person learn.

Midnight: I believe the universe works in strange and mysterious ways, all with a grand purpose in mind that we may never fully comprehend. The one thing I am sure of is that I was put here to bring joy to my best friend, who I refer to as JB. He's extremely focused, driven, and works all the time to help others improve their bodies and lives, often to the point of missing a lot of the simple pleasures. That's when I jump on his lap, chew toy in mouth, and look at him with a gaze he can't resist. I've conditioned him well to understand that this means it's time for a break. A long walk, a game of fetch, or simply a chance to smell the roses...the activity doesn't matter. I see his childlike smile light up the room, and I know I've done my job.

Talisman: Do you believe in a Divine Being?

Midnight: I believe there is a great power that brought JB and I together. He teaches us to not let anyone put limitations on our abilities and that if we believe in ourselves we can accomplish anything. He's also equipped me with great powers, like being able walk on my hind legs for a freakishly long time and open up cabinet doors with just the touch of a paw. Yes, I'm very special. :)

Talisman: Are you afraid of death?

Midnight: I haven't really thought about it. JB always says he gave up aging one year for Lent and just never picked it back up. I guess if some force did separate us, I wouldn't bet on it being for a long time. The universe is a magical place, grounded in goodness, and no good could come from us being apart.

Talisman: What do you want your legacy to be?

Midnight: My legacy is that I intend to be here, doing amazing things, for a very long time. This guy needs me and I want to be by his side through all of the awesome adventures that are out there awaiting us.

Talisman: What gives you the greatest joy?

Midnight: That would be walking and taking a nap. I love to walk...anywhere and everywhere...and I never tire. I will walk anyone into the ground...anyone except JB. Yet another reason why I know there's a divine being who was brilliant enough to put us together in the first place. Once the walking is done, I enjoy nothing more than jumping on that aerobed and taking nap with my buddy, while reruns of Kathy Griffin's My Life On The D-List play during a Bravo marathon in the background. Mmm...pure joy.

Fueled by an undying persistence and his personal motto “believe in yourself and you can accomplish anything”, John Basedow has achieved international recognition and created a media empire with Fitness Made Simple, which includes DVD's, CD’s, supplements, and infomercials all aimed at raising awareness about the importance of making fitness a part of daily life. In addition to being a model that's graced the pages of just about every major exercise magazine, John's also a widely respected columnist who has written articles for over a dozen publications. He stars in the new reality series, John Basedow TV, which is based on his life. Building on his nationwide popularity, John Basedow TV is a "feel good" show that delivers John's positive message for your body and mind…in a creative, engaging way with a rare mix of inspirational and comedic elements. John is a spokesperson for the American Heart Association and has led their annual Heart Walk for the past three years. He also works with various other charities, including the American Diabetes Association which gave him an award in 2008, and motivates people of all ages, from teenagers to grandparents, to follow their dreams with his popular Power To Change Your Body & Life Seminars. As John says, “If you can think it, you can do it. Don’t listen to negative people. If you focus on your goals, work hard and never quit, you can achieve anything.” His website is: http://www.fitnessmadesimple.com/

I am famous, too. I'm a dancing beauty queen, a celebrity interviewer, and I play a fabulous character in the witty new novel, RED HOT PROPERTY, by Devin O'Branagan. RED HOT PROPERTY is the tale of two rookie real estate agents learning to swim with the sharks at the town's most cutthroat agency. Critics have called it "hilarious, sassy, captivating, and filled with vivid unforgettable characters." I am one of those memorable characters; I'm the office mascot and real estate assistant to Valentino DeMitri, the Queen of Real Estate. You can learn more about RED HOT PROPERTY by visiting: http://www.redhotnovel.com/

I'm also a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless, abused and abandoned animals. I am promoting a raffle to benefit Best Friends. The winner's animal companion will become a character in the next novel in the RED HOT series of books! To learn more about this, follow your nose to http://www.redhotnovel.com/2009bestfriendsraffle.html

Come back soon to read more of my special celebrity interviews!

JENNI PULOS' LULU

Lulu La James Pulos is the black and white dog in this cheerleading photo. She's a cattle dog mix who was rescued by Jenni Pulos. You may know Jenni from Bravo's "Flipping Out." Jenni and I have a lot in common. We are both assistants to gay real estate professionals and we both dance for them to make them happy. The similarities are kind of spooky...

Lulu is a cattle dog and I'm an Australian shepherd, so we both have that incredible intelligence for which herding dogs are admired. You can see this demonstrated in the following conversation we shared:

Talisman: I believe that, in the cosmic design, we animals are here to help people find their way. Presume I am correct (of course) and tell me what human you were born to help and what lesson you are here to help that person learn?

Lulu: When my mom's husband deserted her I kissed her tears and told her it was ok, someone deserted me too. My mom got me from a shelter. I know my mom will find the right someone just like she found me.

Talisman: Do you believe in a Divine Being?

Lulu: Of course I do! My heart beats with his love and, duh, dog is God spelled backwards.

Talisman: Are you afraid of death?

Lulu: No. Every step on the earth I walk in love toward my maker. However, I am very afraid of baths.

Talisman: What do you want your legacy to be?

Lulu: I loved my mom and my sister who is an, ugh...PUG.

Talisman: What gives you the greatest joy?

Lulu: People, snacks, and scratches.

Jenni Pulos is a television and movie actress. Her television credits include appearances on "Monk," "Ten Items or Less," "Wild N'Out," "Moesha," "Girlfriends," and "Strong Medicine." Movie credits include "Tom Cool," "The Bachelor," "Dog Gone Love," "Unstable Fables," "and "Too Smooth." Jenni also writes and records rap songs, and won "Showtime At The Apollo" rapping and hip hop dancing. She is currently appearing on "Flipping Out," which will begin its third season on Monday August 17th at 10:00 on Bravo. It will air for ten episodes.

Learn more about "Flipping Out" here: http://www.bravotv.com/flipping-out

My own credits include playing a fabulous character in the witty new novel, RED HOT PROPERTY, by Devin O'Branagan. RED HOT PROPERTY is the tale of two rookie real estate agents learning to swim with the sharks at the town's most cutthroat agency. Critics have called it "hilarious, sassy, captivating, and filled with vivid unforgettable characters." I am one of those memorable characters; I'm the office mascot and real estate assistant to "The Queen of Real Estate," Valentino DeMitri. And since I have an ego to match my stellar talent, I expect you to read the book. You can learn more about it by visiting: http://www.redhotnovel.com/

I'm also a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless, abused and abandoned animals. I am promoting a raffle to benefit Best Friends. The winner's animal companion will become a character in the next novel in the RED HOT series of books! To learn more about this, follow your nose to http://www.redhotnovel.com/2009bestfriendsraffle.html

Come back soon to read more of my brilliant celebrity interviews!

GENEVIEVE HIGHPOINT LA REINE

Today's interview is with another dog who, like me, is famous. Genevieve Highpoint La Reine has written the funniest book ever written by a dog: SMALL DOG, BIG LIFE: Memoirs of a Furry Genius (as barktated to Dr. Dennis Fried). Apparently, Genevieve has been stirring up controversy around the world with her biting commentary on life with humans. Her writing is insightful, entertaining, and peppered with sophistication, wit, and charm.

(Gee, that sounds just like my own style of writing.)

Like me, Genevieve is a Zen master. We are both very wise, as the following interview will clearly demonstrate:

Talisman: I believe that, in the cosmic design, we animals are here to help people find their way. Presume I am correct (of course) and tell me what human you were born to help, and what lesson you are here to help that person learn.

Genevieve: Denny had many professional careers, and all involved writing, but none was for the commercial market. When I came into his life and started barktating my memoirs to him, it gave him the vehicle to reach out to a wide audience with a humorous message.

Talisman: Do you believe in a Divine Being?

Genevieve: All dogs are really Zen masters. We are carefully tuned into the Now, and don't waste time worrying about the past or the future. We find joy in the simplest things, such as a thrown ball, a stuffed animal that squeaks when we bite it, a loving pat from our humans. We take what life gives us and live it to the fullest.

Talisman: Are you afraid of death?

Genevieve: You're darned right I am! That's why I always make sure to get buckled up in my car seat when I go for a ride, and I never scream at big dogs unless I know they can't catch me.

Talisman: What do you want your legacy to be?

Genevieve: Smiles and laughter for all the humans who love animals.

Talisman: What gives you the greatest joy?

Genevieve: Lying on the couch with Denny and taking a nap, while he watches dumb humans chasing a ball on TV.

Genevieve Highpoint La Reine is a leading canine researcher on human behavior. She is the proud holder of a degree in basic obedience, and is even prouder never to use it. She resides in Sarasota, Florida, and her favorite hobbies are eating and sleeping. Her latest book is the Simon & Schuster title Small Dog, Big Life: Memoirs of a Furry Genius (http://www.dogtellsall.com/).

Dr. Dennis Fried has been laughed out of numerous careers, including college teaching, marketing, and stand-up comedy. He holds advanced degrees in physics and philosophy, all of which have gone totally to waste. When not helping Genevieve with her career, he can usually be found pestering her for a raise. He resides in Sarasota with his wife, Katrina, and his boss, Genevieve.

Well, Genevieve and I are both literary marvels. She writes books, and I star in one. I am a delightful canine character in the witty new novel, RED HOT PROPERTY, by Devin O'Branagan. I really do enjoy being everyone's center of attention, so I fully expect you to read the book. You can find it at http://www.redhotnovel.com/

I'm also a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless, abused and abandoned animals. I am promoting a raffle to benefit Best Friends. The winner's animal companion will become a character in the next novel in the RED HOT series of books! To learn more about this, follow your nose to http://www.redhotnovel.com/2009bestfriendsraffle.html

Come back soon to read more of my entertaining celebrity interviews!

TEAM CHIHUAHUA 'S VANILLA SALT

This is my first interview with a celebrity dog! She is an internationally famous fashion model. Making a fashion statement is something Vanilla Salt and I have in common. Every day I don a neck scarf that makes a statement. Today it says DON'T BOTHER ME; I'M VERY BUSY AND IMPORTANT! But I have to admit that message has backfired on me, as no one has paid any attention to me today. But at least they know that I am important...

NYC Team Chihuahua members are: Cinnabon Bon, Vanilla Salt, Tequila Bon & Tabasco Chilly Pepper. Their ages range from 6 to 2 1/2 human years. They live in New York City with their pawrents, Ada & Edgar Nieves. Each started their modeling and acting career at a very early age. They have been featured in books like POCKET PUPS by Nikki Moustaki, INDOGNITO by Karen Ngo, and ONE NATION UNDER DOG by Michael Schaffer. TV appearances include "The Martha Stewart Show," "The View," "The Conan O'Brien Show," as well as international shows like "Woef" in Germany and "Sabado Gigante" in Latin America. They also receive a lot of attention in Spain, Italy, Japan, and England. They work for Ralph Lauren, Simplicity, Norstrom and Cole Hann.

Their website address is http://www.adanieves.com/TeamChihuahua.html

For fun, they run the NYC Chihuahua meetups, with more than 800 members who get together every month. Their schedule of events include the first NYC Chihuahua Pageant in June, a pool pawty in July, an ice cream social in August, and then the grand Canine Cruise scheduled for September 2009. The four of them work, play and live happily together.

Vanilla Salt has decided to be the spokesdog for my interview.

Talisman: I believe that, in the cosmic design, we animals are here to help people find their way. Presume I am correct (of course) and tell me what human you were born to help, and what lesson you are here to help that person learn.

Vanilla Salt: We were born to help our pawrents Ada & Edgar Nieves. While our daddy was in the army, he had to constantly travel, so me and my brothers were companion to our Mom. She claims we are responsible for her not feeling alone at home and to help her meet/make many friends. If there is any lesson to learn it is that love is unconditional.

Talisman: Do you believe in a Divine Being?

Vanilla Salt: Divine being...mmm...a God dog? No. But I believe that divine is nature itself: the miracle of life, an animal to be able to fly, an animal to be able to live under water without the need of breath. All creatures are divine beings for what they contribute to the world. I have heard that we dogs are divine as well. When we visit a senior or allow someone to pet us, for that moment we are helping humans to forget any ailments and just give and receive love. Our beliefs are that each one of us is capable of doing good in our own choices; that each animal, plant or human is a divine being.

Talisman: Are you afraid of death?

Vanilla Salt: I'm not afraid of death. It is natural course that takes all. It hurts to see someone go. It scares if you know about your own mortality. This is where faith intervenes, telling us that for us doggies (just like humans) we have a heaven. We have the rainbow bridge. Hopes then says that one day we will all be together again.

Talisman: What do you want your legacy to be?

Vanilla Salt: We strongly advocate for spay/neutering of pets. And for health care, such as vaccinations and dental. If there is a legacy, we want it to be one of showing with actions how to better care for pets, and how humans can bond in so many different ways with their beloved animals.

Talisman: What gives you the greatest joy?

Vanilla Salt: The greatest joy is a simple sunny day with the whole family sitting together and enjoying each other's company; being with each other and loving that we are a family.

Gee, Vanilla Salt is not only beautiful, but wise, too...just like me!

And--since I'm feeling a bit intimidated by Vanilla Salt's fame--I need to remind my readers that I am a star in my own right. I'm a character in the hilarious new novel, RED HOT PROPERTY, by Devin O'Branagan. I'm an office mascot and a real estate assistant to Valentino DeMitri. Besides being brilliant at our repective jobs, Val and I are both sexy and talented, and our dancing is spectacular. I'm a colorful canine who adores being adored, so I fully expect you to read the book. You can find it at http://www.redhotnovel.com/

I'm also a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless, abused and abandoned animals. I am promoting a raffle to benefit Best Friends. The winner's animal companion will become a character in the next novel in the RED HOT series of books! To learn more about this, follow your nose to http://www.redhotnovel.com/2009bestfriendsraffle.html

Come back soon to read more of my extraordinary celebrity interviews!