‘It’s Me Or The Dog’

When we first saw our puppy Toby, he was the sweetest, most precious little thing the children had ever set eyes on. Born to a Border Terrier and Dachshund, we swept this unusual mix into our arms and into our home.

That was two summers ago and if Toby was a toddler we could get away with saying he’s just in the Terrible Twos. But he’s not a toddler, he’s a dog, a dog that chases squirrels and birds, and snatches the children’s peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when they’re not looking.

Which was why I did a double take when the press release crossed my desk: Animal Planet’s “It’s Me Or The Dog” Launches Casting Call in Livingston.

Toby may be a naughty dog, but could he also be a TV star?

Pups@Play and Regal Bank have arranged for Victoria Stillwell's Animal Planet program "It's Me Or The Dog" to do a casting call in Livingston. The opportunity – primarily for the owners of out-of-control-dogs – will take place this Saturday, June 11, from 3 – 6 p.m. at Regal Bank, 570 West Mount Pleasant Ave.

This year, the program is looking for dog owners with big personalities who have stories about their dogs' behavior causing tension and drama in the household. More specifically, the type of environment in which bickering and disagreements are a common occurrence -- and someone is saying, “It's me or the dog.”

We just may be there with Toby ready to tell the story of our tail wagging, squirrel loving, barking puppy. Given a chance for a close-up, he may just steal the scene.