Deanne Davenport and her Jack Russell terrier, Jordan, are finalists in the Alpo dog food video competition. PHOTOS BY SUZANNE CARR ROSSI/THE FREE LANCE-STAR Visit the Photo Place

Will dinnertime diva be fetching enough? THE COMPETITION

Fredericksburg pooch a finalist to become "the new face" of ALPO

Date published: 9/7/2008

By PAMELA GOULD

In the musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," the effervescent Snoopy launches into a scene-stealing song-and-dance number expressing his ecstasy over supper time.

Deanne Davenport's Jack Russell terrier hasn't yet mastered song, but when mealtime approaches, Jordan will gladly perform for her dinner, offering energetic twirls and rolls to rival the cartoon character's jubilant routine.

Jordan's food-inspired antics may not be ready for Broadway, but they could earn the Fredericksburg pet a spot on the national stage and a $10,000 prize.

The 8-year-old terrier is one of five finalists in a video contest to become the new face of ALPO dog food. The winner will be chosen by comedian, dog lover and "The View" co-host Joy Behar and announced the week of Sept. 15.

Davenport said when she learned of the contest to find a photogenic chow hound, she immediately thought Jordan could be a contender.

"She's a showoff. She likes to perform and we thought, why not?" Davenport said.

Plus, Jordan's not new to the spotlight. Five years ago, she appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" and in Animal Planet's "Pet Star."

But the clincher was the task for the ALPO contest. When it called for a video of Jordan expressing her enthusiasm for eating, Davenport knew her dog was a natural.

"She loves dinner. It's about the most exciting thing in her life," Davenport said.

Each finalist won a year's worth of ALPO dog food, and Davenport's going to donate hers: to the Fredericksburg SPCA and an Australian shepherd rescue group. (Davenport and husband Tom Beauchamp own two Jack Russells and two Australian shepherds.)

Davenport said she's seen some of the other videos and knows there's keen competition but said her terrier comes not only with talent but also a star's bravado.

"If she's walking by somebody on the street and they don't pause, she'll stop like: What's wrong? Didn't you see me?" Davenport said.

"She knows she's cute."

Pamela Gould: 540/735-1972
Email: pgould@freelancestar.com

Five finalists are vying to become the new face of ALPO dog food. The winner is to be announced the week of Sept. 15. Jordan (right), an 8-year-old Jack Russell terrier owned by Deanne Davenport of Fredericksburg Charlie, a 4-year-old mixed breed owned by Kristle Morse of Livonia, Mich. Ike, a 4-year-old pug owned by Mary Beth Holsteen of Barrington Hills, Ill. Missy, a 6-year-old wire-haired fox terrier owned by Ryan Bernstein of Greenwood Village, Colo. Nyla, a 5-year-old mixed breed owned by Laura Karas Shanks of Fairport, N.Y. To view their videos, alporealmeat moments.com WINNER'S TREATS The winning canine will be crowned "the new face" of ALPO dog food and receive the following rewards: $10,000 cash Having his or her face on the label of more than 2.5 million cans of dog food Appearing in a national print ad for ALPO A one-year supply of ALPO canned dog food A trip to Hollywood with two human escorts to receive a "taste of fame" prize package including a four-night stay at a pet-friendly luxury hotel; spa grooming for all three; a session with a Hollywood dog trainer; a tour of famous animal movie landmarks; and a "meet-and-sniff" with celebrity dogs.

Date published: 9/7/2008