Top dog actors from “Modern Family” and “Suburgatory” attend the press conference to unveil the Golden Collar award. And yes, it really is a golden collar.
The First Annual Dog News Daily Golden Collar award was unveiled today at a canine celeb-studded press conference at the Hyatt Regency in Century City, Los Angeles.
Alan Siskind, Dog News Daily CEO and founder, as well as THR’s Joseph Kapsch (Editor of THR.com,) were on hand for the Golden Collar big reveal, along with Good Dog Animals trainer Steve Soloman, his partner Guin Dill and The Artist dog star Uggie’s trainer Sarah Clifford.
But the biggest stars were the two Golden Collar nominees: Brigitte (a French Bulldog) whose character is Stella in Modern Family and Lambchop (a Chihuahua/Poodle mix) who plays Yakult in Suburgatory.
The collar designer, Simon Tavassoli, was also on hand. Since the dogs in movies awards were only conceived of in January, he explained that he had to work very fast to order the plexiglass stands and design 6 elaborate golden collars made of Italian leather and Swarovski crystals. We’re talking major doggie bling. He also makes amazing belts you can check out on his website.
Both Brigitte and Lambchop posed with the awards while the cameras flashed and the trainers kept their canine actors looking alert and focused. At one point, Lampchop had an itch and knocked the Golden Collar award to the floor. Trainers rushed in, the pups were nonplussed and the collar survived the drop. “It’s been doggie tested,” shouted a triumphant Siskind afterwards.
Both Brigitte and Lambchop refused to reveal their Golden Collar outfits. Possible options include a colorful vest or sparkly blouse. Clifford says she has been besieged with dog clothing designers offering to dress her charge, Uggie. Solomon plans to take great care in picking out decorative collars for both Lamby and Brig.
The trainers have planned a grooming afternoon for Uggie, Lamby and Brig on the day of the awards, Monday, Feb. 13. Uggie is pretty wash-and-wear. “Brigitte is a breeze to wash but Lambchop takes hours,” says Dill. Seems she always complains (loudly) during grooming. “Steve has had other people groom her but he never likes the way it turns out so he will probably do it himself on Monday.”
The awards will be live-streamed on THR.com that night and will be co-hosted by Kapsch, who is also a huge dog lover.
~Courtesy of the Hollywood Reporter
