Area man and dog become television stars

By Peggy Melanson Special to PRIME Recently, a friend phoned Connie and Bob Dragon of Westhampton asking if one or the other would be interested in participating in a television commercial audition. The only catch was, the commercial would include their dog, Nip. Bob answered the phone and was clear that he was not interested. He was sure that his wife, Connie would be happy to try out. If chosen for the non-speaking part at the audition by Boston Casting (A casting company in Boston) for a "WellPet" dog food commercial, it would mean a monetary sum plus free dog food and treats. "Nip," their dog is a well-behaved four-year old Brittany spaniel rescued from a shelter in Victor, Idaho two years ago by the Dragon's 18-year-old grandson, David Wakeling. When he returned to Western, Mass., he asked his grandparents if they would take care of the dog since he was going to college in England. That was two years ago and Bob has been known to say that no could take the dog away now. "He's family." Bob agreed to drive Connie to the shoot location. Upon arrival she was asked to complete forms while Bob sat nearby. Soon, the producer came to get Connie who was next in line. Noticing Bob sitting comfortably with the dog. He said, "What about you?" Bob replied, "Oh no, this is not about me, my wife is the one you want." The producer added, "Let's just take you and the dog in for some shots just for the heck of it." Reluctantly Bob agreed and after a few photographs of Bob holding Nip and other poses, the man added, "Wonderful, wonderful. We'll call you." The secretary spoke up and proclaimed that Connie was the one who was there to try out. As an afterthought, the producer agreed and took a couple of shots of Connie with the dog and then it was over. Since they are not actors and this was their first audition, neither Connie nor Bob had any grand ideas of being chosen for the commercial and went home. Boston Casting called the next day and when Bob answered the phone, he was told that he and Nip were chosen for the job and asked if they could be at the film location at 6 a.m. the following day. Flabbergasted, Bob called Connie to give her the news at the gift shop at Cooley Dickenson Hospital in Northampton where she volunteers. The commercial starring Bob Dragon, the 70-year old grandfather, and his dog Nip, may be seen on Animal Planet, Food Network, Oxygen, We TV and other ABC Network shows. The all -natural "WellPet" dog food is sold at PetCo. PetSmart and other pet supply stores. They've already received their free dog food and Nip shares his WellPet treats with his buddy "Shadow" a 13-year old black lab that lives next door. Peggy Melanson is a freelance writer who has written columns for several New England magazines and newspapers. For more information please visit www.findingcourage.com or email her at peggymelanson@yahoo.com.