Resident in the Spotlight Archive 2
Follow Up for Spotlight Winner 2008
Ike the Pug - in Hollywood!
As part of his Alpo Meat Maniac prize, Ike and his family, the Holsteens, traveled to California on December 26, 2008, for five fun days. He and the Holsteens stayed at the pet-friendly Loews Santa Monica Hotel, where animals receive a welcome basket with bowls, place mat and treats. Dog and cat room service was available and Ike loved watching the ocean from his window. Ike enjoyed (ok, not so much) a day at a dog spa, which included a shampoo and triple hot oil treatment. Ike especially loved prancing around Santa Monica, where dogs are welcome in the shops and boutiques.

Ike the National Award winning Pug from Barrington Hills with Holsteens
in Hollywood - Photos all Courtesy of the Holsteen Family

Ike shopping - pounding the pavement for those designer doggie bargains
- Photos all Courtesy of the Holsteen Family

Ike was glad to get to the hotel for food and snacks and a rest from the shopping trip
- Photos all Courtesy of the Holsteen Family

Ike observing the" stars" in training at Studio Animal Services - Photos all Courtesy of the Holsteen Family
Ike and his family had a great day visiting Studio Animal Services, trainers of many celebrity animals. They met the “Aflac” ducks, the Chihuahuas from “Legally Blond” and the Taco Bell ads, and many other dogs and cats from movies, television shows and commercials. After a demonstration of some of the amazing tricks the celebrity dogs can perform, the trainers worked with Ike and commented on how smart he is. Two of the trainers took Ike and his family on a tour of famous sites where they often shoot commercials and movies in the L. A. area.
Ike made many new friends and thoroughly enjoyed his vacation! Watch for his picture on the Alpo cans which should be coming out soon.
Ike Licked His Canine Competition
He is the New Face of ALPO®!
Home Town Party
The Village of Barrington Hills hosted a hometown celebration October 1, 2008 in honor of the Holsteen's loveable Pug named Ike, who is the new face of ALPO brand dog food. Proving that he is indeed the biggest Meat Maniac in America, Ike will appear on millions of cans of ALPO and in national print advertising.


ALPO representative presents a check of $10,000 to the Holsteen's for their award winning Pug Ike.
He was welcomed by his two and four legged fans on the grounds of the Village Hall.
Trustee Elaine Ramesh declared October 1, "Ike Day.
One Hungry Barrington Hills Pug Licks The Competition in Nationwide Search
To Find the "Biggest Meat Maniac in America"

Ike the National Award winning Pug from Barrington Hills
Joy Behar, Dog Lover, Comedian and Co-host of The View, Crowns the Winning Dog
ALPO was trying to find the "biggest meat maniac" canine in the country to become the new face of the company. The owner of the winner is Mary Beth Holsteen from Barrington Hills. The award winner is Ike--a four-year-old pug--who spins uncontrollably before every meal.
Every dog has his day, And for Ike, a four-year-old, the 18-pound pug, that day, September 17, is putting him in the national spotlight. Ike is the grand prize winner of the ALPO® Real Meat Moments video contest and will serve as the new face of the iconic dog food brand, appearing on millions of cans of ALPO and in national print advertising.
Hundreds of owners entered their dogs in the national video contest and Ike licked his competition by demonstrating how excited he gets when his meaty meal is served. Celebrity judge Joy Behar, dog lover and co-host of The View, crowned Ike the biggest Meat Maniac in America based on his star potential, as well as his video's originality and appropriateness to the contest theme.
"As the owner of two dogs who go bonkers at mealtime, I know a meat maniac when I see one," said Behar. "I am delighted to award Ike with this honor. His frenzied feeding moment made me laugh out loud and any dog who does a headstand in his bowl because he is so excited for his meaty meal deserves to be named the new face of ALPO."
"My husband, son and I are just so excited - we are still in shock," said Mary Beth Holsteen, Ike's owner. "Ever since Ike was a puppy, he has been entertaining us with his dizzying dinnertime antics. Mealtime is truly the highlight of Ike's day!"
In addition to appearing on ALPO packaging and in advertising, Ike will receive a hometown celebration and the following Taste of Fame prize package:
- Trip to Hollywood (along with two human companions)
- Meet-and-greet with television and film canine celebs
- Day with a Tinsel Town animal trainer
- $10,000 cash
- One-year supply of ALPO brand dog food
According to Sheridan Budin, ALPO assistant brand manager, "Ike is the epitome of a 'meat maniac.' His unparalleled excitement for dinner proves he is the real meat lover in the family and worthy of being the face of one of America's favorite dog food brands." To view Ike's winning video submission, as well as the runners-up entries, go to http://alporealmeatmoments.com.
On October 1, 2008, the Village of Barrington Hills declared "Ike Day" during a presentation of the $10,000 Award Ceremony held at the Village Hall. Dozens of Ike's two and four legged friends and new fans came to see him on the red carpet. For a full photo display of the day, go to the Photo Gallery Page for Ike's event. More photos will be posted as they arrive.

Proud parents Mary Beth and Frank Holsteen of Barrington Hills at the Village Hall,
together with their dog Ike, who just licked his canine competition
and is the New Face of ALPO – Photo by Anthony Tortoriello
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