By MONA K. WOOD
Welcome
to the “Year of the Dog” — Dog, the Bounty Hunter, that is! No disrespect
to the Chinese zodiac — in fact, I’m half-Chinese myself. However, this
really is the year for Duane “Dog” Chapman and his now-famous ohana/posse as
they enter Season Three of their A&E hit show, “Dog The Bounty Hunter.”
This made-for-TV family is at the No. 1 spot for the network.
This
success has brought the record-breaking bounty hunter — who grew to world fame
after capturing serial rapist and Max Factor heir Andrew Luster in Mexico — a
$2.6 million contract with the network this season.
Along
with the new contract, this year will also finally see Dog marry longtime
companion and business partner Beth Smith in May. Although I am their Hawaii
publicist, you cannot help but become one of the family when you’re working
with this bunch. And so, I am also planning their wedding with Beth’s sister,
Melinda Lehmann.
Our
first planning session was filmed for the show, so I had the experience of
appearing in FRONT of the camera for a change. Yoiks! Was my make-up okay? Did I
look fat?
The
wedding, of course, will be filmed for the show. I cannot divulge anything else
at this point – or I’d have to kill you all. So add a wedding to the Dog’s
big year ahead!
I
first met Dog and Beth when Dog, Tim and Leland returned to Hawaii after their
horrendous ordeal in Mexico. I was contacted by their close friend, Sharon
Osbourne (yes, I thought it was someone’s idea of a prank), to call a press
conference at the airport upon their arrival. I offered to do it pro bono
because I felt that Dog deserved a hero’s welcome.
Our
first meeting was in an elevator for about two minutes at the airport. Once we
met the media, everything was a blur — and I honestly thought I’d never see
them again.
Ah,
but I didn’t know Dog and Beth. Although they were overwhelmed, they did not
forget me, and hired me soon after that. It was a roller coaster ride there for
a while until they inked the deal with A&E. And the rest, as they say, is
history.
I
still remember that day long ago at the airport. I saw other passengers rushing
past, wondering what all the commotion were about. Someone whispered,
“That’s Dog — the bounty hunter — who captured that serial rapist in
Mexico.”
One
by one, I saw these harried travelers stop, put down their bags and start
applauding, until everyone in the baggage claim was clapping. I still get all
choked up just thinking about it… and feel that same sense of pride for them
with each success they achieve.
And
I predict that 2006 will only bring more “bounty” their way (sorry,
couldn’t resist). It’s definitely the Year of the Dog!
Mona K. Wood is a publicist and writer. Reach her at ikaikacomm@hawaii.rr.com.