Tilly's big break!

Editor's Note: This was a story from the summer when Tilly and her best buddy Munch were hired to be in the latest Microsoft 7 commercials. As soon as they walked on set everyone came out to meet them! It seemed as though the cast and crew were waiting excitedly for the stars to arrive. It was a very exciting day, extremely long, but truly an experience like no other. I hope you enjoy this adventure of Tilly and Munch.

Tilly with her biggest fan!

Tilly waiting patiently on set

Tilly trying to get back to the food tent!

Tilly watching Munch during his scene

Tilly and Munch hanging out after their big scenes

Tilly and Munch eying up the food...mmmm mmmm delicious!!!

Hello everyone, it's just me Tilly again, here to tell you about my latest adventure. Alison got a call from my agent, Cat! Yes I have an agent. Yes I know what your thinking and no she is not a feline cat her name is Cathryn and we all call her Cat...humpf! Cat called and asked if we were available for an upcoming commercial. Alison assured her we were and the next thing I knew we were scheduled to ride up to New York State for a Microsoft commercial. We did not know any other specifics, because Microsoft was launching a new product...soooo sssshhhhhhh!!!! I am a bit blurry on the details of this particular morning because all I remember is Alison waking up and it was still dark outside. I am not sure if you know this about bulldogs, but we really like to sleep in, so if it is still dark out, then we are still snoring...BOL (Bark Out Loud)!!! Then I recall her picking me up and carrying me to the car and putting me in my "doggie duffle." I immediately fell back into a very deep sleep and when I felt the car stop and I lifted my head we were in a very strange place. I sat right up and looked all around, but I did not see anything or anyone that I recognized. Alison got out of the car and opened up the back door for me. She leashed me up and off we went. I was so excited I could not contain myself. Now you may be thinking that I was excited for the big commercial shoot, but I did not even know that I was doing that yet. I was just excited because there were so many new sites, smells, and people around that I just could not calm down. Alison and I walked and walked and walked.

Where are we going? What are we doing? Where are we? Who are all of these people?

There were so many trucks and cars around to carry equipment, lights, sets, and wires...tons and tons of wires. Alison's phone rang and it was Cat. She was calling to let us know that she would be on set in just a few minutes and to keep an eye out for the lead actor, Munch! Just as Alison and Cat hung up the phone a van pulled around the corner and there he was hanging out looking so dignified. It was Munch in all of his handsome glory! Alison and I waited for Munch and his family to get parked and grab all of their equipment to go on set with. Who knew that us dogs could have so much luggage. Alison was carrying a few bags and a cooler filled with all of my essentials, and Munch's owners, Deirdre and Adam, were carrying bags and bags filled with all of his stuff too. We needed assistants to assist our assistants...BOL!!! After walking a bit we finally got to the set and man was it beautiful. It was a gorgeous older home that was used in the filming of "Unfaithful" with Richard Gere and Diane Lane. The yard looked like a park, with grass from here to eternity. There was a pool and a lake too. It was like doggie heaven. Then to make this place even better there was a tent set up and under the tent they had gourmet food all day long. The chefs were asking Alison and Deirdre if me and Munch wanted anything, but Alison said that we were fine...humpf! How does she know, maybe I wanted a pork chop, or at least some fruit. I mean we are the stars shouldn't we be taking advantage of the perks...BOL!!!

After some time had passed Munch was called to set. That was when I saw the magic really begin. Deirdre took out a special bag filled with doggie make-up and wipes, a special spray for Munch's unmentionables, and even a misting fan to keep him cool! WOW, now he is a STAR!!! I sat and watched as Munch was preparing for his debut. Then we all moseyed over to the farthest part of the house, near the lake. Munch was brought to his mark and the filming began. It was very painstakingly long. They must have taken a billion takes and kept changing the script. Thank goodness Munch is a fast study...phew! He was amazing sitting up there, doing his bulldog moves. He barked on cue and stayed on his mark. He snuggled up to girl in the shot with him and even jumped off the lounge on cue too. He is my hero! I want to be as good as Munch when it is my turn, I thought! Munch was finishing up with his scene when the director came over to me and Alison. He said we needed to get ready for our scene. Well just like that Alison started swirling around me and then Deirdre and Cat followed. They were like Tasmanian Devils in a fevered dervish!!! Deirdre started wiping stuff on my face and then some stuff on my nose. I was trying to move away, but man were those ladies fast! Before I could resist their advances those ladies had whitened my fur, shined my coat, and even made my nose look blacker! Now I was ready for my scene. I was brought over to one of the first people I had met when we got to the set. She was really pretty and super nice to me. Alison was given instructions as to what I was supposed to do and we were given a few moments to run through our scene together. Alison and Cat set me up and off I went. I had two trial runs and then it was SHOW TIME!!! My job in this scene was to jog along side the pretty lady. I know what you all are thinking. You think that bulldogs can't run! Well this bully can run, and I can run pretty fast too. I got through my scene in only a few takes. Alison was so proud of me! Even Munch came over to congratulate me on a job well done. Munch and I sat together for a few more pictures and  then it was over. The day had finally ended and we started to pack up and head home. As we all walked back to the car Munch and I pranced and wiggled our bums to and fro, and our owners rehashed the day. It was truly a dream come true. When I got to the car I jumped in to my 'doggie duffle' and nestled in for the ride home. As soon as Alison started the car I felt my eyes get very heavy. I tried to stay awake and relive my moments in front of the camera but I was sooo sleepy. Within a few minutes I had fallen fast asleep and by the time Alison had woken me up we were back home again.

What a day! What an amazing adventure! I wonder if Tilly will ever be in another commercial? Come back next time to read more Adventures of Tilly.

P.S. Alison woke me up this morning to break the sad news that I was cut out of the commercial. But don't feel bad because it was still one of the greatest days of my life. I got to meet tons of new people, have an amazing adventure, and meet my newest and bestest friend Munch!!! So in my eyes (even the wonkie one) this was definitely not sad news.