Pets And Animals

STUDIO CITY, Calif. (CBS) ― Roll over, "Big Brother!" CBS is again throwing reality show contestants under one woof, um, roof rather, in a fierce competition for $250,000, but this time it's 12 quirky dog owners and their precious pooches being challenged. How will the two- and four-legged contestants get along with each other while competing for all those bones? Find out on July 10 at 8 p.m. when "Greatest American Dog," debuts on CBS 2.

But for now, let's introduce you to some of the contenders! I was fortunate enough to interview some of them on our lot here in Studio City and Winnie, our station's guide dog-in-training, even exchanged barks and a few sniffs with them.

From Elvis, a fun-loving (and spoiled rotten) Parson Russell Terrier from New York City that just had a $10,000 "Bark Mitzvah," to Tillman, a skateboarding English Bulldog that could give Tony Hawk a run for his money, these truly are some of America's greatest dogs.

I've been instant messaging Winnie in the promo department from the newsroom and here's what we think:

GUIDEDOG29: What a crazy news day… I need a break. Who do you think is going to win?

JENNCBS2: I liked everyone we met, Winnie. It's hard to say, but I doubt everyone is going to get along in such close quarters, seeing as how they are all SO different.

GUIDEDOG29: Obvie! There is definitely going to be some doggie drama. I really liked Preston and his mommy, Laura. She's so pretty and smart. And I think Preston and I could be really good friends. 

JENNCBS2: They were really cool. But you didn't get along with everyone, did you?

GUIDEDOG29: Well, I think Elvis is going to have a hard time in the house. He got a little snippy toward me. He's just so pampered. I can't believe his dad threw him a $10,000 "Bark Mitzvah."

JENNCBS2: You guys sure looked cute together, though! When David dressed Elvis in his tallis and yamika and you had your vest on, you were both just adorable. Your guide dog vest may not be worth $10,000, but I really think you've got the upper paw on all these dogs, Winnie. You're doing something very important with your life.

GUIDEDOG29: I know, but some days I just want to go skateboarding like Tillman. His dad, Ron, is so cool for letting him ride all the time! Tillman is really talented, but awfully slobbery. Even my big brother, Fisher, doesn't drool that much. 

JENNCBS2: Yeah, he was a big drooler… and a big dog!

GUIDEDOG29: But on the other paw, you know who I kind of had a crush on? Leroy! He was just so smart. Remember when his mom spelled out S-I-T and he sat down for her? That was pretty cool. 

JENNCBS2: Um, Winnie, you're not even half his age and you're instant messaging. Let's not forget that you're brilliant AND you have a job at the #1 news station in Los Angeles.

GUIDEDOG29: Thanks, Jenn. This is why I love working here. Everyone loves me. I'm kind of a big deal. I've even been featured in the 6:15 spotlight. And you know who I think we should totally hang out with? Michael and Ezzie. He is so funny. He is going to be an awesome comedian! And Ezzie is really pretty. I think people might think she's a bit of a diva at first, but they are a really good pair. I love that they slow dance to Bonnie Raitt together. I'm going to see if Mike, my daddy, would like to slow dance with me, too! 

JENNCBS2: I love that, too, and I bet your dad would love to dance with you. You know, Andrew and Laurie seemed a little reserved, but they might be the ones with a strategy to really win this thing. I really liked them.

GUIDEDOG29: So did I, but Andrew needs a new hairdo. Those little bun things at the top of his head make him look like a girl. My big brother could give him some tips on how to be a real dog's dog. 

JENNCBS2: I can't wait to see how Bill and Star do! I think L.A. was a real shock to them, coming from rural Texas.

GUIDEDOG29: She seemed like a real southern belle, if you ask me. A little too refined for my taste, but you know what they say, "Don't Bark With Texas!" 

JENNCBS2: Winnie, I'm just really disappointed that we didn't get to meet Travis and Presley, Beth Joy and Bella Starlet, Elan and Kenji, J.D. and Galaxy, and Brandy and Beacon.

GUIDEDOG29: I bet they were cool just like all the other contestants. I can't wait to watch them on the show. 

JENNCBS2: Me either. I gotta go. We need to stream a car chase live on the Web.

GUIDEDOG29: Okay, woofs and hugs! 

JENNCBS2: I have a Milkbone for you. See you at lunch!