Molly opens "Miss Dog Beauty Pageant" on Fox

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Molly opens "Miss Dog Beauty Pageant" on Fox
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 2003425163340
Story by Public Affairs Office MCRD San Diego



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(April 25, 2003) -- PFC Molly, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego's mascot, and perhaps the Depot's most recognizable Marine, will extend her celebrity status even further as she appears on Fox's first ever "Miss Dog Beauty Pageant" May 8 at 8 p.m.

Molly will open the groundbreaking show with the help of one of her fellow Marines, Cpl. Ethan E. Rocke, combat correspondent, Public Affairs Office.

The pageant's producers bestowed upon Molly the honor of opening the show after discovering the young English Bulldog's natural charisma during a visit to the Depot.

"The producers of the show called me to invite Molly to open the show and represent the Marine Corps because of their relationship with us and respect for the Marines," said Capt. Shawn Haney, deputy director, Los Angles Public Affairs Office. "They met Molly during a location scout at MCRD for 'Celebrity Boot Camp' and she obviously left them with a good impression."

In addition to the pageant, Molly has appeared on The History Channel's popular show, "Mail Call," with fellow devil dog Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey, actor and former Marine. She has also been featured in "Leatherneck" magazine, DogFancy's special breed issue, "Bulldogs," and several military newspapers.

Because Molly was familiar with the producers of the show, she was not a competitor, according to Haney. But each canine and her handler faced a grueling casting process, according to pageant producers.

But despite not actually competing with the other canines and their handlers, Molly still enjoyed four days living it up celebrity-style in Hollywood, during rehearsals and filming of the pageant at KTLA studios. She took full advantage of Hollywood's newfound infatuation with their favorite female Marine, staying in the luxurious Sofitel Hotel directly across from the Beverly Center in Los Angeles.

The filming of the pageant, with the obvious exception of species, followed much the same format as that of the "Miss America Beauty Pageant," according to pageant producers. Fifty-one female dogs, each representing one of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, were judged on beauty, talent, poise and evening wear. Each canine wore the famous sash of the state she represented. The titles of "Miss Dog," "Miss Congeniality," and "Most Photogenic" were awarded to the most qualified canines.

Each contestant was escorted by her handler throughout the competition but was judged exclusively on her own performance and appearance. The handlers did not impact the judging process.

Jillian Barbarie, a host for "Extreme Dating" and weather person for "Good Day L.A." and John O'Hurley, best known for his role on Seinfeld as Elaine's boss, J. Peterman, hosted the show. To see the outcome of the star-studded pageantry, tune in to the Fox network and watch the fur fly.


Sempers,

Roger





PFC Molly, Depot mascot, comes to center stage as part of the opening of the Fox special "Miss Dog Beauty Pageant." Molly did not compete in the pageant because the producers knew her.
Photo by: Carin Baer / FOX





Molly waits for her next cue and tries not to get caught up in the lime-light of Hollywood but can't help thinking about a future as a starlet of the glamorous life of a young single girl in "Tinsel Town."
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Sergio Jimenez




Even though Molly couldn't be a participant in the beauty pageant, she never missed an opportunity to sneak in some beauty sleep.
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Sergio Jimenez