Sep 18, 2008 6:03 AM, PROMO Xtra, By Amy Johannes

It’s a face only a pet lover can appreciate.

Ike, an 18-pound Pug from Barrington Hills, IL, was the top winner in the Alpo Real Meat Moments video contest. The canine beat out more than 200 competitors nationwide for a chance to appear on packages of Alpo dog food.

“Ike is the epitome of a ‘meat maniac,’” Sheridan Budin, Alpo assistant brand manager said in a statement. “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.”

Alpo launched the video contest in June asking people to upload videos or send them by mail showing unscripted, humorous and entertaining moments when their dogs transform into “meat maniacs” when dinner is served. Dog lovers voted for their favorite video among five semi-finalists last month. Among them were Ike, Jordan, a Jack Russell Terrier, Charlie, a mixed breed, Nyla and Bella, also mixed breeds and Missy, a Fox Terrier-Wirehaired and Lilly, a Boxer.

The winning video, as well as runners-up submissions are available at www.alporealmeatmoments.com.

Ike’s image will be featured on more than 2.5 million cans of Alpo and in an upcoming national print ad. In addition, Mary Beth Holsteen, Ike’s owner, will receive $10,000, a trip to Hollywood with her pooch for a day with an animal trainer, a meet-and-greet with canine celebrities from TV and film, tour of animal film landmarks, spa treatments and year’s worth of Alpo.

Alpo is also planning a hometown celebration for the celebrity dog the week of Sept. 29, which will include a larger-than-life inflatable of Alpo can with Ike’s image.

CheckMark Nestle Purina PetCare Co.’s internal marketing services agency, handled the Creative design of the FSIs, print and banner ads and PR management, Cone Inc. oversaw PR, the microsite design and management and Spark was in charge of the online media buy.

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Related Article:

Alpo Looks for New Face via Video Contest

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