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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, March 15, 2009

Not just any dog will do for Target mascot role animal companions

By Leslie Kawamoto

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Target mascot Bullseye and trainer Meghan Fraser were at the Salt Lake Target store's opening. The store logo around the bull terrier's eye is nontoxic vegetable dye, approved by the Humane Society.

RICHARD AMBO | The Honolulu Advertiser

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I'm so glad we finally have two Target stores on O'ahu to shop at. My sister in California says that's her absolute favorite place to shop. I used to get shopper's envy when I saw their TV commercials.

The Target dog made an appearance at both Target stores in Salt Lake and Kapolei last week.

Her name is Bullseye. She's a 5-year-old bull terrier, originally from California. She travels with her two trainers everywhere. One of them is a "colorist" who paints the red circles on her left eye with a vegetable-based red dye. Not to worry, the dye is Humane Society-approved.

How does Target choose the right spokesdog? Anna Anderson of Target Communications said, "We work with the trainers. They are able to select animals that are willing and excited to be part of Target. We sign dogs that have the Target personality."

This sweet dog made the media rounds, appearing on the KGMB9 morning show. Besides being a well-behaved dog, she can do tricks on command, like speaking and walking upright in a circle.

The night before the store openings, she was the guest of honor at the Target VIP events at Salt Lake and Kapolei. She posed for pictures with team members, family and friends.

What happens in retirement for these dogs? The previous Bullseye now lives in a wonderful home where she gets to play and relax, out of the limelight.

I want to know: Does Bullseye get an employee discount?

Reach Leslie Kawamoto at lkawamoto@honoluluadvertiser.com.