Maile, a 6-year-old Australian silky, exudes personality from her ears to her tail.

On weekends, I see Maile on her morning walk with her moms, Jan Davis and Patti Ferraris. She stops to say hello to whomever she meets.

I just learned that Maile's a star. She played Toto in Diamond Head Theatre's production of "The Wizard of Oz" last July.

Last summer, DHT had a doggie casting call for "a toy terrier, spaniel or 'Toto-looking' poi dog that works well with children and large groups of people." A dozen dogs tried out for the coveted role. The dogs had to remain calm around actors and the live orchestra and respond to hand signals.

Maile was picked because she could jump in the woven basket on cue and stay in there while Dorothy carried the basket for long periods of time. She was also unaffected by the thunder noises, bright lights and the fast-paced environment of the cast moving all around her.

For nine weeks during the summer, Davis and Ferraris even rented a home near DHT so they could be within walking distance to rehearsals and shows. "All three of us lived and breathed 'The Wizard of Oz,' " says Ferraris.

Maile worked hard at every performance. She appeared in 25 out of the 26 scenes, one less than Dorothy.

What was Maile's favorite scene of all? To eat a hot dog given by the Professor.

Ferraris recalls, "During a scene where the munchkins sleep in the poppies, Maile learned to 'go to sleep' in her basket. The audience was enamored with how Maile interacted with the cast and the audience as well. Maile loved applause. Her ears stood straight up, her eyes would lighten and she truly enjoyed the entire experience."

Retired Advertiser columnist Wayne Harada wrote in his Show Biz column that "Maile stole the show."

Fans? Maile had her own following who visited her during intermission and would take photos with her after the show in the DHT parking lot.

Maile is now taking a break from stardom. She's back on the North Shore, looking for crabs and running on the beach.

Now I can boast that I know a celebrity. The next time I see her, I'm going to ask for her "paw-tograph."