Canine Casting Call in Union Square

Do you want your dog to be the envy of all the other dogs in the dog park? Well then, you might want to consider taking the next few days to groom that pup of yours, because this Thursday there's a canine casting call. Magic, the Old Navy mascot, has retired...and his replacement is needed.

Casting agents will descend on Union Square Park to find a brand new Magic. The event supports New York Humane Organization and Shelter, Bide-A-Wee. The park will be equiped with a Canine Casting Bus fully outfitted with a digital doggie photo studio, canine treats, games and a dog tag station. Even if you don't don't have a pup of your own yet, you may want to go anyway and take a look at the dogs up for adoption from Bide-A-Wee. We wonder why they don't just pick from the shelter dogs, and catupult one in to stardom while also getting him out of a shelter.

The winners of the casting call are a panel of (really random) celebrity judges - including Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy), Alfre Woodard (Desperate Housewives) and Betty White. They will select six finalists who will be featured in the windows of Old Navy stores. Then, from June 23 through July 7, fans will vote online for their favorite doggie star. The winner will go on to star in Old Navy's Holiday 2006 ad campaign. And just think, maybe one day there will be stuffed animals of your pup, just like that one to the left of Magic.

Thursday // noon to 4pm // Union Square Park - North Plaza, at Broadway and East 17th