Mr. Winkle, self-professed "funny-looking" dog, has become the star of photographic books, calendars and television. He's appeared on Today, The Rosie O'Donnell Show and Sx and the City. His newest book is A Winkle in Time.

 

Mr. Winkle   WHO: Photographer Lara Jo Regan and her dog, Mr. Winkle, the subject of three books and an upcoming film.   WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 4847 E. Ray Road, Phoenix. No pets allowed in store.   WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday.   DETAILS: (480) 940-7136.

His "mom" is Lara Jo Regan, a Los Angeles photographer who has published serious work in such magazines as Time, Newsweek and Life. Regan is finishing production on an hourlong movie starring Mr. Winkle that could air on HBO or Nickelodeon.

Mr. Winkle, a tiny mutt who some say resembles an alien creature, is coming to the Ahwatukee Barnes & Noble bookstore Tuesday. Regan says the endearing canine is especially popular in the Phoenix area, generating numerous orders for books and other merchandise from the Web site www.mrwinkle.com.

This reporter's dog, Bunny Yost, a mutt rescued six years ago from Phoenix Animal Control, agreed to interview Mr. Winkle.

BUNNY: Like me, you come from humble beginnings. How did your mother happen to adopt you?

MR. WINKLE: Six years ago, someone dumped me out of a car on the side of the road near Bakersfield (Calif.). I had infections in my ears and my mouth. I had a limp in my leg and a chip in my skull. It was 11 p.m., and my mom was lost. The glow of her headlights caught me, and I went limping toward her. I think we were waiting for each other.

B: It must be wonderful being famous. Do you feel like a changed dog?

MR. W: I'll always remember that day on the street. Fame never goes to my head. It doesn't matter how big a star you are, what matters is what you choose to shine your light on. We support animal causes whenever we can. But I do live in Hollywood, so I've shaved a few years off my age.

B: I've heard modeling is a dog-eat-dog business. How do you cope?

MR. W: I love modeling. Most doggies love to fetch sticks. I don't like to fetch. Modeling is my job. I just love making people happy. My reward is a piece of fresh chicken.

B: What was it like being on that naughty TV show Sx and the City? Did you have to take your clothes off?

MR. W: Mom had it written into my contract - no nude scenes. I'm a real lady's man, and the ladies were really nice to me. What more does a girl need than an adoring creature staring at them with his tongue hanging out?

B: What's the most interesting thing you've ever rolled in?

MR. W: In my new movie, Big Top Winkle, I got to roll inside some cotton candy. It was like rolling in a big pink cloud.

B: Who's your favorite dog hero?

MR. W: My dream is to be an ambassador for all creatures, not just dogs. . . . Animals sense and feel things that humans can't. My mom thinks I represent whatever is magical about animals.

B: Your Web site features a bachelorette gallery. Do you date all those ladies?

MR. W: I've dated a couple of them. But I have commitment issues. Because of my schedule, I can't make a commitment. And when I date a lady, I'm a total gentleman.

B: I'm a 6-year-old terrier mix. Do I have a chance with you?

MR. W: You're an age-appropriate lady. But whomever I end up with has to have a philanthropic streak. You're definitely date-worthy.