Oh, Beth. You are driving me crazy.

As I think I previously mentioned, Beth Joy Knutsen is one of the staff members at my magazine, New York Tails, and is currently a contestant on Greatest American Dog on CBS every Thursday night from 8pm to 9pm.

She is most famous (or infamous) for "arguing" with the judges (Wendy Diamond in particular) when they were reprimanding her for dressing Bella Starlet (Beth's dog) too much so as to not be able to see Bella's God-given coat and Beth's grooming. Beth then (last night) had an argument with one of the other contestants (Laurie and Andrew, I believe, the black woman and the beautiful, well-behaved Maltese) about said dress-up.

I can honestly tell you, knowing Beth personally, that this is pretty much her personality. She is extremely sensitive, very expressive, and if she has something to say or feels she is being attacked in some way she will get very defensive. She has done that to me a number of times when we've disagreed about something (which is often!), almost always about the magazine, but as for me I chalk it up to the way she is, make an executive decision, and move on. It should also be noted Beth can be equally 'protective' and vocal against people whom she feels are dissing those she cares about.

And don't even get me started on how far Beth will go to defend Bella's honor. From anything. She also has five other animals in the house--a mix of dogs and cats--whom she is also very protective of as well. Nary a scratch or a hangnail will go unattended, to the immense delight of her veterinarians.

Why is she driving Bill crazy? (my much signifigant other?) Because I make him watch the show with me. I think it actually puts him in physical pain. To be quite honest, neither he nor I are particularly big fans of "scripted reality" shows (which to a large part these really are, let's face it) although I do enjoy "The Big Idea with Donny Deuche" and other shows that show people's inventions and ideas (in other words, you will not catch me watching "Idol" or "Bachelor". Ever.)
But obviously I have to watch GAD because Beth is on there.

Anyway, it's been kind of fun to watch Beth and Bella on television, I have to admit. (Someone I know is on national television and I have their home number and I'm one of the few people who's calls they immediately return!)

So for the countless readers of New York Tails who ask me if I know whether Beth went the distance--no, I don't. Not a clue. Not a hint of a hint. CBS apparently employs Satan's own lawyers to make sure every contestant and every single set member sign a blood oath that they will never, never, ever, ever tell anyone anything about the show until the final episode airs. And even then...they're watching you.

But, what I can tell you in terms of Beth, having known her "off camera" for some time, is that, yes, pretty much what you're seeing on television is WYSIWYG ("what you see is what you get, for all of you non-computer people out there). Perhaps it's turned up a slight (ever so slight) notch, but, nope, that's our Beth! Can't accuse her of pulling punches or holding back. I was, however, sorry to see another New York pair, Dr. David Best and Elvis, get voted off. I think they got a bum deal in a number of ways and Elvis was showing some improvement.

Well, good for you, Beth. You know very well we don't always agree with each other and we've had our own scuffles (and I'm sure we'll have many more) but good for you for Living Life Out Loud.