Meet Yogi - and Toto, too

Some celebrities get into show business for money and fame. Yogi, a 2-year-old Shih Tzu, is in it for the treats.

Yogi plays Toto in the Drury Lane Theatre for Young Audiences production of "The Wizard of Oz."

"At home, sometimes he's stubborn with us, but he'll do anything for a treat," said his owner, Donna Brinkman of Lisle.

Brinkman works in the group sales department of Drury Lane, and since co-workers knew she had a small dog, Yogi was the obvious choice when it came to casting Dorothy's pooch.

To get Yogi to follow directions, cast members lead him with the incentive of treats.

The first time Yogi took the stage, Brinkman said, he seemed a little confused by all the people, but by now he's an old pro. And like any proud parent, Brinkman tries to stop by to catch Yogi's time onstage as much as possible.

Yogi loves his job, she said, adding that he barks and runs toward the door when told, "Let's go to work."

But even the best employees get a little burned out sometimes. At a recent show, Yogi decided to take a little break during "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," lying down on the stage and keeping his eyes on Dorothy.

"The Wizard of Oz" runs through May 17. Comment at thelislesun.com