Pet News
If you’ve ever watched Dancing With the Stars, chances are you’ve seen Alan Bersten move across the ballroom floor like he was born to dance. From his early appearances in season 20 to winning it all with Hannah Brown in season 28, the man’s got rhythm. But when the spotlights dim and the sequins come off, Alan’s heart belongs to someone much smaller, fluffier, and slightly more stubborn, his dog, Jeff.
Yes, Jeff. A smushy-faced Brussels Griffon who, as Alan will happily tell you, is more than just a pet. He’s family. He’s a dance partner. And sometimes, he’s even the star of the show.
Life on the Road, with a Dog
Alan recently wrapped up the Dancing With the Stars Live tour, and this time around, he brought Jeff along for the entire ride. Imagine juggling dance rehearsals, live performances, and tour bus life, now toss in managing a dog’s feeding schedule and bathroom breaks across multiple time zones.
“It was a lot of traveling with a dog,” Alan admits with a smile. “But Jeff did so well. He didn’t poop on the bus once!” He laughs, “He did pee on my shoes though… so those are his shoes now.”
As chaotic as tour life sounds, Alan says the tour bus actually turned out to be more convenient for Jeff than hotels.
“When you’re in a hotel, there’s the elevator, the long walks to find a patch of grass… but on the bus, you just walk right outside. It made everything simpler.”
Jeff quickly became a favorite among the tour crew, and the fans. Not only did the cast fall in love with him, but audience members often brought special gifts for the duo, including adorable matching socks.
Fueling the Tour, One Bowl at a Time
Traveling across time zones meant Jeff’s meal times could get tricky. Dogs, after all, aren’t exactly known for adjusting to jet lag. Luckily, Alan had a secret weapon: CESAR® WARM BOWLS, a microwavable meal for dogs that made feeding on the go simple and stress-free.
“It’s a big time saver,” Alan says. “Being able to rely on something Jeff actually loves eating is huge. I know how picky some dogs can be.”
With the comforting smell and warm texture of real food, CESAR WARM BOWLS became a mealtime favorite. And for Alan, knowing Jeff was well-fed meant one less thing to worry about in an already jam-packed schedule.
“Our tour manager was amazing, he held Jeff during the show almost every night,” Alan shares. “It really felt like Jeff was part of the team.”
A Dancer’s Heart, A Dog Dad’s Life
Now that the tour’s over, Alan and Jeff are enjoying a slower pace at home. But the adjustment isn’t without its bittersweet moments, especially for Jeff, who misses his road buddy Nikita, the young daughter of DWTS pros Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov.
Still, being home gives them both time to recharge before the next whirlwind begins. Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars is already around the corner, and Alan’s thrilled about one announcement in particular: Robert Irwin will be joining the cast.
“He’s an animal lover, so I think he and Jeff are going to get along really well,” Alan says.
Until the show kicks off again, Alan and Jeff are keeping their feet, and paws, busy.
The CESAR Spin: A New Kind of Dance
To celebrate the launch of CESAR WARM BOWLS, Alan and Jeff teamed up for something fun and completely heart-melting: a brand new dog-friendly dance called The CESAR Spin. It’s cute, it’s easy, and yes, Jeff’s got the moves.
“If Jeff can do it, I feel like every other dog can do it,” Alan laughs. “He’s a stubborn learner, but when he gets it, he owns it.”
Dog parents everywhere are invited to join the fun. Through May 30, fans can enter the #CESARSpinSweepstakes on TikTok by posting a video of themselves and their dogs performing The CESAR Spin. The prize? A one-year supply of CESAR WARM BOWLS, some seriously cute swag, and a $3,000 gift card to enjoy new adventures with your pup.
And if dancing isn’t your thing? You can still enter by commenting on the campaign’s Instagram post with your favorite way to bond with your dog. Participants will even receive a free CESAR WARM BOWLS product, just for sharing the love.
More Than Just a Campaign
For Alan, this partnership with CESAR is more than just a brand deal, it’s a reflection of his real life. As someone constantly juggling rehearsals, performances, and travel, he knows how hard it can be to make sure your dog feels cared for. This campaign is a reminder that you don’t have to choose between living your life and loving your pet.
“It’s so important to me that Jeff feels like he’s part of everything I do,” Alan says. “He’s not just a pet. He’s my best friend.”
When asked if we might see Jeff on the ballroom floor during season 34, Alan laughs. “I hope so! He’s got some serious stage presence. We just need to work on his timing.”
Whether or not Jeff makes his DWTS debut, one thing’s clear: he’s already a star in Alan’s eyes.
And honestly? We’re kind of obsessed with their friendship.
News Source @DailyPaws
