Posted: April 18, 2009, 5 a.m. EDT
Jai Rodriguez is used to sharing the spotlight from his days as co-host of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” But as the solo human host of Animal Planet’s “Groomer Has It,” Rodriguez shares the spotlight with his Yorkshire Terrier Nemo.
“Nemo’s a big superstar now,” Rodriquez told People. “He’s in every episode.”
Rodriguez calls Nemo and his other dog Dory – who will make a special guest appearance on “Groomer Has It” this season – “partners in crime. They’re really fun dogs.”
Rodriquez adopted both dogs about five years ago.
“I got Nemo first, and he helped me through the time I was hosting ‘Queer Eye,’ when I was all over the place,” he says. “I needed something grounding, something to be responsible for. I thought I was getting him to help him, and he helped me so much more.”
So what’s his favorite thing about the reality show, which pits groomer against groomer for the title of “Groomer of the Year,” not to mention $50,000?
“I love seeing the human-animal interaction,” he says. “It’s something that’s really remarkable to see.”
“Groomer Has It” broadcasts on Animal Planet Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET.