Yakult and Amy Brazil

ABC is going to the dogs--and they're getting help from a local artist to get there.

Minneapolis's own Amy Brazil, who specializes in painting canines, was tapped by ABC's "Suburgatory" to create a portrait of Yakult, a pampered poodle owned by the self-absorbed Dallas (Cheryl Hines). According to Brazil, the painting will be a gift from her new boyfriend, played by Jeremy Sisto.

Brazil, who visited the show a couple weeks ago, said producers were sketchy on exactly what role the portrait could play, but it looks like it could be a permanent part of the show.

"We're having friends over the night it airs, so I hope it's not just in a flyby shot," said Brazil, who is married to local restaurant tycoon Richard D'Amico.

The painting, which took about a month to create, will make its television debut at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5, KSTP, Ch. 5,