It could all go to a pooch's head pretty quick.

The doting crowds, the extra treats. The flashy library gigs.

But not for Gus.

Even with the eager hands of 90-odd girls reaching to rub his head before performances, the humble thespian whoodle has kept classy reserve.

"He's just a happy dog," declared Bill Welsh, who with his wife, Mary Ann, owns Gus, playing Sandy in the Christian Youth Theater's production of "Annie."

The spotlight has fixed firmly on the Coeur d'Alene pup since he beat a dozen other canines in the auditions last month.

By Tuesday afternoon, Gus, who has no acting experience, had already scored clean performances in four productions of the musical that runs through Sunday.

But the 3-year-old whoodle - wheaten terrier/poodle - started work before that. To advertise, Gus made public appearances with the human star Kiara Klinkefus around town.

They visited the Coeur d'Alene, Hayden and Liberty Lake libraries, as well as the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce's Upbeat Breakfast, where prominent business owners and government officials were gathered.

At each stop, Klinkefus belted "Tomorrow," while Gus provided silent support.

"At each one there were all the kids waiting for him," Mary Ann said of the library visits.

All this stardom has been an adjustment for Gus, Bill admitted. He is being directed by new handlers, sharing space with nearly 100 adolescent cast members.

"He was nervous initially. All the lights and noise," Bill said.

But he has warmed to the attention. After performances, Mary Ann said, Gus has been trotted out to meet a swarm of young audience members, where he'll perform tricks like giving a high five, and sitting up on his haunches.

"One girl saw him and said, 'Mom, it's a real dog!'" Mary Ann said with a laugh, imitating the wide eyes and astonished tone.

Gus' acting skills have improved, too. Now he no longer sits with his back to the audience.

His owners sat in front during dress rehearsals, Bill explained.

"Now he comes out sniffing, looking for us in the audience," he said.

Gus' quiet but strong stage presence at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library left a strong impression with Susan Thorpe, youth services supervisor.

"He was just adorable, and I think he just makes the cutest expressions. They look almost human in a way," Thorpe said. "I think he won everybody's heart in that audience just immediately."

CYT has daytime and evening performances for "Annie" through Sunday at the Kroc Center. To see times and purchase tickets, visit www.cytnorthidaho.org/showwinter.

Auditioning Gus was just a way to participate in a community event, Bill said. This show could be the full extent of Gus' acting career, he conceded.

Unless something really good comes along.

"We're not looking for it," Bill said. "If it comes up, we'll think about it."