I think it's because Oprah's dog was a regular feature on the show and she used to talk about it and bring it on TV all the time so the audience felt like they had a connection with it.
.........Not that I watch Oprah...
....
*cough*
Ashy, say it aint so! ::sighs hard:: Alright. Yer forgiven this one time! Psst, you still have your spice girl CDs?