Tiny dog with massive talent bidding for final
THERE’S a new star dog in town – and on my head.
BGT’s Trip Hazard is small in stature but big on talent and hopes to backflip and roll through tonight’s semi into Saturday’s final.
He could follow in the pawsteps of 2012 champs Ashleigh and Pudsey and last year’s winner Jules O’Dwyer and Matisse – but without a stunt double dog waiting in the wings.
Dog trainer Lucy Heath, 30, has big plans for Trip and would use the £250,000 prize to go to Hollywood. She said: “I think we could do Trip Hazard the movie. He’s got so much to offer.”
And after joining the pair for a training session in a West London park it is hard not to agree.
He is quickly performing backflips off my wedges and using my outstretched leg as his stage. Dog walkers stop and watch in awe. He loves the attention as his tiny tail never stops wagging. The amazing performance looks like the result of hours of training but Lucy actually keeps sessions short.
She said: “It’s just five minutes here and there otherwise he gets exhausted. I don’t want him to be able to tell the difference between playing and training. That’s why he sees it as fun.”
Trip gets treats when he performs a trick correctly – wafer thin slices of supermarket chicken is his favourite.
They have travelled to London from their home in Billingborough, Lincs, and I meet them in West London grooming parlour Waggin’ Tails. He is surrounded by several adoring canine customers but is completely at ease.
The lovable 8.5in-long maltese pomeranian cross, with Lucy since he was five months old, earned his unusual name. She said: “It’s perfect. He gets right under your feet.”
But for Lucy, who also has four other dogs and two cats, what Trip lacks in physical presence he makes up for in technical ability.
“I want to fly the flag for small dogs. They’re really clever and nice to train. They love it. I want to change their stereotype as being handbag dogs for the likes of Paris Hilton.”
Luckily, Lucy’s fiance Craig Jewkes, 31, is supportive – even letting Trip share their bed.
She said: “I’ll be a crazy bride and have my dogs at the wedding with me, and Trip will be the ring-bearer.”
Hopefully, on the big day, he won’t live up to his name.