Kentish Express Ashford & District
Spud shows why he is top dog in TV show
Owner has provided Dulux mascots for 30 years
Old English sheepdog Spud can now be considered one of Ashford’s finest exports after starring in a TV show about famous animals.
Filming and posing for the camera is nothing new for Spud, however, who is paint company Dulux’s longest running mascot.
Since March this year, the 10-yearold has had 29 jobs, including public appearances, photo shoots and filming adverts – and in total has taken part in more than 100 appearances for Dulux since joining in 2007.
During his career, Spud has filmed at Buckingham Palace, on Westminster Bridge and at Marble Arch. He has met pop star Ollie Murs and earlier this year he took 18,000 runners to the start line of the Colour Run in London, which was sponsored by Dulux.
Owner Gina Willis, who has had Spud since he was a puppy, said: “It has been a busy and varied year, but he is a brilliant dog.
“Old English sheepdogs can be quite boisterous and immature, but Spud is very laid back. He is a natural.
“He is very good at photo shoots and catalogue work. They call him ‘one take Spud’.
He particularly likes taking pictures with young women, and he is wonderful with children.”
Spud lives in Charing Heath with Mrs Willis, her husband Peter and their two other dogs, Herbert, another Old English sheepdog, and Portuguese sheepdog Daisy.
Last week, the family featured in a TV show for Channel 4, called Star Paws: The Rise of Superstar Pets, which explored the lives of animal agents, pet owners and the kittens, puppies and other pets that star in adverts and viral web videos.
Mrs Willis said: “I was very pleased with the documentary. The team were wonderful.”
Although the spotlight was aimed
‘VERY FRIENDLY’ sensitive, too. He did his first appearance at seven months old and he was a great success. He was a show-stopper at a recent event.”
Mrs Willis, a retired secretary, can spend up to 10 hours grooming Spud for an appearance, which includes brushing him out and bathing him before brushing him twice more.
Mrs Willis said: “Spud still gets really excited about going out, but he at Spud, four-year-old Herbert is probably due to retire next year. demanded the camera’s attention just He’ll go on as long as he can, but he’ll as much in the documentary. tell me when he is ready.
Mrs Willis said: “Herbert is a great “You have to enjoy what you’re character and much more a typical doing and the dog must enjoy it too. Old English sheepdog. His favourite First and foremost he is our pet. time of the day is when the postman “I’ll probably never get another dog arrives. He is bonkers, but can be very like him.” ‘HE WOULD PICK UP WHAT CEDRIC WAS DOING’