Two television star dogs from Rugby are in the running for a national award

Two media star dogs from Rugby are in the running for a national award from specialist dog-food brand, Autarky, in recognition of their hard work.

Lurcher Mossup and miniature poodle Scarlett have been nominated by A1 Animals for the award, thanks to their hard work in the film and television industries.

Sue McCabe, senior dog trainer at A1 Animals, and Scarlett’s owner, said: “In 2016, we were approached to provide the animals for a brand-new children’s television programme to be called ‘Waffle The Wonder Dog’; and, after much discussion on the most suitable type of dog, we decided that a miniature poodle was right for the job.

“Scarlett was only six months old when she started shooting the series and her hard work certainly paid off as ‘Waffle the Wonder Dog’ was, and remains, a huge hit.

Since completing ‘Waffle’, Scarlett has also appeared in the HBO series ‘Avenue 5’ starring Hugh Laurie, ‘The Crown’ for Netflix and as yoga-performing dog for veterinary products.”

Alan Thornton, Mossup’s owner, says: “Mossup has always been a pleasure to train.

She has always been very keen to learn new skills and her list of credits is quite impressive.

“She has featured in ‘Casualty’, Netflix’s ‘The Crown’, ‘Topsy and Tim’ (as Mossy!), ‘The Invisible Woman’ and ‘The Durrells’ (as Roger, Gerry Durrell’s dog).

She has also made an appearance in commercials for brands such as Aldi (as an Easter Rabbit), Kellogg’s Corn Flakes and Blue Cross (as Baxter the singing dog).”

Autarky offers complete feed specially formulated for active, hard-working dogs - giving canines everything they need to stay healthy and working hard at every stage of their lives — and the brand is excited to be taking on the challenge to recognise dogs who show incredible dedication in their sphere.

Whether they excel in their chosen sport, serve their country, show unconditional support to their owner or have recently stolen the nation’s hearts on the big screen, Autarky is giving all hard-working dogs the chance to be crowned with the title.

The competition comprises of four categories: Sports and Performance Dogs, Service Dogs, Healthcare and Assistance Dogs and Media Star Dogs — and the public will have its chance to vote for the winner of each category.

The overall winner will be chosen by a team of expert judges, including Your Dog Magazine editor Sarah Wright.

Sam Horrell, Autarky CEO, said: “We are delighted to be running the Hardest Working Dog campaign, as we want to showcase the varying levels of work of active dogs in the UK and to give them the chance to be recognised with a national award.

We hope that the public will be as inspired by the dedication of these dogs as we are. Good luck to all of the nominees.”

Scarlett and Mossup are two of five dogs in the running for the fourth category, Media Star dogs, in which all dogs have shown to have outstanding skills on set and stolen the hearts of the British public, on the big and small screen.

The Autarky Hardest Working Dog will receive a top prize, including a hamper of canine products worth £500 and a year’s worth of Autarky food.

For more information about the campaign, to read about the other dogs nominated and your chance to vote, visit www.autarkyfoods.com/hardestworkingdogThe winner of the Media Star Dogs category will join cani-cross star Rocket, life-saving service dog PD Captain, and incredible assistance dog Rowley, in the final.