Olly the Jack Russell

Olly

the

Wonder

Olly won the nation’s heart at Crufts for his epic performance, and now boasts fan clubs as far afield as Japan and Australia. We caught up with Olly’s owner, Karen, to find out what it’s like to own the ultimate scamp...

dog

How did you come to meet Olly?

My lurcher died, so I wanted a new friend. I came across the Blue Cross website and there was an adorable picture of a Jack Russell puppy. I knew right away I wanted him. I had said initially I wanted a girl, not a boy, but that faded away once I saw him.

While Olly was at Blue Cross his name was Dinky, and it was all very lucky as a family had come to get him and decided not to take him, so I called up on the Monday and they said Olly had been reserved for me.

I jumped in the car and raced down to Blue Cross Kimpton and he was the naughtiest dog I’ve ever met. He was

biting my trousers and humping my leg... Jackie who runs the puppy section said, “Karen, you’re going to have your hands full” and I said “No, I’m not.” She was absolutely right. I brought him home and he’s been totally bonkers since, and we love him.

He was actually left outside the Blue Cross in a cat basket and whoever owned him didn’t even bring him in, although the centre was open. It’s awful, but I’m so glad I’ve met him.

Do you have any advice for potential Jack Russell dog owners?

Terriers are the world’s naughtiest breed, but they’re so much fun. A lot of people have said they’re going to get a

Jack Russell but they need to research the breed before getting a terrierthey’re active dogs and need constant stimulation with games and training. Without this, owners are going to have issues with the dog destroying things and being, well, a terrier. They have to have that work ethic.

“He will watch to see the other dogs eat something first before he tries it, but with Burns, not a problem.”

Where does Olly get that famous energy from?

Olly eats Burns Alert food. It should be Burns calm down food really, haha. Olly has always been a fussy eater and I’ve got 4 other dogs that Olly uses as a benchmark with food. He will watch to see the other dogs eat something first before he tries it, but with Burns, not a problem. It’s immense food. Even with treats he is usually fussy and can turn his nose up but he wolfs the Burns Training Treats down and when I call him he comes back straight away so he can have the yummy food.

My dad’s dog is also on Burns Alert and has been eating it for the past 3 months and

“He’s such an adventurous dog and a real character. I’d love to know what goes on in that little brain of his.”

recently he won 3 classes at a show which just shows the difference. It’s incredible and I’m so glad you sponsored him before he hit fame.

What’s next for Olly now that he’s a global icon?

Olly is a bit of a showman. Together we’ve been visiting schools and talking about the importance of asking permission before touching someone’s dog. We’ve also been continuing with agility shows through P3 Training Academy and a few weeks ago he even won a jumping class. He loves all the attention.

Last summer I wrote some kids books on Olly, all of his adventures when he’s been a bit of a rogue and a bit naughty and I would love to get those published. I think that would be really good fun. He’s such an adventurous dog and a real character. I’d love to know what goes on in that little brain of his.

Photography by: Stuart Breedon

Stay up to date with Olly’s adventures on social media...

www.facebook.com/ollyrusell/www.youtube.com (search ‘Olly’s Channel’) www.youtube.com/channel/UCOP8pmK4xC6hYRIfWy_x4g Q

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