Cheeky Charlie the poster boy for healthy dogs
His cheeky little face won a national competition to find the most perfect pooch to promote a new brand of healthy teas for dogs – and now Charlie is lapping up all the attention.
Charlie, who lives in Penn Fields, Wolverhampton, with his owner Joy Blakeman, was chosen from hundreds of entries to launch Woof and Brew which has created a range of herbal blends aimed at keeping dogs happy and healthy.
"I think they loved the character in his face," says Joy. "He's got a very cheeky face and that's why he's nicknamed Cheeky Charlie. Also, I think the judges found Charlie's little bio rather amusing, especially the fact he hates having a bath."
For the launch of Woof & Brew, Joy was invited to bring Charlie to Crufts. "It was quite amusing because Charlie is a crossbreed and he was surrounded by all these pedigrees," laughs Joy. "But he wasn't in the slightest bit bothered, he was in his element being in the spotlight."
Now the idea of herbal tea for dogs does sound barking mad. But these days, people go to great lengths to pamper their pets.
Joy, a fire safety inspection officer, says: "Some owners are willing to spend a fortune, so it doesn't really surprise me that herbal tea for dogs is causing quite a stir."
Animal lover Joy has had three-and-a-half-year-old Charlie from a puppy. She also has a Yorkshire terrier, Toby, and says the two are like "partners in crime".
Dogs might be man's best friend but there's an obvious bond between Joy and Charlie.
"Charlie loves people and is a real flirt with the ladies," she chuckles. "When we visit Himley Park Charlie meets up with his girlfriend Phoebe, a little Westie and when we go to Bantock Park he sees his very good friend, a sprocker spaniel called Lenny."
Charlie also takes the lead in dog training classes and has a certificate from Wombourne Dog Training Club which says he has learned six new tricks.
Read the full story in the February issue of Wolverhampton Magazine on sale now.
