The Dancing Star

Dogs and humans can do miracles as true friends to each other; we can see it in Ashleigh and Pudsey’s engaging and unique bond.

Ashleigh Butler, who has been training dogs since childhood, knew that there was something special about her pet Pudsey.

After winning many competitions and titles, Ashleigh and Pudsey decided to show the world what their chemistry was all about.

They participated in and won “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2012, danced in front of the Queen of England and are Hollywood stars in the making.

We talk to the beautiful Ashleigh Butler, who leaves no stone unturned when it comes to training and taking care of her talented pet Pudsey.

When did you realise your love for dogs?
My mum has trained dogs since she was a teenager, so when I was born I was thrown into the world of dogs. Interestingly, I started training my first dog, Shamee, at five. I have been fond of them since then.

What was your initial reaction when you and Pudsey were declared the winners of “Britain’s Got Talent?”
Complete shock! Right from seeing Jonathan and Charlotte’s audition, I thought they were going to win. When we were standing with them at the end of the final two acts, I was preparing myself to congratulate them on winning.

What inspired you to take a shot at this competition?
It was my mum and nanny that encouraged me to go for it. I wasn’t sure if it was the right thing for both Pudsey and me, so I asked for their advice. I sent my application to BGT the day before the closing date! Maybe, this was what destiny had in store for both of us.

How hopeful were you about your triumph in the end?
Honestly, I never thought we would win in a million years. Even my nanny, who is our number one fan, said to me that a dog act is never going to win. With a show like Britain’s Got Talent, you have to take it step by step and enjoy the experience.

What kept you going all this while?
My family and friends have been very supportive of us. I truly owe them, and everyone who voted for us, a huge thank you, because without them we wouldn’t be where we are now.

How long were you both training before you joined the contest?
I started training Pudsey basic obedience when he was just a puppy and then from a year old I taught him how to do agility. About 4 years ago we started canine freestyle and never looked back. Pudsey has reached the top in agility and canine freestyle, so in a way, BGT was the next challenge for us.

How tough was it preparing Pudsey for all the challenges ahead?
Very! Usually, it takes months to make a routine, put it together, practice and then perfect it, but with BGT you don’t get months. We had three weeks to make our semi-final routine and then about two weeks for our final one. I was amazed at how well Pudsey coped with the whole experience. He just took it all in his stride. He is a real star. I am sure he makes you proud.

I am extremely proud of him. For a dog with no experience in the TV or film world, he has adapted to it so well. He is a natural show-off which really helps, and he just has a face for TV.

What’s special about Pudsey?
Pudsey will always do his best at whatever I ask of him. He is totally unique starting from his undershot jaw, which makes him look like he’s smiling, to his big fluffy head, to the way he stands so upright on his hind legs and walks almost human-like. All he ever wants is some treats, love, and to know that he is making me happy. I am honoured to have such a special dog with so much talent.

How has your life changed since then and in what ways?
Both our lives have changed dramatically. The experiences we have had have been incredible, and that is all down to the people who picked up the phone for us and voted. Before BGT I was just your average schoolgirl, whose hobby was to train dogs. Now my job is my hobby. Not many people can say that.

What was it like performing before the Queen and meeting her along with Pudsey at The Royal Variety Performance?
It was incredibly nerve-wracking! The whole experience was out of this world. She asked me how I train my dogs. I replied by saying, “It takes a lot of time, patience and good treats!”

So tell us about the Hollywood experience.
We have just finished filming “Pudsey – the movie.” It has been such an exciting journey, from us just talking about doing it, to now when we have just completed it.

How is Pudsey in front of the camera?
I am incredibly proud of him, especially when it comes to film work because that is different to doing a routine task. When he is doing his dog acting, I can’t always be there to help him, so we have had to work very hard, teaching him new tricks and going off confidently with other people.

How does your day start with Pudsey?
Well, that is a very tough question because no day is the same as another. Some days we get to have rest days, some days we are in London or other places around the UK, and some days we are filming in studios. It’s exciting not knowing what the week is going to hold.

What are your activities these days?
Most of the time, our work is our hobby. Practising routines, meeting new people or doing some film work is the norm of our lives now. I still do like to take Pudsey to agility shows as it keeps him fit and he loves it.

Do you support any campaign that raises your voice against animal suffering?
I support many canine and animal rescue centres. They do a fantastic job of rescuing and rehabilitating unwanted and abused animals and giving them a second chance in life.

There is no excuse for animal cruelty, whether it’s an animal being physically abused or an animal being starved or neglected.

Do you have any message for our readers on behalf of animal welfare?
There is so much information on the Internet now that there is no excuse for pets to be kept in appalling conditions, and fed the wrong type of food. If people just took the time to do some research before going out and getting a pet, then I am sure there would be fewer animals living in unsuitable conditions and ending up in rescue centres. Another issue when people buy pets is that they don’t think of the cost of feeding, caring for and providing veterinary attention for the whole of the animal’s life.