Rusty the dog signed to top model agency

Jul 5 2009 by Liz Lamb, Sunday Sun

PEDIGREE pooch Rusty is swapping dog walks for the catwalk after becoming the first animal to be signed to a top North model agency.

The cocker spaniel is the dog’s doodahs after gracing the pages of Your Dog magazine twice, appearing in a national newspaper pedigree supplement and starring on Sky television’s Animal Planet programme.

The dog - whose pedigree name is Ravenriver Rock - has also modelled for Morrison’s pet food packaging, taken part in a photo shoot for a national caravan firm and been approached to star in a television advert for Carpet Right.

His achievements have led to him becoming the first animal to be signed to Boho Model Agency in Byker, Newcastle.

Owner Rebecca Ashworth, 18, of Widdrington, near Morpeth, Northumberland, said: “ I have grown up with Rusty. He is my best friend. He can do anything. He is good with kids, safe with other animals. He’s bomb- proof.

“Rusty was my grandma’s dog but I looked after him as well when I was little. He comes from a family of sporting gundogs and has unusual colouring for a cocker spaniel which makes him different.

“When my grandma died a couple of years ago he came to live with me. He has always followed me around everywhere.

“It’s great that he is becoming a bit of a star now.”

Rebecca has taken five-year-old Rusty to obedience and agility training for years and he has also won several dog show competitions and competed in regional trials for Crufts.