We get a lot of exclusives here at The Water Cooler but this one is by far the most paw-some.
Ahead of the season premiere of The Dog House Australia, we got a sit down (and a shake, and a roll over) with star of the first episode, Walt.
Four-year-old long boi, Walt was transferred to the Animal Welfare League to free up space at Greyhound Rescue. He never expected to become an instant celebrity or be followed home by the pup-arazzi. But according to Walt, he wouldn’t change a thing.
Thank you for your time, Walt! What was it like filming The Dog House Australia?
When I moved to the Animal Welfare League, I was not expecting to become a reality TV star. But the experience was paw-some. I had my own assistant who fetched me many balls and took me on lots of walks. She even gave me chicken! All I had to do was walk calmly on the lead and let people give me pats. I heard her say I’m very food motivated but I don’t know what that means. Easiest job in the world!
For all you other doggo’s out there who want to break into show business, don’t give up! Anything is paw-sible.
Tell us about the family you met in the first episode. Did you find you find your furr-ever home?
Oh Paul and Samuel were a lovely couple who came into the AWL looking for a new doggo after recently losing their rescue chihuahua. Paul wanted a small boi but Sam wanted a long boi (I knew I liked that Sam as soon as I laid my paws on him). Contractually, I can’t tell you what happens in the end. You’ll need to speak with my publicist.
Prior to the show, you spent 77 days in the shelter. What’s that experience like?
It’s pretty ruff not having my own comfy couch to sit on but the staff and trainers always take such great care of us and I’ve made some amazing friends (even with some of the cats. But don’t tell them I said that). But it can be lonely in the shelter. Especially for someone like me whose favourite thing is leaning up against humans legs. However, since The Dog House Australia launched, the AWL has been able to rehome 76 pets which is the ulti-mutt result!
Do you think you might get the call up to host the show next season?
Oh, paw-lease. LOL! Look, I’m always open to whatever opportunities come my way. Could I host? Absolutely. I’d probably win the Best New Talent Logie. But for now, I’m focused on writing my autobiography, I’m Having A Ball (which should hit the shelves by Christmas). I’m also releasing my own line of Earl Greyhound tea.
Finally, what’s your favourite dog joke?
I wanted to see lots of animals at the zoo but they only had one dog. It was a shih-tzu. Get it? GET IT?
The Dog House Australia.
Premieres Wednesday, 8 February at 7.30pm.
On 10 and 10 Play.
