A former stray dog thought to have been rejected from three different homes was chosen to feature in a TV advert seen by millions over Christmas.
Whirly was found tied up in Hilsea, Portsmouth, and taken to Portsmouth Stray Dog Kennels in 2023.
He was then adopted by the owner of an animal talent agency, who said he had “a special character with bags of potential”.
He found fame at just 10 months old in a McDonald’s advert which saw him strutting across a road in a knitted elf costume.
The shelter, run by Portsmouth City Council, believed Whirly’s energetic nature had been challenging for previous owners, leaving him without a stable home.
After giving him some care and cuddles, he was transferred to Helping Hounds, a rehoming centre in Grayshott.
It was there he was spotted by experienced dog owner and talent scout Laura Ingall, who said she “fell in love” with his face.
“What people often don’t understand is that dogs like Whirly aren’t ‘too much’ – they just need the right approach,” she said.
She described seeing Whirly in the fast food advert as being “incredible”.
The commercial features two people in a car, driving down a street where all the houses are lit up with Christmas lights. They stop at a zebra crossing, and Whirly walks across in front of them.
Ms Ingall added: “He’s proof that with the right support and training, rescue dogs can achieve amazing things.”
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