From homeless puppy to TV star

His face has lit up TV screens up and down the country in a new advert celebrating our work.

And Fidget’s story is a shining example of why, here at Blue Cross, we do all we can for pets in need – and the people who love them.

The jack russell cross, now one, was born at our Burford rehoming centre in Oxfordshire last year – to mum Chai, whose family could sadly no longer keep her.

Along with his four siblings, he thrived in our dedicated puppy facilities under the care of our expert team, which developed a careful socialisation plan to ensure the litter grew into confident and happy puppies who could live life to the full.

Fidget soon proved himself to be the boldest of the pups, quickly finding his voice and always keen to make himself seen and heard.

And so, it’s no surprise that it was Fidget who bounded out first when Jenny Baxter and her family, who had been grieving following the sudden death of their border terrier and Blue Cross rescue, Aggie, visited.

Jenny says that losing the beloved 10-year-old pet had been particularly tough on her daughter Tilly, as the pair had “grown up together”.

But welcoming Fidget home in July last year returned “joy” to the family, also comprising Jenny’s husband Tony and his 18-year-old son, George, as well as yellow labrador retriever rescue, Luna, six.

“He’s really mended our broken hearts,” says Jenny. 

Fidget’s story is one of many parallels with the role that he took on in the Blue Cross ad campaign, which celebrates the love stories of pets and their people over our charity’s 127 years.

Playing Alfie in the advert, talented Fidget depicted the tale – based on a true story – of a dog called Alfie with nowhere left to turn before finding himself at Blue Cross.

Soon, he transforms the life of his new owner, Alice, who was lonely following the death of her husband.

“I was so proud of him,” says Jenny, of Fidget’s time in front of the camera. “He adjusted so well and it enabled him to do a great job. He really enjoyed it.”

During filming, Fidget always had his own dressing room – a quiet space that was his to relax in between his short stints on set, which were carefully managed by our Behaviour Team.

But while the young dog might be a TV star now, he remains oblivious to his fame and is happiest by his family’s side, making them smile each day.

Jenny says: “He’s just a super cool and funny little dog. He’s really confident and makes us laugh every day. We just love him so much and he’s just what we needed. We have been so lucky.”

She adds: “It has been a privilege to have him from a puppy as a rescue dog. And he really is evidence of how special rescue dogs are.”

Look out for our advert on your TV screen again this September and join the conversation online with the hashtag #OurPetStories.

And with your support, whatever the story, Blue Cross can continue to be there for the many pets and people who rely on us.