He’s the Scottish sports commentator who has transformed his labradors into film stars during the current Covid-19 lockdown.
And now, Andrew Cotter has teamed up with the charity, Dogs for Good, to launch a new competition encouraging the public to create their own animal videos.
The #winningfromhome campaign follows the remarkable success of a number of short videos which Mr Cotter has produced with his two labradors, Olive and Mabel.
Entrants have been asked to post a video no more than 60 seconds long, on Twitter, of their own companion dog doing what they do best and the winning effort will then be commentated on by the rugby and golf aficionado.
Olive and Mabel have taken lockdown by storm accompanied by Mr Cotter’s funny commentary for The Dog’s Breakfast, Game of Bones and The Walk of Shame videos.
These have clocked up 30 million views on Twitter and have also demonstrated the skill required to turn something as routine as two dogs eating breakfast into something riveting.
Dogs for Good is a charity that creates life-changing differences for people living with a wide range of conditions including autism, physical disabilities, dementia and learning disabilities through the help of a specially trained dog.
The organisation’s chief executive, Peter Gorbing, said: “We’re hugely grateful for Andrew for his help with this.
“Andrew’s films have made us all smile, but what’s also clear is just how much dogs mean to so many of us at this time.
“We’re hoping the competition will spread a bit of happiness during lockdown while raising some much-needed funds and awareness of Dogs for Good during this difficult time.”
Mr Cotter spoke about his determination to help the charity at the same time as bringing a smile to people’s faces.
He added: “I was made aware of Dogs for Good by my friend and professional golfer, Eddie Pepperell, and presenter, Sarah Stirk – who is already an ambassador to the charity.
“The work Dogs for Good undertakes is life-changing, powerful and something I am really happy to support.
“I’m also hoping they’ll be able to give me a few training tips for Olive and Mabel – although that ship may have sailed.”
The competition is now open and closes on Sunday May 17. Entry is free, but Dogs for Good would greatly appreciate a voluntary donation of £2.
