Danielle Butson never expected her best mate to become a television star, but her labrador Lua is now the face of NexGard flea and tick tablets.
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A two-year-old chocolate lab, Reedyvale Kahlua, also known as Lua, is earning her keep after starring in a What’s New television commercial.
Danielle said she saw a casting call for chocolate labs on Facebook and decided to send in head shots of Lua and her other dog Tia, a chocolate lab cross kelpie.
She was requested to send in a video of the pair, which she filmed in her front yard, before getting the call to bring both dogs to shoot the commercial.
“It was totally unexpected,” Danielle said.
“But I knew my dogs were well behaved, so thought I’d give it a go.
“I’m really pleased with the outcome.”
Lua features in the film with a woman and little girl and Danielle said she had to spend a lot of time with the actors and the What’s New presenter before filming could commence.
“She was really good and settle in with the actors and the camera crew.
“She is so easy going, so the noises and cameras didn’t bother her.”
Tia was Lua’s understudy, but wasn’t required for the shoot in Sydney.
Danielle said both dogs have been signed with the Animal Talent Time agency and could star in future commercials, catalogues or television shows.
The puppies enjoying spending time at the beach and, typical labs, love the water.
Danielle travels all around the state attending flyball and agility competitions, with both dogs holding national titles.
“We do flyball, agility, obedience and Rally-o,” she said.
The trio recently competed at the Nowra Show and will take part in the National Flyball competition at the Canberra Royal Show next weekend.
Danielle said the commercial can be seen now on television and she was thrilled when she saw it for the first time.
“I didn’t watch them filming, so had no idea what it would look like,” she added.
“It was pretty exciting and I’m really happy with it.”
She described Lua as an easy-going dog who was well-behaved and not over-excited like many young labs.
“My dogs are like my mates,” she said.
“I love training them and spending time with them.
“They love it and I love it.
“They have great personalities and love you no matter what.”
Danielle said Lua’s fee would help fund the many-upcoming trips to Canberra, Wollongong and Sydney for competitions.
Lua was bred by Termeil couple Roger and Gloria Evans who were also happy to see one of their pups on the big screen.
