Canine show-stopper

A Rockingham dog had a brush with stardom last week when she took to the stage as part of the Perth Festival.

Rough coat Jack Russell Scout delighted audiences with her charisma and charm during a five-night run of Shakespearean favourite A Midsummer Night’s Dream at His Majesty’s Theatre.

Proud owner Silvana McCutcheon said it was no small task for the Victorian-born one-year-old, who was taught to understand commands in the tongue of the Russian performance troupe.

McCutcheon said the little terrier began her training in November, after a canine talent scout chose her for her joy and enthusiasm.

She said trainers at Belmont-based Billy’s Daycare for Dogs thought Scout had star potential and began training in earnest — teaching the petite pooch to stand and walk on her hind legs, jump into cast members’ arms and dutifully follow her onstage master around the performance space.

“Scout was just amazing — they picked her because she was so happy, and so fluffy,” McCutcheon said.

“She’s a spunky and happy little dog and the audience just loved her. She just arrived home after a week away and is really tired from all the working.”

McCutcheon said Scout was happy to be home in Rockingham, with her Staffordshire bull terrier pal Eddie.

Trainer Desma McLeod, who has prepared dogs, cats, ducks and even mice for film and television roles, said training Scout was a challenge, but she had come a long way in just a few months.

One audience member who attended A Midsummer Night’s Dream said Scout was a real show-stopper, stealing the limelight from the actors.