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Peggy the Dog Shines at Calgary Expo as the Face of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’
Peggy the Dog is making headlines at this year’s Calgary Expo, captivating fans and attendees alike with her charm and star power.
This petite canine has become a breakout sensation in the film industry, playing the role of ‘Dogpool’ in the much-anticipated movie “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which features renowned actors Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. “It’s been surreal,” says Holly Middleton, Peggy’s owner. “We never imagined this journey would lead us here.”
Peggy’s rise to fame began when her owners entered her into a contest for Britain’s “Ugliest Dog,” after spotting an ad in their local village newspaper. In 2023, she triumphed in this quirky competition, catching the attention of film producers. Luke Middleton, Holly’s husband, recounts, “A few months later, Ryan Reynolds or a member of his team was searching for an ugly dog in the UK—a fitting choice for the film’s setting—and Peggy popped up on Google. They fell in love with her, and the rest is history.”
The success of “Deadpool & Wolverine” catapulted Peggy into the global spotlight, garnering significant attention for her unique appearance.
The Middletons believe Peggy is a mix of a Chinese crested and a pug, often referred to as a Pugese. She was the only remaining pup in a sizable litter and was overlooked by potential adopters for several months due to her unconventional looks. “When we found her at six months old, no one seemed to want her. Perhaps the upkeep or perceived expenses scared them away, but Peggy is in perfect health, and I fell in love at first sight,” Holly reflects.
With their newfound fame, the Middletons have chosen to use this opportunity to support animal welfare. Their travels to conventions and significant social media presence have inspired them to help raise awareness and funds for animal charities. At the Calgary Expo, they are collaborating with Parachutes for Pets, an organization focused on keeping pets with their families during tough financial times through a secondhand store for pet items.
“We’re incredibly honored that Peggy and her family chose to partner with us to spotlight Parachutes for Pets,” said founder Melissa David. “Being a smaller grassroots charity, opportunities like this are rare, and we are truly grateful.”
Peggy’s team is not just raising awareness; they are also contributing financially. For each photo that fans take with Peggy at the Expo, $5 will be donated to the organization. David, who is also a fan of Peggy, expressed her appreciation for this initiative. “It’s amazing. She’s donating $5 for each photo back to us, and today has been a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our work and meet some of the people who benefit from the charity,” she said enthusiastically.
The Middletons visited the charity and were moved by its impact. “What they do for people is truly incredible,” Luke remarked. “Who would have thought a tiny dog could bring so much joy?”
This week, Peggy will continue to delight her fans as she leads the Parade of Wonders in Calgary as Paw-rader in Chief on April 25. Following the parade, she will be available for meet-and-greet sessions all weekend long at the BMO Centre, further solidifying her status as a beloved figure at the event.
Source
globalnews.ca