IN THE spotlight and in front of a camera, a TV crew from Moscow paid a visit to the Canine Country Club in Youlstone near Bude and filmed a local pooch.

On Thursday, April 21, Deejay, the English Bulldog from Bude, had his 15 minutes of fame as the Russian camera crew visited his local Country Club — which Deejay visits from time to time when his ‘humans’ go away.

The crew is creating a show that will look at different breeds from different countries and the difference between the relationships with their owners.

They have previously filmed footage in Germany of the countries ‘native’ dog, the Dachshund.

They then wanted to focus on the two British breeds, the Golden Retriever and the English Bulldog.

The TV producers approached Rachel Seagrave, of the Canine Country Club, to see if she would be interested in being featured on the Russian television programme, she told the Post: “They approached us. A lady called Julia, from Moscow, got in contact with me at the Canine Country Club and said they wanted to showcase the relationship between the British people and their dogs.

“She said they chose the Canine Country Club because they had never seen an establishment like our facility and that they had no luxury like this for dogs in Russia.

“They wanted to look at the history of each breed and their certain character traits, along with the level of care we provide for the dogs who stay with us and they were very interest in our hydro pool.

“They filmed our employee Jenna’s Golden Retriever in the pool and we discussed the benefits of using such a facility including fitness, keeping weight down, strengthening bonds between dog and owner and muscle care.”

A crew of four came down to the Country Club, including two cameramen, the Russian presenter Gregory and a translator.

Rachel added: “It was a really surreal experience. I was told that when Gregory spoke to me, in Russian, I was to wait for the translator then should reply in English but to aim my response not at the translator but at Gregory, even though we didn’t understand each other, — it was honestly like nothing I have ever experienced before.

“Overall, they were a really lovely group of guys to work with and we had a real giggle on set while filming the dogs, especially with Deejay when he came strutting out to be filmed.”

Deejay’s owners Debbie Lewington and Ben Crossfield were delighted when Rachel contacted them to invite them to be part of the show.

Deejay is an eight and a half year old English Bulldog. He was re-homed and has been with Debbie and Ben for four and a half years and goes to work with them everyday at Reflections Home Improvements.

Deejay is already a bit of a celebrity in the dog world, with an Instagram account of over 3000 followers, but he took his latest appearance in the spotlight in his stride.

Unfortunately Debbie was unable to be there on the day, but partner Ben took Deejay down and appeared on camera with him. Ben said: “It was great to be able to support the Canine Country Club.

“We trust Rachel to provide care for Deejay when we go away and it was great to come down and support her during this filming.

“It was lovely to see Deejay being filmed and hopefully the show will help people to understand the breed a little more. Deejay also had great fun!”

It is hoped that the show will air in Russia some time in July and if it is popular will be translated and adapted for UK TV.

To see more from Deejay follow him on Instagram @bulldog2fun