Major new book deal means that popular Southwold lurcher Worzel is truly top dog

Worzel the lurcher on Southwold beach. Picture: Cath Pickles. (Image: Archant)

But now, the popular Southwold lurcher has landed a major book deal which makes him very much top dog.

Now three, Worzel had been rescued by re-homing charity, Hounds First Sighthound Rescue, when he was 10 weeks old after being beaten and abused. He was adopted by the charity's founder but, as a result the abuse he had suffered beforehand, was incredibly anxious and struggled being around children.

He was re-homed again and started 'writing' a regular blog in his own paw as a way of keeping his previous owners up-to-date on how he was getting on. However his musings and very unique vocabulary soon captured the public's imagination and readers of The Journal, where he writes a regular column.

After his posts began to attract a huge following, his owner Cath Pickles - the real writer of the blog - decided to expand his tales of 'rolling and jumpering about' and 'fings chucked' into a new book.

Southwold lurcher Worzel won an award at Dogfest 2016 for his blog. (Image: Archant)

Leading animal book publisher Hubble and Hattie has now printed the book, which is already out on the shelves. And while a star-studded future beckons for Worzel, with a second book deal already agreed, he is perhaps more concerned with his latest treats and toys.

Mrs Pickles said readers find Worzel's antics are funny and that fellow dog owners also find it educational.

'It's funny, it's honest and it's intertwined throughout with stories as positive reward-based training,' she said.'Worzel is always thoughtful and watching and you can just read a huge level of emotion on his face. When a dog is giving you that much feedback, it's very simple to turn it into a story.'

She added that she felt 'incredibly lucky and privileged' to have got The Quite Very Actual Adventures of Worzel Wooface book into print.

The jacket of the Worzel book. (Image: Archant)