Wildly Different

We're excited to introduce our latest TV advert, a celebration of the unique bond between pets and their owners. But this isn't just your usual pet insurance ad… we wanted to show the real-life connections between our very own colleagues and their beloved pets.

Why we chose our own pets

Here at Animal Friends, our pets are part of the family. That’s why we do things differently. So, instead of looking for paid actors, we thought it was only fitting that our office pets take to the screen. Here they are… 

Rebecca and Harri

Nicknames: Harriett, Harri

Harri’s age: 4 

More about Harri: Harri is a French bulldog x Chihuahua. She's feisty and fun, sassy and strong-willed, and has a giant heart filled with so much love for those in her pack. 

What makes Harri wildly different? Harri is 'wildly different' because of her giant ears and intelligent eyes. When she looks at you, ears pricked, she's looking deep behind your eyes and into your soul. 

Are there any funny moments you remember from set? When Harri was on-set, she was a classic diva. She enjoyed every moment and thrived on the attention she received. She's such an extrovert and isn't shy about having her say!

Rebecca and Gertie

Nicknames: Gertrude, Gertie

Gertie’s age: 3 (almost 4)

More about Gertie: Gertie is a Boston Terrier x French bulldog. She's Harri's little sister from another mister (and mother), and her soulmate. She acts like a clown, sounds like Darth Vadar, and sometimes produces a smell that would wake the dead!

What makes Gertie wildly different? Her goofy nature. She can never just lay down, she has to sprawl like a toad, and she has to have an equal share of the hair dryer when I'm blow drying my hair.

Are there any funny moments you remember from set? When Gertie was on-set, she was a little shy and didn't want to leave my side. But she absolutely loved the hustle and bustle and being around all the people and dogs. She's a bit of an introvert, and a giant baby.

Patricia and Skye

Nicknames: Skye Pie, Miss Pie, Puppy

Skye's age: 4

More about Skye: Skye is a German Shorthaired pointer and is a Velcro dog who loves to be near you, on you, or under your feet wherever you go. She is incredibly loving and protective. She has been in our lives since she was 12 weeks old. When we first brought her home, she was smaller than Charlie, Mum’s rescue dog, but now she is five times the size of him, and they still play tug of war! She is full of boundless energy when we are out and about and loves to be running free in the woods or on the beach. When we’re at home, there is nothing she loves more than snuggling up under a blanket on your lap! She loves life and people – and at four years old, still does an excited wee when she meets people! She then has to bring them a toy/socks/whatever she can get hold of to stop her spontaneously combusting with excitement.

What makes Skye wildly different? Her love of life and people, she really is sunshine in a pointer coat.

Are there any funny moments you remember from set? Skye being Skye and wouldn’t do anything that they wanted her to do. You know the age old saying of never work with dogs or children, Skye was a shining example of that on shoot day!

Patricia and Charlie

Nicknames: Charlie Farlie, Tatty McFatty

Charlie’s age: 12-14

More about Charlie: He is my mum’s rescue dog made up of various breeds, but predominantly Parson Russell and Jack Russell terrier. We’ve had him for 10 years now. He was a stray originally, and Battersea didn’t have much background on him, but we think he must have come from a family setting as he loves kids. In the last 10 years he has become a key member of the family, and was our walking saviour during Covid lockdowns as we didn’t have Skye then. He is very loving and loyal – when my daughter is poorly, he will not leave her side, even when it’s his walk time. He is the boss in our house, even though Skye is five times bigger than he is. If he wants to eat her food, she stands and watches or comes to me to complain that he is eating her food! Charlie is a foodie and goes absolutely nuts for treats.

What makes Charlie wildly different? His devotion to the family, especially when someone is poorly.

Are there any funny moments you remember from set? No funny moments as such, but Charlie came across as a seasoned professional and did exactly what the production team wanted on cue! Who knew? As he rarely listens at home!

Roisin and Archie

Nickname: Bean

Archie’s age: 6

More about Archie: Archie, our cheeky, food-loving Springer x Poodle, is so much more than a pet—he's my best friend and my "first born." His world revolves around two passions: agility and his well-worn, beloved bunny toy. No day is complete without Archie trying to swipe a snack or two, followed by him trotting around proudly with his bunny, which he’s had since he was a puppy and carries everywhere despite its… unique scent. Archie's charm and mischief keep life exciting, and I’d be completely lost without him by my side.

What makes Archie wildly different: Agility isn’t just a hobby for Archie; it's his happy place. Competing as a grade 7 (the highest Kennel Club Grade), he spends weekends racing around a field, barking with joy as we run around together, competing against the top dogs in the country. His drive, energy, and enthusiasm are inspiring, and seeing him in his element fills my heart. Whether we’re curled up on the sofa or stepping onto the start line together, life with Archie is an adventure that brings me endless laughter, joy, and love. He simply is my best friend. Whoever said diamonds are a girl's best friend, never had a dog.

Are there any funny moments you remember from set: Archie had to have his beloved bunny in the van on the drive down.

Roisin and Ned

Nicknames: Neddy Bear, Doofus

Ned's age: 6

More about Ned: Ned, our 6-year-old Springer x Poodle, is a testament to the power of love and patience. When we first rescued him at age 2, he struggled with resource guarding and had some walls up, but over time, those fears melted away completely. He simply needed to know he could be loved as fiercely as he loves others. Today, he's a totally different dog, open-hearted and gentle, radiating joy wherever he goes. Watching him change into this confident, trusting dog has been so heart-warming, and it’s clear he has so much love to give, he's always eager to share his big, contagious grin with everyone he meets.

What makes Ned wildly different: While Ned never quite took to agility (let's just say he had other ideas on the course), he’s perfected the art of being a cheerleader instead. I challenge anyone to find a dog happier than Ned; his boundless optimism and goofy charm are unmatched. No matter how tough a day has been, one look at his happy face, and suddenly, the world feels brighter. He's not our "first born," but he's our heart dog—the one who’s always there to lean on, with big floppy ears ready to catch any tears. Ned’s big-hearted smile makes every day feel a little lighter, and reminds me that unconditional love is the best gift of all.

Are there any funny moments you remember from set: Poor Ned was scared of the big cameras.  

Carla and Guinness

Nicknames: G or Big G

Guinness’s age: 17 years

More about Guinness: Guinness is an Irish Sports horse that I was fortunate enough to be gifted almost 10 years ago. We used to do dressage, riding club events, and eventing together, but unfortunately due to an injury he sustained, he can no longer take part in any of these activities. These days life is in a slower lane, happy hacking and eating grass with his field mates. 

What makes Guinness wildly different: I’m sure he was once a hippo, as he actively digs himself wallows in the field and makes sure he gives himself a full mud pack (much to my displeasure having to clean it all off!). 

Are there any funny moments you remember from set: We used a molasses treat to get him to lick my hands and he would seek out who had the tub once he’d licked my hands clean. When I was riding him, I had to hold Ben’s (our photographer) camera to do some filming, and I remember him spooking and me thinking ‘don’t drop the camera’. 

Behind-the-scenes chaos

You know what they say in showbiz, never work with children or animals – and we can see why. Here are some sneak peeks for you to enjoy, from high fives to belly rubs...