A puppy has made his new family rich in happiness and gold after he dug up sovereign coins worth nearly £6,000.
Tiny Ollie is a lagotto romagnolo - a breed notorious for digging - and on his first ever walk around the locals fields, he stumbled upon a small fortune.
Adam Clark, 51, from Blackpool, was utterly shocked when Ollie discovered 15 sovereign pieces likely dating back to the nineteenth century.
The landlord bought Ollie as a surprise for his nine-year-old daughter Alicia last month.
His family are thrilled with the return from the treasure, but believe the real prize is their new pup - who Adam has dubbed his own "gold hunter".
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Adam said: "When we got him we thought he seemed special. Alicia was over the moon and we couldn't wait to take him out for his first walk around the gala fields.
"We'd literally been walking for around ten minutes when Ollie suddenly stopped and started frantically digging away at the soil.
"That's when he uncovered the pile of gold pieces - I couldn't quite believe it.
"The treasure is one thing, but, the fact is, I've bought myself my very own gold hunter, and I cannot wait to take him out again.
"He is obviously a very special pup and I'm thrilled with what he brings to the table - quite literally!"
Adam took the gold coins to be examined by Chards Coin and Bullion Dealer, one of the leading gold dealers in the country, who valued them at a staggering £5,943.96.
It seems the pup really is worth his weight in gold.
Another incredible dog taking centre stage this week is 21-year-old chihuahua JohnKeith, who has just been named the World's Oldest Dog.
The golden oldie was born on 9 January 2001 in Florida, USA, making him the oldest living dog alive.
His owner, Gisela Shore, was thrilled with his official Guinness World Record title, after rescuing him from an animal shelter when he was just a few months old.
She said: "It definitely brought a big smile on my face!"
Gisela believes key to TobyKeith's long life is regular exercise, healthy genetics, a diet of vegetables, rice and chicken, and most importantly, a loving home.
Do you have a dog story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
