Bournemouth dog stars in The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Harrison, a nine-year-old Border Terrier, was hailed “spectacular” for his part in the British drama ‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’.

The film, which premiered in April, tells the story of an ordinary pensioner played by Jim Broadbent who walks the length of Britain to save a dying friend.

Harrison, better known as Harry, acted as the stray dog that accompanied him on part of his journey.

The role was a change for Harry, who typically enjoys a relaxed lifestyle in Bournemouth with his owner Carol Cavanaugh, 55.

Harry (Image: Carol Cavanaugh)

Carol said: “He’s a very loved and cherished dog. We’re joined at the hip.

“He’s not done anything like this before, and he was just thrown right in at the deep end, and he absolutely blew me away.

“He was spectacular.”

Harry had first been recruited for the movie ahead of filming in 2021 in what was described as a “fluke” by Carol.

She told the Echo: “When he was a puppy, I registered him with a couple of agencies, because everyone thinks their dog is special.

“When he was eight years old, I got a call from an agent asking if I still had the dog, and if I could send some footage of him just casually walking around the local area off the lead.

Carol with Harry (Image: Carol Cavanaugh)

“They were looking for an untrained dog, because they say the trained ones keep looking at their owner for the next command. So, they just wanted a chilled out little man, who could wander around looking like a stray.

“I sent a video off of him, and then I took him for a little interview in the east end, and he met Jim Broadbent. We had a little chat and put him behind the camera.

“Then we got a call and they said he had the part.”

Harry has been enjoying the four-legged fame already, and at the beginning of June, he met with staff at The Regent in Christchurch where The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is currently showing.

He also attended the premier of the film in London with Carol. Carol said: “Harry got to go into the movie house and watch his own movie.”