Scots commentator Andrew Cotter teams up with animal charity after his dogs become internet sensations

Andrew Cotter’s dogs have become internet sensations during lockdown, and now the Scots commentator is backing a campaign to find other canine stars.

The voice of golf and rugby on BBC Sport has teamed up with Dogs for Good for their #winningfromhome competition after his videos commentating the life of Labradors Olive and Mabel took Twitter by storm.

After over 30 million views on his videos, Andrew hopes to see the nation share clips of their pets in action.

Entrants are asked to post a video no more than 60-seconds long, on Twitter, of their own companion dog doing what they do best using the hashtag #winningfromhome.

The winning video will then be commentated on by Andrew.

Sports commentator and fellow dog lover @MrAndrewCotter has kept the Twittersphere entertained with commentary of his dogs during lockdown, here’s a chance for your dog to shine! Ready… set… GO! #WinningFromHome

Donate 💚 https://t.co/0qZI3fQwCB
T&Cs 🐾 https://t.co/0XUPbYE21s pic.twitter.com/nJT0CaeiTP

— Dogs for Good (@DogsForGoodUK) May 8, 2020

Dogs for Good aims to create life-changing differences for people living with autism, physical disabilities, dementia and learning disabilities through the help of a specially trained dog.

The charity’s assistance dogs and community dogs enable people to live more independently. The charity relies upon public donations to continue its work.

Andrew said: “I was made aware of Dogs for Good by my friend and professional golfer, Eddie Pepperall and also Sky Sports presenter, Sarah Stirk – who is already an ambassador to the charity.

“The work Dogs for Good undertakes is life-changing, powerful and something I’m really happy to support.

“I’m also hoping they’ll be able to give me a few training tips for Olive and Mabel… although that ship may have already sailed.”

Still having the company meetings online. pic.twitter.com/aR3LfuSdKl

— Andrew Cotter (@MrAndrewCotter) May 11, 2020

Dogs for Good Chief Executive, Peter Gorbing, added: “We’re hugely grateful for Andrew for his help with this. His films have made us all smile, but what’s also clear is just how much dogs mean to so many of us at this time.

“We know our dogs change lives, offering practical support to help with tasks and activities that many people find difficult, as well as restoring confidence and enabling independence once again.

“We’re hoping that the competition will spread a bit of happiness during lockdown while raising some much-needed funds and awareness of Dogs for Good during this difficult time.

“As with all charities, many of our fundraising events and activities have had to be postponed for this year, so we’d be very grateful for a small donation with every competition entry.

“Our work remains as vital as ever and every donation will help us to continue our work to support people.”

Entries can be as clever or mundane as people want – a dog happily snoozing on the sofa, chasing its tail or bounding over a toilet roll jump is just as worthy as a dog acing a home-made agility course.

The competition is now open and closes on Sunday 17th May. Entry is free but as a charity, Dogs for Good would greatly appreciate a voluntary donation of £2. All donations will be used to support Dogs for Good’s life-changing work.