Rescue Dog Stars in “The Durrells in Corfu”

When PBS viewers tune in to Masterpiece to watch the premiere episode of The Durrells in Corfu they will see not only the true tale of a British family embarking on a new life on a Greek island, but also the talent of a rescue dog who has been given a new lease on life thanks to the world of entertainment.

Sharing the small screen with stars Keeley Hawes (Ashes to Ashes, Line of Duty), Milo Parker (Mr. Holmes) and an array of animal actors including a seagull, pelicans, bats, donkeys and owls, Mossup– a seven-year-old Lurcher– portrays Roger, the tail-wagging childhood chum of Gerald Durrell, conservationist and author of the memoir upon which the TV series is based, My Family and Other Animals.

According to an interview with The Daily Mail, Mossup was rescued from a puppy mill in Blackpool by her pet parent Liz Thornton of A1 Animals, which supplies the skills of professional four-pawed actors to British movie and TV studios. Mastering the tricks of the trade, Mossup has previously shown off her abilities in the Showtime series The Tudors, where she stepped into the role of one of King Henry VIII's canine companions.

While Mossup and Milo Parker's onscreen antics in The Durrells in Corfu will tickle the funny bones of TV viewers, the rescued dog star proves that she can also tug at heartstrings in the 2015 PSA for The Blue Cross, an animal welfare charity which has helped homeless, ill and injured companion animals since 1897. In the clip, Mossup plays Baxter, a dog who finds the courage to leave a neglectful relationship in order to find the love of a forever family:

Mossup is not the only rescue dog currently starring in a Masterpiece series. Each Sunday fans of the hit historical drama Poldark watch the acting chops not only of the show's romantic leads Aidan Turner and Elinor Tomlinson, but also of Barley, who portrays heroine Demelza's devoted dog, Garrick. A Lurcher mix, Barley's road to fame began when he was adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home by animal trainer Gil Radding.

People with a passion for compassion who find themselves inspired by the series to find out more about the efforts of the late Gerald Durrell should pay a visit to The Channel Islands, where The Durrell Wildlife Park helps to protect many endangered species. The 32-acre park is operated by The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

The Durrells in Corfu premieres October 16th at 8/7c on PBS.