This dog's no paw-per: Meet the golden retriever who starred in John Lewis ad and is now so rich she has a bank account

  • Blaise, a Golden Retriever, has starred in TV adverts for John Lewis
  • Her owner Lesley Thomas has opened her pet a bank account at Lloyds
  • Was entered for obedience show after found she could not have puppies
  • Despite getting 'more laughs than rosettes', was signed up to TV agency 

By MailOnline Reporter

Published: 12:10 EST, 19 October 2015 | Updated: 02:57 EST, 22 October 2015

A TV star pooch and the face of John Lewis has made so much money she has had to open her own bank account. 

Blaise, a Golden Retriever, has starred in prime-time adverts and is set to appear in two upcoming movies. 

Her owner, Lesley Thomas, opened the account at a Lloyds bank, so Blaise can save up for a 'baby sister to share in her adventures'.   

The account is in Mrs Thomas' name, with Blaise – who made her TV debut in a John Lewis home insurance advert – a subsidiary. 

Owner Lesley Thomas opened up a bank account for her Golden Retriever when the cash started to roll in 

Owner Lesley Thomas opened up a bank account for her Golden Retriever when the cash started to roll in 

Mrs Lesley with TV star dog Blaise
Although she cannot draw her own cheques, Blaise carries the pay-in book in her mouth and can fetch it from her owner's handbag

Although she cannot draw her own cheques, Blaise carries the pay-in book in her mouth and can fetch it from her owner's handbag

Blaise appeared in the John Lewis Home Insurance advert (pictured) and now has her own bank account

Blaise appeared in the John Lewis Home Insurance advert (pictured) and now has her own bank account

Mrs Thomas, a mother-of-three, who also has two grandchildren, said: 'Everyone thought I was mad.

'She got quite a good pay-out for the John Lewis ad, so I thought she should have her own account.

'It had to be a savings account - she can't sign cheques. She hasn't spent any of her money yet.

'She's saving up for a baby sister who can come and share in her adventures.'

Blaise was hand-picked for the John Lewis TV role after a personality-filled performance at an obedience show - where she was wholly disobedient.

Mrs Thomas, who bred Blaise, and her family-of-four retrievers, found out in 2012 she could not have puppies.

She said: 'I thought, 'I've got to do something else for her', so a friend persuaded me to enter her in obedience shows. She didn't exactly shine to start with.

'Her kennel name 'Blaise of Glory' became a bit of an embarrassment. 

'Instead of doing all the correct things, she'd have a good old roll on her back or run out and greet someone in the crowd - she got more laughs than rosettes.'

Blaise (far right) filming for the upcoming film called Stay, which is due for release in December

Blaise (far right) filming for the upcoming film called Stay, which is due for release in December

Blaise, the TV star dog, examines her check book held up by her owner, who lives in Halland, East Sussex - the Golden Retriever has starred in John Lewis insurance adverts for the last two years 

Blaise, the TV star dog, examines her check book held up by her owner, who lives in Halland, East Sussex - the Golden Retriever has starred in John Lewis insurance adverts for the last two years 

Blaise was hand-picked for the John Lewis TV role after a personality-filled performance at an obedience show - where she was wholly disobedient

Blaise was hand-picked for the John Lewis TV role after a personality-filled performance at an obedience show - where she was wholly disobedient

The heart-warming display of disobedience delighted Lorraine Gardner, boss of Orpington-based TV agency, Animal Hire.

She liked the look of Blaise and auditioned her on the spot.

Mrs Thomas added: 'She'd had a terrible day in the ring, but she came up trumps. I didn't know it was for a John Lewis advert until she was selected.'

Blaise is now set to appear in a film called Stay, which is due for release in December.