Ernie, a beagle, was adopted approximately nine years ago after he reportedly crawled into his owner's lap during a visit to a litter of puppies. He was initially chosen due to his perceived placid nature.
However, Ernie's temperament soon changed, leading to a persistent inclination for danger. In November 2022, he reportedly chased a deer across a busy dual carriageway, narrowly avoiding multiple vehicles. Last year, he jumped headfirst into the River Wey while on a canal boat.
Ernie has also consumed various items that could be harmful, including an entire tray of chocolate brownies as a puppy, a four-pack of raw chicken breasts, and three Easter eggs with their foil packaging. Despite these incidents, which have resulted in vet bills exceeding £12,000, his owners report that the love he brings outweighs the stress.
His hound instincts have also led to a positive outcome, as Ernie once helped a dog walker locate a missing dog in the woods by following its scent.