PJ is a lively and spirited 9-year-old dog who finds joy in every moment spent with his devoted owner, Ellie Byrne. The pair reside in the beautiful and serene County Clare, Ireland, where PJ’s days are filled with boundless energy and an insatiable love for play, particularly the game of fetch. Known for his playful nature and endless enthusiasm, PJ is always eager to make new friends and embark on new adventures. His endearing personality and zest for life make him a beloved companion to Ellie and a charming presence in their community.
During one of their regular walks, PJ spotted what he believed to be a potential new playmate. Excitedly, he trotted over and dropped a stick at the feet of this new “friend,” eagerly waiting for the familiar gesture of someone picking it up and throwing it for him. To PJ’s confusion and growing frustration, the man remained motionless, not even acknowledging the enthusiastic canine at his feet.
The reason for the man’s unresponsiveness soon became clear. This wasn’t a man at all—it was a statue. More precisely, it was a life-sized statue of the renowned Irish actor Richard Harris, famous for his roles in Unforgiven, Gladiator, and as the original Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films. The statue, unveiled in 2006, stands as a tribute to Harris, who passed away four years earlier. It depicts him in a racquetball stance, a nod to his love for the game, which he frequently played against the sea wall in West Clare.
Given the statue’s dynamic posture, it’s easy to see why PJ might have thought Harris was ready to play fetch. The little dog’s persistence was endearing as he spent a good “five or six minutes” trying to engage the statue in a game, much to the amusement of his owner and any onlookers. Ellie eventually managed to distract PJ with a ball, steering him away from his futile efforts to get the statue to play.
This wasn’t the first time PJ had mistaken the Richard Harris statue for a living person. In another amusing incident captured on video and shared by Storyful, PJ can be seen placing a small stone at the base of the statue and repeatedly tapping its foot, as if to say, “Come on, throw it already!” This recurring behavior has become a source of entertainment for locals and viewers online alike.
Ellie Byrne spoke to Newsweek about PJ’s tendency to confuse statues with real people, a habit she had hoped he would outgrow. Despite his age, PJ continues to approach statues with the same playful optimism, much to the delight of those around him. This endearing trait has turned PJ into something of a local celebrity. His viral fame, propelled by these charming videos, has provided a much-needed distraction and source of joy for Ellie, especially following the recent loss of PJ’s beloved doggie sister, Flossie.
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PJ isn’t the only dog to mistake statues for potential playmates. In another viral video, a dog named Nova can be seen persistently trying to start a game of catch with a statue of Abraham Lincoln. Nova’s owner shared with ViralHog that Nova is passionate about playing frisbee and is undeterred by the size or shape of her potential playmates—even if they are made of stone.
PJ’s innocent confusion and persistent attempts to play fetch with a statue have brought smiles and laughter to many. His story is a heartwarming reminder of the joy and amusement that our furry friends bring into our lives. PJ’s adventures in County Clare have not only made him a local celebrity but have also brightened the days of people far beyond the borders of his home, proving that sometimes, a dog’s simple mistake can spread happiness and create delightful memories.
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