Dog lovers everywhere agree that our canine companions bring immense joy to our lives. But Ollie, a Lagotto Romagnolo, has taken this joy to a whole new level.
Adam Clark and Kim McGuire from Blackpool, England, bought Ollie as a surprise for their daughter Alice, but they ended up with a surprise of their own.
Ollie, beyond his charming appearance, comes from a breed known for its exceptional sense of smell and digging prowess. Originally bred in Italy to hunt waterfowl, Lagotto Romagnolos are now renowned as truffle hunters. Their natural digging skills came into play during Ollie’s first walk with his new family.
Just ten minutes into the park, Ollie began digging energetically in the soil. To everyone’s astonishment, he unearthed what turned out to be 15 sovereign coins, pieces of gold potentially dating back to as early as 1489.
Adam Clark took the coins to a reputable gold dealer, who confirmed their authenticity and valued them at £5,943.96, roughly $7,564. While the exact cost of Ollie is unknown, it’s clear that the family’s investment was well rewarded.
Despite the remarkable discovery, Clark views Ollie as a treasure in his own right. “The treasure is a bonus, but the real gift is having my gold hunter,” Clark told The U.S. Sun. “He’s a very special pup, and I’m thrilled with what he brings—literally and figuratively!”
Lagotto Romagnolos, known for their truffle-hunting abilities and their affectionate nature, are also excellent companions. According to Dog Time, they are easy to train, good with children, and have hypoallergenic coats, though they require regular grooming. For their loyal companionship and good nature, this grooming is a small price to pay.
As for what other treasures Ollie might find in the future, only time will tell. But one thing is certain—he’s bringing immense happiness to his family, a truly priceless reward.