Pool-playing pooch run over by owner

A pool playing, darts-fetching pooch who was once crowned the cleverest dog in Shropshire has died after being run over by his owner.

Border collie Blue was resting under a tractor when Geoff Davies reversed it over him. The pet from Baschurch made a name for himself as the county’s smartest canine after amazing regulars at the Boreatton Arms with his control of the cue ball on the pool table and his ability to fetch darts for the pub’s players.

The 11-year-old also achieved fame when he showed off his skills in the opening round of the ITV show Britain’s Got Talent.

Mr Davies said Blue had died in his arms at his farm.

“Blue was up to his normal tricks, chasing a JCB I was driving,” he said.

“It was such a warm day he took cover under a tractor. I moved from the JCB to the tractor. I didn’t know he was under the wheels. As soon as I realised what had happened I was horrified. It was too late to call the vet so I sat with him while he drifted off.”Mr Davies, 39, added: “Of all the things I was the one who ran him over.”

Mr Davies began taking Blue to the pub when he was six weeks old.

Blue took an interest in the pool balls and Mr Davies taught him to play.

He has buried his beloved pet in a coffin made by a carpenter friend.

He added: “My son Scott put in his pool cue and three balls, white, black and red. He will be missed by everyone. He was a superstar dog.”

The sports-mad pet won the title of Shropshire’s Cleverest Dog in 2004 and scooped Mr Davies £50 of Pets at Home vouchers.

Mr Davies said at the time: “He’s worked out how to clip the balls on the pool table until they go into the pocket.

“It’s been known for players to go off to the bar to get a pint during a game and come back to find that all the balls have been potted.

“He will also fetch the darts from the board after a player has thrown them. He’ll bring them back and nudge the player’s leg which can be a bit painful because the darts are still in his mouth.”