Oliver was still only a puppy when Paul first came up with the vision for his kid’s music company. An adorable grey Weimaraner with a sense of fun and attitude, Oliver was the Kelly family’s backstage pass into the wonderful world of South Downs walking whether they wanted it or not. And this dog needed some serious walking! Without his 3 hours a day of romping on the Downs Oliver just couldn’t sleep at night. So walking was the order of the day. Every day. It took a neighbour’s insight and creativity, though, to put two and two together for them. During one of their many walks together, Paul and Oliver met up with their pal Stephen Long who commented that since Paul was rarely home anymore due to his apparently new-found need for exercise, perhaps he should call his company Walking Oliver. And Walking Oliver it was.
We are very sad to announce that Oliver, the beloved, colorful and fun-loving Weimaraner that is our namesake has left us to go to that great big boneyard in the sky. He had a long, happy life – 12 years, which is quite old for his breed – and survived mishaps that would have done in many a lesser dog, including being hit head-on by a postal van when he was a puppy to a venomous snake bite in his old age. He was quite an amazing dog and we of Walking Oliver will miss him greatly. But we are pleased to say that his name will live on in the company that he inspired and above all, in the music.
Video created by our good friend Dot Rust. Thanks, Dot!