Rick Stein’s Chalky dies
Chalky, the feisty Jack Russell that accompanied chef Rick Stein throughout his various tv shows, has died.
On his website, Rick wrote:
“In truth, I’m very sad, he was loved by everyone. So many people, it’s a source of puzzlement to me that he never knew how famous he was.”
I sounds as though Chalky summed up what Jack Russells are all about:
“…he got up to some mighty capers, leaping to bite a microphone, snarling at our cameraman so fiercely that we thought twice about using the film, fearing his shocking fangs would frighten children. He dispatched rats and caused consternation by doing the same with a rabbit or two. He was loved by my children. He swam and jumped on boats, he attacked crabs, ran rings round Alsatians and Border Collies being much fiercer and never backing down, ever.”
Goodbye Chalky.
January 20th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
R.I.P CHALKY
January 20th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
R.I.P CHALKY, I LOVED CHALKY HE WAS FUNNY I ALWAYS WATCH RICK AND CHALKY ON T.V REST IN PEACE CHALKY
January 22nd, 2007 at 3:54 pm
I do feel for you Rick, I have a jack russell myself who will be 16 in 4 months, he is my baby, and both me and my husband adore him. The thought of losing him is awful, no matter what age it always hurts.
Chalky was such a lovely little dog and he always made me smile, what a shame he never knew how famous he was.
RIP little un. x
Love Lisa David and Spot x
January 23rd, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Who can forget Chalky in Rick’s Christmas Food Heroes - wasn’t he great? And with the sticker on his head in Scotland or chasing crabs and bunnies or “choking” every time Rick put his lead on? What a fantastic little dog - how he’ll be missed.
RIP Chalky
January 25th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
RIP Chalky - he will be much missed.
All the Best.
January 27th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
The event I remember is when you and the crew arrived at an hotel with Chalky. You - Rick - smuggled Chalky in whilst one of your crew chatted-up the receptionist! But seriously, we lost our darling Jack Russell just two years ago, and it’s just like losing a lung - you can still breath but it hurts so much!
February 2nd, 2007 at 10:36 pm
oor
so sorry to hear about chalky
we love him!
February 4th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
So sorry to hear about poor little Chalky he was a right character, bless him will truly miss him sorry Rick x
February 11th, 2007 at 3:37 am
Kipling enunciated it so well http://sonic.net/~cdlcruz/GPCC/library/kipling.htm
and many are the tears I have shed reading those lines. God Bless You Chalky, in this dismal world, you made us smile (guffaw, even!)
February 20th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Good bye old Chalks - you have made us laugh & we loved you with Rick going round the country.
We are really sad - & if our old Jack Russell knew he’d be really sad too.
xx
February 21st, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Bye bye Chalky !
Two sad “fans” from Limburg
March 3rd, 2007 at 9:37 am
Since taking up residence in South Africa last July, it is only recently that we have caught up with the news that Chalky has died. He was a great character and will be sorely missed on Rick’s programmes. We brought our two dogs with us from the UK, one of which is identical to Chalky. He is now 13 years in June, but still as feisty as ever, and will tackle anything male on four legs even though it might be the size of an elephant!! Jack Russells are all the same. Dogs do not really live long enough, and we all miss them when they go. RIP Chalky old boy - go and catch something in the sky.
March 8th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Sad News - We loved Chalky - He never let fame go to his head - Always the STAR of the show (Sorry Rick).
He will be sadly missed.
Rick he was a credit to you.
2 Chalky Lovers from Cheshire.
March 22nd, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Being Chalky lovers, we truly feel it with Rick for the loss of a dog with such character and verve! We always compared our own dog to Chalky and all his eccentricities, which were similar. We were really shocked to hear of his passing. We always had a good old laugh for him, being Chalky and all. We watched him more than we did Rick!
Goodbye, RIP Chalky
From: Sandra and Rudolph Burger, Cape Town, South Africa
March 28th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Apologies for not acknowledging the loss of Rick’s dog Chalky earlier. As you can appreciate we live on the other side of the world in New Zealand and this sad passing was only alerted to me after watching one of Rick’s programmes on satellite TV which triggered me to look up his website. However, I am originally from England and my wife is from Cape Town, South Africa. We have two wonderful dogs (An English Cocker Spaniel and Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossed with a labrador). We could not imagine life without them but know that one day they will not be here. I read the lines by Rudyard Kipling that Rick referred to on his website and it reiterated the importance that dogs have on our lives and at the same time it made me feel quite emotional.
Rest in Peace Chalky. Hope you are having a great time in doggie heaven where ever that may be.
From: Colin and Angelika Sansom -Auckland, New Zealand (and our two dogs Max, the cocker spaniel and Bongi, the Staffordshire Bull terrier crossed with a labrador
March 30th, 2007 at 1:37 am
We have only just learned of Chalkys demise after looking on the web. We loved chalky as we, like many who have replied here have a Jack Russell as well, whom we love to pieces.. Chalky was just great and will be missed. We always looked for chalky on the shows and often laughed at his antics
April 2nd, 2007 at 5:13 pm
Chalky,
I feel great sadness at the passing of such a lovely dog. Watching his antics was one of the reasons i would never miss a Rick Stein TV show. I am happy that he had a great doggy life, i hope that Rick can take some comfort in knowing that Chalky was loved by so many and that he had just about the best life it was possible for a dog to have.
John
April 9th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
So very sad to hear about Chalky…what a lovely dog he was and always amused us when we watched the TV shows. We too have a Jack Russell,
4 and a half years old and know all about their antics and what great pets they make. A sad loss not only to Rick but to all who will miss him greatly.
April 23rd, 2007 at 10:24 pm
really sad to hear about chalky rick. we have 2 jack russells who are such a part of our family (one looks just like chalky) you gave him a wonderful life and he knew nothing but love.
Marc, sue and barney, eastbourne
April 26th, 2007 at 1:52 am
I too have only just heard about Chalky, we lost our Jack Russel Squeak over 2 years ago and had to get another. Skipper is a rough coat just like Chalky and is as feisty as Chalky especially with large dogs, as you say he just does not fear anything.
I not only love your programmes I just couldn’t wait to see Chalky and his antics, he will be sadly missed.
May 6th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
just been watching country ways and my husband said you have a new dog so checked out your website and discovered news about the great J.R Chalky. so sorry,he was great to watch,hope your new companion will be doin the rounds with you like chalky did.whats his name.can anyone enlighten me.thanks.again so sorry rick.
May 10th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Me and my husband and our 3 year old WestHighland White Terrier loved watching Rick and Chalky travelling round the country. The time we remember the most was when Chalky could not get a passport to go to France because of his age, so rick had to explain to Chalky where he was going and he did this by drawing on the sand the coast of England and the coast of France. He will be sadly missed. We really luved im x
Love R L and Lickle Bo xx
May 13th, 2007 at 10:58 am
I will miss little Chalky and shed a tear when I found out he had gone to Doggie Heaven. I bet he is scampering about the clouds chasing Rainbows. Bless his little Soul (not the type that lives in the Sea!)
‘Dont’ go biting any Angels litle man.xx a lick from my old boy Bobbiesox.
May 13th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
well, chalky was the dog’s ….. thank you rick for giving us the chance to get to know him. god bless you chalky we love you…xx r.i.p. mate
May 14th, 2007 at 10:16 am
So sorry to hear chalky had died. Our beloved cocker spaniel died last week it was sudden but at home if that is any consolation. He was 12 years old and gave us the best 12 years of his life and we gave him the same. Dogs are like one of the family aren’t they, sweep amused us every day with his antics. The feeling of loss is sometimes overwhelming but hopefully with time will ease.
May 14th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Only doggie people will understand how you must feel at the loss of Chalky. What a great little character…as Russells always are. A credit to you Rick. We have had Russells all our lives. Chalky reminded us so much of Jess, who died two years ago, in fact when we watched the programme on Daphnne du maurier the other evening, the one you dedicated to Chalky, in the final credits it showed chalky running down sand dunes and we said how like Jess he was, but then Jack Russells have that knack don’t they? They all seem to come from the same mould He will be sadly missed, not only by you, but by lots of your viewers. He had a brilliant life and you have your brialliant memories.
May 17th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
I heard the very sad news of Chalky’s death only recently when I was watching the Daphne Du Maurier programme - at the end, a wonderful shot of Chalky running through the sand, which I couldn’t quite understand. Then followed the explanation and the dedication of the programme to him. I just loved him so much, he was so much fun! It’s so sad. Thanks, Rick, for sharing him with us.
May 18th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
my wife & I used to always watch chalky`s antics never forgot the one with the microphone suspended over the sofa, have just seen it again, my wife ( now passed away) would have been so very sad to hear this news, thanks for this update–bill.
June 2nd, 2007 at 2:41 pm
My husband and I are greatly saddened to hear about poor chalky. We have 2 Yorkies and a Cairn ourselves and understand the pain of losing such a great pal. Rick, may you be comforted by his memory.
Suzie&Jan Alons-McDonnell (and Pudding, Kevin and Dropje)
the Netherlands
June 12th, 2007 at 9:29 am
i luved u chalky i thinked he was soo cute
June 26th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
[…] Six months after his sad death, the memory of Rick Stein’s beloved dog Chalky has been commemorated by Sharp’s Brewery, based in Cornwall. […]
July 2nd, 2007 at 9:59 pm
God bless you little dog. You can share seafood in heaven with our beloved Mitzy.
Thinking of you Rick.
July 23rd, 2007 at 4:23 am
Our hearts broke.
July 23rd, 2007 at 4:02 pm
I will never be as famous as you, I’m the wrong colour,female and I don’t even like fish! But I am a Jack Russel….my next rabbit will be dedicated to you Chalky!
July 29th, 2007 at 7:56 am
He was amazing can you,Rick, do a feature program tribute to Calky showing all his antics.
Gus
August 8th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
I’ll really miss watching that little furry fella! He made the show! And there’s no show without Punch!
RIP Chalky
August 9th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Bye Chalky, he will be missed by many fans of Rick`s shows
August 9th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
I have started watching new series last nite and thought were is chalky! he was a little star we will miss u chalky god bless xxxxxxx
August 9th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
just found about wee chalky and was so sad to hear the news…i always loved seeing him on Rick Stein’s programmes and will really miss the little lad. the loss of a pet is always hard and this wee lad was a pet to all of us.
x
August 15th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
I have just been watching Rick on tv and did not realise chalky had died….it has made me so sad…loved to watch him..he was a wee star ! x
August 15th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Just found out about Chalky watching tonight’s programme and have to admit I shed a tear. We used to have a dog called Charlie who was the double of Chalky except Charlie’s legs were a bit longer and I could write a book about the antics he got up to. Hope Rick’s going to get another dog, losing them is like losing a person but the joy they bring outweighs all that.
August 16th, 2007 at 8:28 am
So sorry to find out that Chalky has died. And Dee: not only doggie people understand the sadness one feels, cat people who have loved and lost too!
August 16th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
after watching rick’s latest show, we all just heard of Chalky’s sad depart…. we have 5 dogs ourselves. Rick is fantastic and i ADORE him and his programes but chalky, well he just made the show… wot a wee character and a wee rascal
August 24th, 2007 at 10:10 am
I have been watching rick’s show for the past couple off weeks and hadn’t seen chalkie. I thought the worst that he had died so i said to my partner i’m going to google chalkie she laughed at me but i loved chalkie he was a legend are you going to get a new dog rick?
R.I.P Chalkie
August 25th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
very sad to hear the news about Chalky, we loved him very much, and he is a HUGE STAR . r.i.p chalks xxx
August 28th, 2007 at 12:25 am
We were very sorry to hear that Chalky had passed away.
Of course, we loved and still love watching Rick’s food programmes. However, Chalky always stole every scene he was in!
He was everything a family pet should be - loyal, friendly when required to be; but, above all, a real character.
Chalky, we hope you’re eating fish and chips and chasing bunny rabbits wherever you are. You’re much loved and missed.
September 12th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Older shows run in US, only saw one, Chalky was on and they did a little song about him being on the BBC, so adorable, fell in love with him immediately, did not know he passed until right now, and am so sorry to hear that, but it sounds like he had a wonderful life with loving owners, they were all lucky…..
September 14th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
we have just found out that chalky has gone we can feel the pain rick must be feeling we had a dog just like him he died last year aged 18 we miss him so much,so we enjoyed watching chalky he was the best and rick of course r.i.p. chalky
September 15th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
So very sorry to hear about Chalky. What a lovely dog and what great fun.
November 2nd, 2007 at 3:09 am
We couldnt remember the name of Rick Steins’ Dog so we googled it and found to our dismay that poor wee Chalky had passed on. It was such a shock and we hope that Rick and family find another character to brighten up their lives.
November 3rd, 2007 at 1:48 pm
I only knew of Chalky’s death today having watched a Rick Stein cookery program. I feel for you Rick as I adore dogs too.
Chalky, wherever you are, RIP.
Jamus
November 8th, 2007 at 10:39 am
I have just found out that little Chalky has passed away, I loved that little dog.
I lost my little Yorkshire Terrier Bengie October the 10th 2007 he was just over 14 years old, so I know what you feel like Rick, it rips your life apart.
But he had a wonderful life, and by the way he acted on your programs he loved every little minute of it.
R.I.P. Chalky.
November 22nd, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Watching Rick on the TV only realised Chalky was missing when I saw the photo in the background and Rick mentioned walking alone. Rick is the chef but Chalky was the star in waiting, generally stealing the show. My favourite moment was Chalky’s visit to the vet, am I glad I was not that guy!
RIP little fella
November 23rd, 2007 at 9:11 pm
I fell in love with chalky. he was cuteand funny i will miss him!!
January 25th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
so sorry,chalkie you really were the best
February 2nd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I have to share this, I have to everything as now, with my beautuful Jack Russell Sam sprawled on my lap. He is coming up for 16 and the other day I was thinking, would he still be alive today if he had been with his original owner? Not that she was cruel or anything but the children tormented him, I got him at 4months old and he has becomes so precious, I loved him the first moment I saw him. What came to me is that it is LOVE that has kept him with me all this time. The other day I had a new “Fish Man” from Brixham come to deliver, and Sam was barking at the door, we were discussing dogs, and Rick’s Chalky came into the conversation, how he had lived to be nearly 18. He same “Well, it is LOVE, isn’t it? I treasure that
remark because it echos my own thoughts, and to all those dog owners whose dogs live to a good age I am sure it is the same.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I was only saying to a friend how Chalky was the perfect looking pooch in my opinion and how cute he was, as we were looking up his pics on the internet I saw the reports that he had died. I am so sad to hear of his death. He was so cute and will be sadly missed. Sweet doggy dreams Chalky xx
February 4th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I put ‘Chalky’s Song’ together for the film sequence which showed him up to his tricks.The tune and words just came from nowhere, but I had to think hard before I came up with the right voice for such a canine superstar, I hope it was good enough. I just stumbled on this tribute page whilst looking for a photo of the boy, to put with the song on my i-pod, it is so amazing that he touched so many people, who in turn have posted so many touching comments. I think Chalky had a good life.
Billy Jay
February 8th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I have just learned of Chalky’s death and I can’t say how sad I am. I am choking back tears now as I write.
Chalky was the typical Jack Russell. No one has ever told them that they are just little dogs. He was like my old dog Jack who also made it to 17 years of age and would take on any challenge. A death of your favourite pet leaves a great hole in your life.
My sympathy to Rick and family.
February 13th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Only just found out about Chalky. I feel so sad there are tears down my face. My husband is watching an old Rick Stein programme, so I thought I’d look up Chalky on the internet. Chalky reminded me of my lovely Yorkshire Terrier Jack Russel cross. Personality and looks (apart from mine who was black and tan) the same. He was fabulous and everytime I saw Chalky I thought of my dog who passed away two years previously, also 17 years. The pain of loosing your dog is so great. So sorry to hear about Chalky. God bless Chalky - may be you will meet up with my dog.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
so sorry to hear chalky died.i know how hard it is when a muched loved pet dies.he was a good age im sure he knew how much he was loved.god bless chalkyxx
May 2nd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
So sorry to hear about Chalky. I have just learned of Chalky’s death and I can’t say how sad I am.My husband is watching an old Rick Stein programme, so I thought I’d look up Chalky on the internet.so we enjoyed watching chalky he was the best and rick of course
God bless Chalky -r.i.p. chalky !!
May 28th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
i just found out about chalky i am very sad as i liked to see him he made me laugh.i am from malta and alot of maltese liked him too .god bless chalky.
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
So sorry to hear about Chalky’s death. At least he lived to a good age and appeared to enjoy his life. I have a Fox Terrier myself also with the heart of a lion and I can’t bear the thought of the inevitable happening. She is 13 at the moment and I hope to have her with me for many more years. God love you Chalky, you made so many people so very happy.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
such a wonderful dog, brilliant, never knew of him until now, Im totally smitten, RIP little boy.xxxxxxx
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Went down to Padstow in April and had an overwhelming urge to pat the bronze statue of CHALKY on the head everytime I walked pass. In one of Rick’s programme there was a bronze statue of a dog with chalky jumping up at it. He promised him he would do the same for him when he popped his paws. I was so pleased that he’d kept his promise. I would love to do the same for my jack russell. Still not forgotten Chalky boy. xxxx
July 25th, 2008 at 11:35 am
A little bit of news which may interest all of the Chalky fans. Rick and I have re-recorded Chalky’s Song, together with the Pendennis Brass Band and the charming Children of Padstow. The song and video will feature on a Christmas Special, Memoirs of a Seafood Chef, which will be screened on BBC 2 in December 2008. Its a moving,entertaining,very amusing and fitting tribute to the ‘Canine Celebrity’, I hope you will all enjoy it. Billy Jay
July 31st, 2008 at 5:29 pm
would like to reply to Billy Jay - any chance of letting us know when the programme will be on. We live in Dubai and would like to get someone to record the programme for us - before moving here we had a Jack Russell who was adored by all but hated by poodles and watching Chalky (and of course Rick!) on BBC Prime has brought it all back to us!
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Rick, my husband Ray and myself (being jack russell owners in the UK) have just heard about the passing of your dog whilst watching your Mediterranean series (probably spelt that one wrong)!
So sorry to hear your news but you MUST get another dog as life must go on.
Kindest regards
Ray and Fiona Berresford.
October 26th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
What a wonderful little dog. I used to watch him in every film. I always wondered how Rick would react when he lost this lovely little pal. But I already knew as I myself have lost no less than 7 dogs and every time the hurt became even more unbearable. I like to think they are all together somewhere, discussing the lives they had and remembering all those so many good times we had.
November 10th, 2008 at 5:09 am
Mr Chalky,loved and remembered all over the world. We all considered you ours and morn your passing.So greatful to Rick for bringing Chalky to our attention and sharing him with us. god speed old fella,we miss you so much!!!!