Four-year-old Belgian Malinois Myra has been hailed as Everton's 'leader' after stealing the show outside Goodison Park on Sunday (May 1).
Myra caused a stir when she was captured in videos and photos before Everton's 1-0 win over Chelsea. She had been taken for a walk in Stanley Park by owners Jasmine Priest and Reece Van-Aston-Kerrigan, but as they attempted to return to their Walton home, they were caught in crowds around Goodison Park who had arrived early to drum up the atmosphere and welcome the home team.
The crowd stood between Jasmine, Reece and Myra and their home. Needing to guide their dog safely through the horde, Jasmine and Reece picked her up and raised her above their heads.
READ MORE: Watch incredible moment thousands of Everton's fans welcomed team bus before Chelsea game
Myra being carried through the cheering crowds was captured in photos and videos, which went viral on social media. Since then, Myra has been viewed as Everton's lucky charm and a key aspect of the victory.
The ECHO spoke to owners Jasmine and Reece on Monday (May 2), who discussed their dog's unlikely fame and her forthcoming role in Everton 's battle to maintain Premier League status. Responding to the article, ECHO readers have had their say.
On Facebook, Garry Robbo kept it simple with: "Dogs are awesome". Walter Edge said: "Make Myra new club mascot", while Amy Lousie said: "Boss dog UTFT".
Referring to the nickname given to Joe Royle's battling Everton side of the 1990s, website user Davidh171 said: "Class. Dogs of War". For many Evertonians, Myra represented the return of that spirit almost 30 years on, as Frank Lampard 's side embraced the fight on Sunday. Such a feeling was encapsulated by Connor Lee on Facebook, who described Myra as "Our leader".
Several Blues now believe that Myra's attendance is essential for Everton's coming game and preserving their Premier League status. On Twitter, ECHO journalist David Humphreys said: "Get her to Leicester away!", while our Everton correspondent Joe Thomas said that Myra was "one of the great components of Sunday’s Goodison magic".
The ECHO's Sean Bradbury added: "Never thought an Everton season would start with them being managed by a former Liverpool boss, and end with the entire fanbase rallying around a dog. But here we are." Twitter user @smurfinho123 summed up that idea with: "She has to turn up every week now."
A number of readers were also impressed with Myra and her calmness when faced with the large crowds around Goodison. Website user Anita67 said: "Met this couple last week and their dog, outside cafe vanilla. Their dog is so well behaved, we were chatting about dogs (sorry not football) for half an hour. I own a rather large dobermann."
Tizza said: "Love this don't think my dogs would have been as calm as Myra." A very magnanimous Ren-Ashi added: "Love dogs, love this story! I'm a red but enjoyed reading this story."
