THE & THE SMOOTH
PAUL O’GRADY IS BACK AT BATTERSEA – AND TRYING HIS BEST NOT TO TAKE ANY NEW FRIENDS HOME…
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more feelgood half hour of television than Paul O’grady:
For The Love Of Dogs – even when a pooch comes to Battersea Cats And Dogs Home with a story of neglect, the care and attention lavished on them by the dedicated staff (and of course by Paul) leaves us feeling warm and fuzzy and brimming with joy-tears. So we’ll be making sure we’ve got a nice clean hankie ready this Thursday as Paul returns with the first of a new eight-part series…
“This year there’s been a big influx of French bulldogs and pugs, the majority of them with breathing difficulties due to puppy farm breeding,” explains Paul. “Sean the vet has been doing more nose jobs than a Harley Street plastic surgeon, but it’s thanks to him that these dogs can breathe freely again. There are a few stories that are real heartbreakers, so get your hankies out. Don’t worry, though, there are also loads of happy ones that will make you grin like a Staffie!”
The show is now in its sixth series, and Paul is a regular presence at Battersea Cats and Dogs Home. Over that time he’s seen what the staff there are capable of, and he is full of praise for the amazing job that they do.
“The team work miracles on a daily basis, and I’ve sort of come to take it for granted that whatever the dog’s dilemma, it’ll turn out all right in the end,” he shares. “I’ve seen dogs that are near death, but brought back to life and sent off to a good home thanks to the commitment shown by everyone who works at Battersea. I’m struck by a combination of sorrow and fury when I see the results of wilful cruelty and neglect inflicted on some of these dogs.”
In the past, Paul has become so enamoured with certain dogs that he’s adopted them as part of his own family – but now that he has six dogs of his own, he has to exercise lots of self-control. That’s not to say he isn’t still tempted sometimes, though…
“I came dangerously close to adopting a few,” he laughs. “There were two old Labradors who couldn’t be separated as they were so devoted to each other. They almost ended up joining my rabble, but luckily a very nice lady turned up and gave them a home.
OVERSEAS VISITORS THINK I’M ONE OF THE BATTERSEA STAFF”
“Then there was a puppy who had been dumped in the woods,” continues Paul. “He was tiny and very frail, and of course he got to me! But again, a generous member of the public saved the day and took him home.”
It’s easy to see that this is a job Paul loves – although it has led to a bit of confusion with viewers overseas.
“The show is seen in other countries,” reveals Paul. “So Battersea is now getting lots of overseas visitors, but they think I work there as one of the staff. Which, now I come to think of it, isn’t that far from the truth!”