COVER Paul O’Grady
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a special festive episode of For the Love of Dogs. Much-loved presenter Paul O’Grady tells us what’s in store and chats about panto, too
The festive TV schedule may be choc-a-bloc with Christmas specials of favourite comedies and dramas, lavish productions and blockbuster movies, but arguably the most heartwarming TV treat is Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs at Christmas.
“Everyone knows how I feel about dogs,” he says. “I couldn’t possibly imagine life without them. They are good for the soul and I prefer them to certain humans. They’re loyal and they don’t ask for much, they just want feeding, a walk and to sit with you. Although with my four at home, it’s often a nightmare for me trying to do anything. They follow me everywhere – while I’m in the shower or on the loo – but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
What can he reveal about this year’s For the Love of Dogs at Christmas?
“There are lots of new dogs at Battersea to meet and follow their progress,” he replies. “There’s Misty, a lovely mongrel
‘The homeless tend to go without food so they can make sure their dog is fed’
who was a recluse and wouldn’t get out of her kennel because she missed her owner. None of our usual tricks worked so in desperation, I had to talk to her in my best old lady voice to make her feel secure and encourage her out. We also meet a scruffy mutt called Sprout, the happiest dog in Battersea; he was a stray and literally couldn’t believe his luck to be in kennels. It was like The Ritz!
Also, there’s an American Bulldog called Cindy who’s lost her mojo because she’s been bitten by a little Yorkshire terrier.”
As in previous episodes, the show sees Paul out on the streets of London with the Street Vets team.
“They’re all volunteers, they don’t get paid for it but the work they do is so important. The homeless tend to put their dogs before themselves and will go without food so they can make sure their dog is fed. And that’s often their only friend so you’ve got to look after them and the Street Vets do that by taking veterinary care to them direct. We’ll be giving them all a Christmas dinner – one for them and one for the dogs.”
Talking of Christmas dinner, the festive episode sees Paul donning chef’s garb as he helps cook up a festive treat specially for the dogs. “The way we shot it meant I spent the day talking to dogs about what they might like cooked for them on Christmas Day,” he laughs. “It’s no wonder I’m soft. Seriously, though, there are some items dogs should never eat – at Christmas and any other time of year.” Such as? “A traditional Christmas dinner – make sure it’s a doggy version and don’t give them gravy or anything like that. Veg are OK – carrots, sprouts, a piece of beef maybe or turkey – but don’t be giving them gravy or Christmas pudding because it will make them sick. And definitely not chocolate – it can kill them. Don’t have chocolate ornaments on a Christmas tree because the dog will jump
up and get those. When my dog Bullseye had his seizure, I came home from the vets and one of my other dogs, Conchita, had eaten an 80 per cent chocolate bar used for cooking. She was hauled down to the vets at 2am. Thankfully she was OK but that was a hellish night!”
Paul (64) also has strong views on people getting a dog at Christmas time.
“It’s just not the right environment to ease a new dog into,” he explains. “You’ve got all the family there – kids, your Auntie Enid from Hull, neighbours, lights, trees, decorations, presents... It’s too much. And the kids will overlook the dog on Christmas Day because they’ll be more interested in their presents. Also, never buy a dog on the internet because it’ll cost you a fortune and could bring a load of heartache if it has been puppy farmed. They are often
‘I’m playing the villain in Goldilocks, which is perfect – I can be as grumpy as I like!’
sick and/or diseased, so you’ll spend thousands on vet bills then watch your little boy or little girl break their heart because the puppy’s so poorly.” What are Paul’s plans for Christmas? “Sleeping in a dark room!” he quips. “I’m in panto at the London Palladium and it’s my only day off so I’m not lifting a finger. I’m actually really grumpy about Christmas and all the fuss. All the cards you have to write, presents you have to buy, food you have to get in... It’s pandemonium! There’s so much pressure on people at this time of year – and they can get into mountains of debt. In panto I’m playing the villain in Goldilocks which is perfect – I can be as grumpy as I like! Christmas at Battersea is different, though. We do everything we can to make sure the dogs get the love and attention they deserve.”
■ Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs at Christmas, December 25, ITV