Alison takes the lead
NOBODY could ever replace Paul O’ Grady at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home – the beloved late presenter rehomed many dogs himself and even helped out at the shelter when he wasn’t filming.
But, while everyone misses Paul, the four-legged residents still need a celeb cheerleader, and Alison Hammond brings her trademark warmth and fun to proceedings as the series continues.
Tonight, she’s shocked to discover that there’s a sharp rise in the number of puppies being abandoned, with Battersea taking in 50% more youngsters than last year.
These include three-week old Oscar, who was found fighting for his life in a dustbin.
Luckily he was saved, and Alison gets the plum job of bottle feeding and burping the ridiculously cute pup, who should have no problem finding a new owner once he is old enough.
Alison also meets exuberant 18-month old spaniel/terrier cross Bobby, who is bursting with energy and spends his time jumping in and out of his toybox, causing mayhem.
The staff think he’d be happier as a working dog rather than a domestic pet, so they start some scent work with him, hoping he’s got what it takes to become a sniffer dog.
Then there’s nine-year old spaniel Nelly, whose loving owner is now too ill to care for her.
Nelly has an eye problem, which the vet needs to pay urgent attention to, but she’s full of love and cuddles for the right family.
Can Alison succeed on her first assignment of finding Nelly the perfect forever home?