‘I have learned so much in the 10 years I’ve had Peggy’

Comedian Miranda Hart explains how, at her lowest ebb, a little, fluffy dog helped her to find happiness again.

‘I first met Peggy in 2007 on the set of Lee Mack’s TV show Not Going Out. She, her mother and siblings belonged to the lady who made the costumes for the programme, and I began to find myself curiously drawn to the costume department every spare second I had.

The whole litter had owners lined up, so I felt safe in the knowledge that there was no risk of my ending up “with dog”. However, one morning, the costume lady informed me that the owner who was lined up for Eunice was no longer able to take her on.

I rechristened Eunice “Peggy”, but almost as soon as my new pet crossed the threshold of my home, I succumbed to a miserable stretch of glandular fever. I was feeling very lonely, very isolated, very depressed and, frankly, very uncertain whether I could ever love or be loved again.

I crumpled on to the kitchen floor in a heap and burst out crying. I can still remember Peggy lying there patiently in my arms as my tears trickled down her fur. And I thought then, “Perhaps this will be the start of something beautiful.”

I’ve learned so much in the 10 years I’ve been with Peggy. My world is once again full of joy and fun. I’m relishing new experiences, and feeling ready for new relationships. Peggy has, over the course of a few years, prepared me for my glorious re-entry into the human world. She’s gently ushered me from very dark emotional territory out into happier climes, and she’s given me faith in better things to come.’

• For more, see Miranda’s book, Peggy & Me (Hodder & Stoughton, £20)