Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs
Paul O’Grady reveals why the seventh series of his show For the Love of Dogs is one of the best yet...
Wednesday 31 Oct, 8pm ITV Factual
There are laughs and tears when animal lover Paul O’Grady arrives back at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for a new eight-part series. Paul’s attention is grabbed first by a dachshund suspected of escaping from a puppy farm. He also meets Italian mastiff Sophie, whose tail and ears have been illegally docked.
Paul O’Grady: For the Love OF Dogs Wednesday, 8pm ITV Factual
Q How do you feel about reaching series seven? A I really enjoyed this one. It always depends on the dogs and their stories, and there are some real characters this time! The staff at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are amazing. It’s a really positive place, even though the dogs have some terrible stories. But it’s funny, too, not just sad. Q We hear there are loads of puppies this year? A Yes – dogs were giving birth left, right and centre! There was a lovely dachshund called Birdie, who was found on a golf course. She’d dug a hole and given birth to five pups. She wasn’t chipped, so we think she ran away from a puppy farm. Birdie was very nervous, but eventually began to trust people. I was able to go in and play with her. I spend a lot of time on the floor having a chat with dogs in the kennels. Q What other doggie rescue tales stand out for you? A I was mad for Florence, a pug-terrier cross. She’s getting on a bit and has been in two hit-and-runs. But she’s hilarious. When I talk to her she stares at me suspiciously! There’s also Cookie, an 18-month-old Staffie who’s been returned to Battersea twice because the owners couldn’t cope with her energy levels. She now works at the prison service as a search dog. She needs to be active and loves to work – a smashing dog. Q Are you out and about again this year? A Yes, I go out with StreetVet in Hackney, London. They go round the homeless community and check on dogs that can’t access vet care. StreetVet were great and actually the dogs were in beautiful condition. Homeless people always put their dogs before themselves. They will buy a meal for the dog and they’ll go hungry. Q Do you ever try to persuade pals to adopt one of the rescue dogs? A I’m always saying to people, ‘I’ve got the perfect dog for you!’ My friend Julian Clary has a dog that I said was a Jack Russell. It’s not, it’s a Staffie, but he’s had him eight years and loves the bones of him. Jennifer Saunders came down and we spent a good hour with Florence. We were roaring because she’s so comical. When we were talking about Florence she was fine, but when we started talking about another dog she got up and walked off!